Through Thomas Curtain
Published on 18 Jan 22 at 12:54
He was the youngest referee in France, a black belt at 15… And when he became the departmental technical adviser for judo (DTN) in 2005, he “dreamed of the Paris Games”. And at this moment, France turns to 2012. Games which will finally be given to the English and to the city of London.
The corridors of chance and fate will still allow Sébastien Mansois to realize his dream with Paris 2024. The Caudebecais who will celebrate his 43rd birthday this year has been the new DTN of the national judo federation for a few days. That is to say national technical director. Set up directly by the ministry, he is the key man in the development of judo in France. A sport that has no less than 425,000 members in France (i.e. the 5th sport in France). “A cyclical figure linked to the Covid”, he indicates. Normally, the number of licensees is more around 500,000.
Proud of his territory
This is a first challenge for the Caudebécais. But others are waiting. Starting with performance, training, coaches, the life of the federation… A position of responsibility where he must ensure “the proper implementation of public policies”.
In his exemplary career in the world of judo, Sébastien Mansois has never forgotten his Caudebec-lès-Elbeuf club and “his magnificent dojo”.
As proof, since he was 6 years old, he has taken his license at the RCC judo every year. “I go there very regularly. The club guys are my friends. “Besides, he says, “I am attached to my territory. Yes, I’m proud of it! »
“See Teddy in Gold”
Precisely at the level of the Olympic Games, Sébastien Mansois’ objective is clear: “to have more medals than in Tokyo. Even if we are already the first supplier of medals, we have to do better in Paris. And for that, he is counting on Clarisse Agbégnénou and Teddy Riner. “We are lucky to have the two biggest winners in activity. Seeing Teddy in gold in 2024 is clearly a goal,” he says.
When he sees himself again as a departmental technical adviser, he can’t help noticing that “it’s quite an adventure” that he’s going through. “Things lined up like that. I have a luxury, I work in my passion. There is not a morning when I get up and tell myself that I am going to work,” he rejoices. “Being DTN is an honor done to me. Now we have to move forward. We have a long-term project, it’s only the beginning of the adventure,” he says.
Was this article helpful to you? Note that you can follow Le Journal d’Elbeuf in the My News section. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.
