Instantly hooked, Mawem joined the climbing club and his brother Mickael, five years his junior, followed in his footholds soon afterwards.
"It's like a scientist who says 'I'll never go to the moon, it's too complicated, even if I gave it everything I have, I just wouldn't make it'. We have that chance so it's just huge."For a start, the Olympics event requires climbers to master three disciplines - speed, bouldering and lead - to contend for a single gold medal.
But Bassa, a speed specialist, needed more competitions to qualify for the only other spot available to France and secured his berth in Toulouse later that year. As Black athletes, the brothers have faced their fair share of discrimination. But Mickael said climbing had given them a chance to escape the prejudice they endured in childhood.