Alexia Barrier, patron of the class of 2020–2023 at the Institute of Nurse Training!

Alexia Barrier Marraine de la promotion 2020-2023 de l'IFSI ©Direction de la Communication Michael Alesi

Today, Alexia Barrier met the Princess Grace Hospital’s Institute of Nurse Training class of 2020–2023, for which she is the patron.

Having been asked to take on the role while she was still racing in the Vendée Globe, the sailor was able to meet the 27 first-year students who have chosen her as their patron and enjoy a friendly chat with them.

The first Mediterranean woman to cross the Vendée Globe finish line, Alexia Barrier highlighted the values shared by both sailing and the medical profession: kindness, solidarity and challenging oneself. In agreeing to act as patron for the class, she hopes to instil courage in the student nurses who, like solo sailors, may encounter difficulties but will succeed in overcoming them thanks to their “crew”.

The competitor, who takes on sporting and environmental challenges with her association 4MyPlanet, is also keen to use her fame for the benefit of the student nurses.

As she gets ready to resume physical and mental preparations ahead of the Vendée Globe 2024, she says: “we may perhaps be considered as heroes for our sporting achievements, but it is in the medical profession that we find the true everyday heroes!”