Magnificent stylist with his racy uchi-mata, Ugo Legrand has remained in the retinas of judo enthusiasts with his licked technique and his prize list: European champion, double world medalist, 3rd at the 2012 Olympics. In 2015, at 25, the Norman dumped everything. Leaving in particular for the United States, he decided to return to training 3 weeks ago to try to win a second Olympic medal in Paris. A crazy challenge.
Ugo Legrand, what makes you come back to high-level judo after eight years off?
I want to, the challenge is beautiful and big. I am full of excitement at the idea of completing this beautiful challenge. There are 400 days left to get something big in Paris. It came suddenly, less than 3 weeks ago. All it took was a little seed planted in my brain for it to become obsessive and I think about it day and night. I’m very excited at the idea of getting back on the tatami, to get that competition adrenaline, which I missed.
What is this seed?
It was a word from a person who means a lot to me, which crossed my mind and has never left me. It was there but I had to open my eyes. The Olympic Games in Paris were there but I hadn’t seen them. They were out of my line of sight. I was on something else, on other areas, other passions. It was essential for me, it built me. Putting it back in my face with just one word, everything cleared up. It is the challenge of a lifetime. It’s big, it seems almost impossible. That’s what excites me about it, it’s short, very intense, obviously in Paris. The pleasure of rediscovering this sport, which animated me for years, is a great chance to be able to relive it.
“I have a freshness despite my 34 years, the fact of having stopped at 25 left me this passion”
This decision seems to show that you regret having stopped in 2015?
No way. I had drawn a line under judo and I absolutely do not regret it. I blossomed, I tasted life after the high-level microcosm. I was happy to explore this new world. It’s another step in my career, which I look at from another perspective. Today’s Ugo couldn’t have been there if he hadn’t cut. I would have been too out of breath. I have a freshness despite my 34 years, the fact of having stopped at 25 left me this passion. These are the things that make this project possible.
What have you been doing all this time?
I left with a start-up project, Yogowo. It lasted 4 years and resulted in no fundraising. It made me grow a lot. We were at the heart of the business community. I came out worn out and tired, it was very absorbing. I put the kimono back on a bit to give some judo lessons in Los Angeles. I didn’t like it very much. I wanted to discover other areas. The arrival of the Covid allowed me to stop and I started in a more artistic environment. I started designing furniture. It took me to scenography, decoration on photo shoots in the field of advertising and fashion. I did that for 3 years in the United States. I returned to France 6 months ago and continued this activity here in Paris. Now it’s a parenthesis to put the judogi back on and get something big.
Did you continue to train at high doses during this period?
No. I was almost sedentary. I surfed a lot. I did sport for fun but absolutely not a regular activity. This is the challenge of this recovery. My body has to get used to it again. It will go through a phase of physical preparation before setting foot on the mat. I will step onto the tatami in September. Injury must be avoided at all costs.
You haven’t gained too much weight?
I may have a little more body fat, I weighed myself 76 pounds after 2 weeks of training. Weight level, I feel good.
Are you supported in your approach?
A lot of people accompany me. I feel very supported. The Federation helps me. I train at Insep, I have access to the medical service, to a physical trainer. It is important to me that it is not a simple personal madness and that it fits into a more global framework. I presented my project and immediately received federal support. It’s very nice.
“Teddy greeted the news with excitement”
Are you going to go back to the smaller competitions?
This is where we see that the Federation believes in my project. They automatically qualify me for the French first division championships in November. It’s a step I like. You have to gauge yourself on the national level before going to the international level. 10 years ago, when I was an athlete, the France 1st Div’ was never a gift, it was cutthroat competition. This time I like it. I never won them. This is the opportunity to win them at 34.
In less than 73 kilos, France is looking for a leader. There is Joan-Benjamin Gaba, 23rd in the world, and Benjamin Axus, 24th in the world. That leaves a door a little open in your challenge.
It was very important to me. There are several factors that have encouraged this approach. I would never have allowed myself to do that if there was a leader who had already imposed himself. It’s the occasion, the fact that the category is ‘open’, that there hasn’t been a leader since I left 8 years ago.
Did you talk about your return with Teddy Riner? You are from the same generation and have participated in many campaigns together.
Teddy was one of the first I informed. He was very happy. He greeted the news with excitement. It is a partner of the same generation who is coming back and who will be at his side for this preparation. These two old men from 1989 who come to look for this final stretch together.
“I want a second medal”
What would be a successful comeback?
I’m doing this to try to write history, to do something impossible, to try to get a second Olympic medal. I know what that entails, an Olympic tournament. It’s such a special competition that anything is possible. I wouldn’t sacrifice so much just to qualify. I want a second medal. There is also the Olympic competition where the 73 kilos evolve. I want to experience this with my friends. These are two very important events that I take very seriously.
It will be necessary by next year, to be the best French in the eyes of the federation without concern for classification.
Unlike the London Olympics where you had to be in the top 22, this is not the case here. The Federation will select the one who will have the best chance of bringing home an individual medal and points in the team event.
Your girlfriend, how did she react?
She was equally surprised. It was very sudden for her too. At first, she didn’t understand. She thought it was a joke. She is still very supportive. It takes us back 10 years where we experienced such emotions. It’s fun to relive it being different people. It reminds us of youth.
Is it a choice that suits you?
I really work on what can be perceived as a whim but it’s something that I feel. I crave emotions and challenges in my life. I am a person of challenges.
Interview by Morgan Maury
2023-07-06 17:24:10
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