Born: Paris (France) 21 January 1981
Height: 1.85m; weight 65kg
Club: EP Manosque
Progression (800m/1500m):
1997 (16) 1:51.94/3:55.36
1998 (17) 1:49.56/3:45.56
1999 (18) 1:47.53/3:42.63
2000 (19) 1:48.03/3:43.66
Other personal bests: 2:22.22 (1000m, 98), 8:15.36 (3000m, ‘98)

A major talent to emerge from the French middle distance running school, Florent was discovered and is coached by Pascal Haudicot. His potential was first noted in 1996 when he broke the "minimes" (U16) French record for 1000m with 2:33.02. He has established national "cadets" (U18) records for 800m, 1000m and 1500m, and holds the junior record for 800m (1:47.53 in 1999). At the World Junior Championships in Annecy 1998, his first international competition, he was eliminated in the heats of both the 800m and 1500m. At the European Junior Championships in Riga 98, he qualified for the 800m final, but did not take part.