French Judoka Reflects on Bronze Medal Win and Preparation for European Championships

“What does this bronze medal in -48 kg inspire you for your return competition, four months after world silver in Doha?
I’m still happy because since the Worlds it’s been a bit hard, I’ve been sick this summer. We had to go back there. I could not wait. But I made do with the body of the day and that’s it! It was a repeat competition, it’s a new Grand Slam medal (his seventh in three years), there is consistency even though I wasn’t very fit, I hadn’t specially prepared this competition which serves as preparation for the European Championships (November 3-5 in Montpellier).

You indeed seemed to struggle to get into your day, particularly against the Swede Tara Babulfath, only beaten after 8’56” of fighting in the second round…
I’m a little disappointed because I know I’m better than that but I was a little perched, a little elsewhere. But it was the goal to push myself a little to my limits when you don’t feel anything, as can happen in a day. I’ll think about it again when I’m a little rough, I knew how to hang on to get the bronze medal.

What happens in the quarter-finals against Azeri Leyla Aliyeva who beats you by ippon?
Phew surprise! In my opinion, there is more waza-ari than ippon because I do not fall on my back, on the kata-guruma.

Then, you follow up with two victories in penalties against two Spaniards, Figueroa in the repechage and Martinez Abelenda, for bronze. It was a painful last fight…
It was endless. I had difficulty committing properly. But I knew how to stay focused. Again, that will be useful to me.

Blandine Pont was not selected for the European Championships, unlike you. When she reacted on social networks, did it impact you?
No because I try to stay in my routine. And in her message, Blandine says that I deserve my selection. But I understand his disappointment, it’s normal when you train for it every day. »

2023-09-22 21:25:31
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