Sofia, Bulgaria, July 22, 2019. Les Bleus were crowned #EuroVolleyU17M champions after delivering a spectacular performance in Sofia, where they won all seven games losing only one set – in the final against Bulgaria. A huge merit in this triumph had Nathan Canovas. His star shone the brightest in Hristo Botev Hall, so no one could be surprised that the Most Valuable Player Award was presented to him.

The 16-year-old French opposite scored 110 points for his team, being the best scorer of Les Bleus in every single game, but could you imagine that he has been playing as opposite for a year only? “I used to be a setter, even last year. So it's only a year for me being an opposite. It was a decision of my coach, who noticed my potential and now I enjoy being an opposite, because I can score a lot of points.”

Nathan Canovas currently represents VB Sennecey Le Grand Canton, but he dreams about being as successful as his idol and role model, his compatriot Earvin Ngapeth. It’s also interesting that the #EuroVolleyU17M MVP took up Volleyball only four years ago, claiming now his first international title. “My biggest dream is to win the world championship, it’s the most meaningful title and I hope to get it one day,” he said.

Nathan Canovas in action during the #EuroVolleyU17M final against Bulgaria

That far, he can be proud of earning the #EuroVolleyU17M crown and title of the Most Valuable Player. “I'm very happy and I totally didn't expect the MVP award, it's something extra to this awesome gold medal. To become the #EuroVolleyU17M champion is something unbelievable, we did our best on the court and now we can celebrate it. This gold medal is the most precious thing and it’s the result of team work.”

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