Launched into the crazy bet of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after 8 years off, Olympic, world and European medalist Ugo Legrand returned to judogi for a first competition this Saturday in Prague. Eliminated in the 2nd round of under 73 kilos, he got some answers and had a lot of fun.
Ugo Legrand, it was your big return to competition after eight years of absence. You win the first fight before losing the second. What assessment do you make?
There is a mixed feeling. I’m quite happy, especially with the overall feeling. During the pre-fights I felt a lot of pleasure. I had the feeling I was hoping to have: the desire to do, to be on the mat. I loved these moments. On the mat I was really greedy, I wanted to try lots of things. In that, it’s positive. I rushed a bit on the ippon o soto-gari for example (shoulder movement followed by a mowing on which he is countered in the 2nd round). I could have been more patient and ended up managing a little more tactically. I think it’s good to have tried judo. On the hands, I lacked intransigence. I think it’s linked to my recovery, it’s linked to the physical, the tactical, it’s a point to work on. You’ll have to be less excited about wanting to bring down and maybe try to win with penalties. I am happy with my work on the ground. These are rather positive points (which I remember).
Have you received any signs of affection from foreign fighters, coaches, people who knew you before this return?
I was really welcomed, I felt a lot of pleasure, a lot of surprises. Lots of positive things in the looks, in the messages that people gave me. I felt that people were really happy to see me again. It was quite warm, like coming back to a family after a long trip. Only good vibes! It is heartwarming.
In the first round you faced a 19-year-old fighter: did you feel this gap?
I didn’t make a distinction with age. I was there to fight regardless of their age their country. I didn’t think about that. But it’s true that 15 years makes a huge difference!
What is planned between now and the French championships on November 18 and 19?
This whole little circuit is part of the recovery training program. It was a practice competition. I will have another one before the French championships. I spent 4 weeks at Insep and this competition. There I’m going to do an internship in Valencia, I’m returning to Insep then I’m going to compete in Malaga (October 14 and 15). The idea is to take cues in competition and build volume with a lot of randoris. The most important meeting will be France. This is not a test. It’s a competition where I have to win, make an impression, be ready. We don’t skip the steps. There are 6 weeks of work left. There are plenty of areas to work on. I felt the indications I needed, the desire, the pleasure.
Comments collected by Morgan Maury
2023-09-30 17:09:15
#feeling #hoping
