At the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, a mysterious figure has captured the attention of viewers worldwide. As figure skaters complete their routines and await their scores, a tall, slender, bald man is consistently seen by their side, wearing a different national-team jacket each time. This individual, who shares in the athletes' joy or disappointment, has become an internet sensation due to his close relationships with numerous competitors and his ever-changing wardrobe.
The Identity of the Busiest Man at the Games
This enigmatic presence is Benoit Richaud, a French choreographer who is working with an astonishing 16 different figure skaters at the Winter Olympics this month. His roster includes 12 single skaters and four pairs, representing 13 different countries. There are no rules prohibiting coaches from collaborating with multiple skaters, allowing Richaud to take on this extensive role. According to Richaud himself, he rotates between approximately 10 jackets depending on which athlete is competing, though he only needed a handful during the men's single final on Friday, when five of his skaters were in action.
A Rapid Cycle of National Jackets
Richaud has been spotted wearing jackets dedicated to American, Mexican, Canadian, Japanese, and Georgian skaters, among others. On Friday, he experienced a frantic moment, quickly removing an outfit supporting Georgia's Nika Egadze to don American colors for USA's Maxim Naumov. "I just come with all of the jackets and then I make quick changes," Richaud explained to NBC News. "The people from the federation or team leaders, they help me and we make quick changes and that’s how it goes. Sometimes it’s quite slow and sometimes it's quite crazy when it’s one after the other one."
Promoting Cultural Diversity Through Fashion
Richaud views his jacket-swapping as more than just a practical necessity; he sees it as a way to celebrate diversity at the Olympic Games. "I know some coaches want to wear normal clothes. But I think the Olympic Games is a special moment where you also need to cherish the difference of people," he said. "I think it’s something beautiful. Every different country has different cultures. When I go on the screen, I want to promote that." This philosophy underscores his commitment to highlighting the unique backgrounds of the athletes he supports.
From Modest Beginnings to High-Demand Choreographer
Richaud's journey to becoming one of the world's most sought-after choreographers began humbly. A former competitive figure skater from Lyon, France, he never placed higher than seventh in the World Junior Championships. He transitioned to coaching in 2013, initially working with "people who were 70 years old" rather than the elite skaters he mentors today. His breakthrough came when he started collaborating with top Latvian star Deniss Vasiļjevs, which gradually boosted his popularity and led to his current high-demand status.
A Fearless Approach to Innovation
Richaud attributes his success to a fearless and innovative mindset. "I’m not scared. I’m not scared at all," he stated. "It means that I do whatever I want, and I never try to please judges or people. If we want to do a crazy idea, we do it. I always find a way to make things happen. One of my big powers is that I do things very differently, and it’s all connected to fear. I want to push our sport forward and change the styles, change the way people think and see figure skating." This bold approach has made him a pivotal figure in the sport, helping to evolve its artistic and technical dimensions.
As the Winter Olympics continue, Benoit Richaud remains a standout presence, not just for his choreographic expertise but for his symbolic representation of global unity through his rotating collection of national jackets. His work with skaters from diverse backgrounds exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation and celebration that defines the Olympic Games.
