No matter how fast time passes, some Congolese are far from forgetting the CVeterans Judo World Championships (from 35 to 39 years old) which took place from September 8 to 11 in Krakow. And for good reason, one of them, Marc Olivier Loufouma was the only Congolese among the eighteen athletes to compete with ardor in the M2 category, that is to say under 100 kilos.
« I had just won the French championship. So I decided to make this trip to Krakow, because I had long dreamed of this moment: to represent Congo at this tournament. “recalls Marc Olivier Loufouma. But being a standard bearer is not just a privilege. It is much more of a responsibility that must be assumed. And the best way to take responsibility in a sports tournament is to win.
However, things will start badly on the tatami. Despite his domination, he was beaten in the first fight on penalties by the Georgian Modebadze Giorgi, vice-world champion in title. ” I had dominated the fight well. Unfortunately, I receive two penalties that I still haven’t understood. That’s how I lost the first fight “, he laments.
Psychologically damaged, but determined
By repechage, Marc Olivier Loufouma, although psychologically damaged, faces and defeats by KO the Kazakh Akhmetzhanov Didar. ” I said to myself that it was necessary to prove that I had not been unworthy in the first fight. I then fought like hell. And eleven minutes later, I overcame my opponent by giving him a KO “, testifies the resident of trainer Arnaud Lobaye Bongambé.
Unfortunately, in the bronze semi-final Loufouma lost to the Azerbaijani Aibek Issayev, by a counterattack error. However, the former Red Devil occupies 7e world rank at the end of the event. A great first for the Congo, because according to the Congolese Federation of Judo and Associated Disciplines (FECOJUDA), no Congolese had reached this level during a World Veterans Judo Championship. And that deserves a lot of congratulations.
« We all believed in you and you beat the heavyweights until you lost the semi-final. Hats off also to the international coach Lobaye Arnaud Bongambé Liyeli for selflessness, pragmatism and for having raised the colors of the country. “, can we read on the FECOJUDA Facebook page.
However, the path that led the native of Pointe-Noire to Krakow was strewn with pitfalls. And it is the funds that have missed the most. “It’s true that Ibenefited from the support of the Federation. But you know as well as I that the Federation works with very meager means, because the ministry does not support it. “says Marc Olivier Loufouma.
Contributions from friends and acquaintances
To raise these funds, he will reach out to relatives. ” Since the help of the Federation was not too sufficient, I had to launch a kitty on the internet. Thank God, many friends and acquaintances have understood the interest. This allowed me to finance a good part of my preparation, in particular a month of training in various clubs in South Africa. “Explains the world number 7 in veteran judo.
Between Marc Olivier Loufouma and judo, it’s a long-standing story that began twenty years ago in Pointe-Noire. In the Congolese economic capital, he joined, thanks to the advice of an aunt, the “Judo club Tchiapi” named after its founder Master Pierre Makosso Tchiapi. The training received here allows him to shine with victories in local and national tournaments. So much so that he will join the national team where he will assume the duties of captain before flying to South Africa ” where I perfected myself more ».
A development that will have lasted almost ten years before settling in France where he is employed by the car manufacturer Renault. All while practicing judo as a veteran. What succeeds him, because he continues to win victories, like his title of champion of France won last June.
But not enough to look in the mirror and relax. ” Like most martial arts, judo is intimately linked to humility and perseverance. “, he explains.
John I Can Sing
