The news has just come in: Bragard Axel Clerget has been chosen as Alexandre Diesse’s replacement, in -100 kilos. Good news, even if the chances of seeing him fight, for the apotheosis of a magnificent career, are slim!
On February 23, Axel Clerget learned from Federation officials that he would not be at the Olympic Games. A huge blow to the head for the world and European medalist, Olympic team champion in Tokyo in 2021… The latter, at 37, dreamed of ending his career in style, in Paris, not far from his garden at the Accor Arena, near the Eiffel Tower. Maxime-Gaël Ngayap-Hambou, who had a great tournament in Paris, was preferred to him…
After 19 years on the circuit and five Olympic races, with already big disappointments in 2012 and 2016, the Marnavalais, licensed in Sucy, has cashed in, with a second place at the World Team Championships. And a successful Madrid Open, at the beginning of June, for his first in “-100 kilos” (2nd).
Very low probability of fighting
“It’s good news. It wasn’t the original goal, because I wanted to get an individual medal in Paris. In Madrid, I showed that I was superior to other French people. I often complain when I’m not selected. I also put myself in the shoes of those who put themselves forward for the substitute spot, like Alexandre Iddir.”explains the double world medalist.
In fact, the probability of seeing Axel Clerget on the tatamis in Paris is very low. Only in case of injury to the starter before the opening ceremony! “If the qualifier gets injured in the individual, I can’t go back.” So, no vacation for Axel Clerget, but a training camp in Montpellier, starting next week. “I don’t wish anyone any harm. Alexandre Diesse has often been injured, he didn’t make the Euro and the World Championships this year. But I don’t wish him any harm.”
The only small regret is perhaps not having moved up a category immediately after the Tokyo Olympics, following the recovery from his serious injury. “I started in -81 kg and I finished in -100 kg. This shows my versatility. I didn’t meet the best in the world in Madrid, but I performed well. I’m faster than the others who don’t know my ground connections. Physically, I’m not below. Resilience sums up my career. I was able to get this place as a substitute, because I always go all the way.”continues Bragard, who has completed his Olympic project despite three up-and-down years. “I take these little things. This status forces me to stay ready. I will make the effort until the end. I have a lot of fun and I no longer have the pressure of the weight.”
A restrictive element for three years on a social and family level. “Many advised me to move up after Tokyo. I wanted to finish in individual and team competitions where there are only -90 kg. This could be a regret, even if I don’t regret my career choices and my track record speaks for itself. I wasn’t looking for this replacement status, but I’ll take what I can get.”continues the judoka.
Olympic flame: “thank you to the people of Haut-Marne”
The latter also wishes to return to the Olympic flame, of which he was the last bearer, on June 28, at home, in Saint-Dizier. “It was a unique moment. Thank you to the people of Haute-Marne who came to follow me to Saint-Dizier. There was a crazy atmosphere. It was better than the Tokyo Olympics played behind closed doors. I heard “Axels” everywhere. It was a great day, a great time. It really makes me happy in these difficult times. Sport is very important in our society. The Games are a celebration and I hope people will get involved.”concludes the Marnavalais, still moved.
Nicolas Chapon
2024-07-03 16:42:04
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