USC judo stood out at the last athletes of the year ceremony, with Gwenaelle Gillet and Romane Arnaud winning awards.
They are 15 years old and have judo in their skin. “We are like all teenagers, classes and seeing our friends are part of our daily life, but judo of course occupies a very important place in our life” they confide. At the club for 9 years, Romane discovered judo at a very young age, in Colomiers, “it was a discipline that could welcome me from a very young age. Since then I have never given up”. As for Gwenaelle, she admits to being part of a family of judokas, “so it was quite natural that I started this sport very young as well”. The Columérin club, for the latter, it was in 2020 that she joined it.
“A club like no other”
Both of them agree when it comes to talking about the club chaired by Alexandre Saby. They spontaneously say they appreciate “the conviviality that emerges here. What characterizes USC, a club like no other, are its values of mutual aid and solidarity, although we remain very competitive. Like the coaches , everyone is kind to each other, regardless of age or level.” Today, the two teenagers train vigorously three to four times a week, in order to perform in competition and successfully pass their belts. Today in brown, “we will both prepare for the black belt this year”.
Participation in the French championships
Now crowned with the status of Columérine sportswomen of the year, they owe it in part to their perseverance and self-sacrifice which allowed them to qualify last May for the last French championships in Clermont. “What makes us strong is that we are never alone,” continues Gwenaelle. “If we perform for ourselves, the team spirit accompanies us through every challenge.” Romane would like to “thank our coaches, including Alexandre who followed us all last year, and Christophe who was remarkably supportive each time”.
