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Aymeric Figueiredo
Published on
Nov 11 2024 at 6:27 p.m
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Between INSEP, competitions and training in Chelles (Seine-et-Marne), we can imagine that only 20 ansMelkia Auchecorne would not have time to spare an hour to look back on her season. Of the crazy statistics with more than five medals, including her second U21 world champion title and first prize in the Trophy of Hope, a few weeks earlier.
“With pleasure, I am available on November 7, 2024, at the Chelles dojo,” she says by telephone. A place that has been like her second home for her since 2021, her year of joining the club.
It is on an electric scooter, headphones in her ears and a sports bag bearing the image of INSEP, that the champion arrives in front of the dojo… closed. “However, it’s usually open at this time.” Not a problem for the judokate, who takes another route to access the dojo.
As soon as the lights in the room are turned on, the eye is immediately drawn to the numerous awardscups and distinctions that the club displays. The weight of the exploits is felt in this lair.
For almost an hour, Melkia Auchecorne talks about her inspirationshis family, his passions, his love of judo since he was eight years old, which pushed him to surpass himself and dream of gold at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Interview.
How are you doing after all these deadlines?
Since the Trophy of Hope, everything has been going well. Recently, there were the French championships on November 3 in Chalon-sur-Saône. There, I won the silver medal in my category, the – 63 kg, which is a great performance in itself. Previously, I was in Portugal, in Lisbon, for a judo course.
With your five medals around your neck in 2024, do you think this is your best year?
I got bronze at the European Championship and silver in the European mixed junior. Then second place at the world team championship as well as at the French championships in the individual division. And then especially gold during the junior worlds, like in 2023.
But then I don’t think so. Last year was pretty good too (laughter). In addition to my gold medal at the worlds, I won the French senior championships and silver in Europe.
On the other hand, I would say that 2024 brought me more in terms of maturity due to defeats and questioning. Because this year, I fought several times among the seniors and I lost each time.
I was also injured, which is rare for me because I don’t get hurt. These defeats brought me more experiences. I tried to understand the reasons for these setbacks. My coach looked me straight in the eye and told me it couldn’t continue like this. I questioned myself at that moment.
Does the mental aspect play a lot in your preparations?
Yes indeed, for several months now I have had a coach dedicated to this aspect of my preparation. It helps me to know myself better, to know what works for me. For my part, I make sure to apply his advice and take a step back from the situation.
For example, I tend to dramatize everything in competition. “Oh my God but if I lose… what if this… or that happens”, as if it was the end of the world even though it’s not. I work every day, why should I doubt my abilities? I think there is also this fear of failure, unconsciously. These are roughly the axes of this mental preparation.
When I’m about to enter the tatami, I’m focused and I clear my head, I know what I have to do on the girl.
How are classes going at INSEP?
I entered INSEP in 2022. I am pursuing a degree in political science. I train with several judokas, including sometimes with Clarisse Agbegnenou. It felt strange to think that I had always seen him on TV.
In any case, French judokas are considered the best in the world. We are lucky to have these girls and I try as much as possible to benefit from their shared experiences, from their training.
Why did you choose judo?
Judo came thanks to my mother. I started at Saint-Denis before leaving for the Chelles club in 2021. My mom wanted us to learn to defend ourselves.
So she told my brothers and me: “Next year, you will all do judo.” The advantage was that the dojo was not far from the house.
Is sport a family affair?
We can say that, my two little brothers do boxing, it’s all fresh. Regarding my older brother, he is a sports fan. Additionally, my mother had done karate when she was younger.
What are your inspirations?
The basis of the bases: Clarisse Agbegnenou, Marie-Ève Gahié… great champions! But mainly there are my friends. It is with them that I evolved.
Alya de Carvalho is the person who inspired me the most in judo. We did everything together and it was thanks to her that I entered Chelles. She impresses me, she is exemplary!
On your networks, you post a lot of photos of your loved ones and especially your travels, is that important to you?
Yes of course. For the family, since I was 15, I have almost never been there. I’m only home twice a week. I come in, I leave, I go left, right. They got used to it but I think it’s more difficult for my mother. She accompanies me everywhere and sometimes, she puts her life on hold for me. We’ve been through difficult things together, we’re just with our mom.
For traveling, I love it. When I was little, I didn’t have the opportunity to travel to other countries. So competing abroad allowed me to realize that I like discovering and visiting other cultures. My favorite trip and country is Japan.
What are the next goals?
Above all, rest, follow my classes and pass my exams. I believe that for judo, there will be a competition in December. But the big deadlines will begin in February.
Are you thinking about 2028?
But of course! (big smile), I will be 24 years old in 2028. What is happening for me bodes good things so…fingers crossed. A gold medal at the Los Angeles Games, my “American dream”!
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