Originally from the region, Blandine Pont is one of the greatest hopes of tricolor judo.
How did you come to judo?
It’s a family story. My sister and my brother made it, and since I was the youngest, I did like them. Especially since when I was little, I was a bit hyperactive and feisty. As soon as I started in Castelnau-le-Lez, with Pierrick Lala, I knew that this sport was made for me. I remember that at eight years old, when I went to competition, I was stressed, I was in all my states. But I think at some level you have to have this mindset, this hatred of defeat. This is what allows you to surpass yourself, to always want to go higher. Without forgetting the passion, which is essential.
You left, very young, for Marseilles and then for Paris. Have you had any difficult times?
Yes. I’ve always been very close to my family, so when you leave home while you’re still very young, of course it’s not always easy. At first, you are lost, you don’t necessarily have any bearings. But after a while, when you see that all the efforts are starting to pay off, you find the desire to fight again.
During this period, did you think about stopping everything?
After my baccalaureate, I started studying to become a dentist. I made a lot of effort to reconcile my professional future with my sporting future. At times, especially when you don’t get the results you hope for, you can actually ask yourself questions and even get discouraged. But from the moment you find meaning in what you do, things are much simpler. The most important thing is to believe in yourself, to believe in what you do.
You have been crowned “Star of Sport 2021”. What does this distinction represent for you?
It is something very gratifying. Especially since I had had a difficult start to 2021. But I took advantage of this period to work even more, and it started to pay off in the fall. This title rewards all the efforts and sacrifices, but it is not an end in itself.
You will be especially eagerly awaited for Paris 2024. Is it already in the back of your mind?
Yes, of course. I know I can do it, but there will be a lot of work and intermediate steps to take. I was there, in Tokyo, as Amandine Buchard’s partner. To have the chance to witness these exploits, to feel all the emotions, was something exceptional. I will never forget those moments. It gives incredible strength to keep fighting and working hard.
The Olympic medal, is it a dream?
Before, it was a dream. Today, it has become a goal. I will do my best to get there.
A word also on Montpellier. Do you remain attached to the city?
Obviously. Every time I come down, it’s a great pleasure. I would even say that it is essential for me. I like everything here, the good weather, the environment. Montpellier are my roots, and always will be.
The Grand Slam this weekend in Paris
Third in the Grand Slam of Paris, last October, Blandine Pont will be eagerly awaited this weekend for the first major meeting of the year. A competition that the 23-year-old from Montpellier has always loved.
“Participating in the Grand Slam, in front of our public and our families, is always a great moment. Especially since it is an opportunity to measure ourselves, to try to position ourselves in relation to other judokas.”
