« We were aiming for the podium, the contract is fulfilled. » Cédric Chiron, coach of Clara Alonzo-Bonaventure at the Union judo littoral Vendée (UJLV), is satisfied with the performance of his protege. In Paris, the 17-year-old Sablaise flew above the competition, with four wins by ippon in her first five bouts. Before losing in the final to the big favorite of the competition, Alyssia Poulange (Saint-Ouen).
“It’s all the more satisfying as the category was very high, with a dozen girls very close in the standings » , adds the coach of the Sablais club. And adversaries she had never beaten: “I had focused on the points to improve after these defeats during my preparation, I am happy that it worked. »
“Work Pays”
To achieve this result, the resident of the Nantes hopefuls center had to make sacrifices: “I have been in boarding school since I was 11 years old. It is not always easy but it is necessary to reach the high level. »
Alexandre Enard, who trained her on her debut, does not see this second place as ” A suprise “most “confirmation of the level it has displayed since the start of the season”. His coach says: “The ippons, it shows that she was ready and that all the work put in place ends up paying off. »
Big ambitions
For Clara Alonzo-Bonaventure, the rest of the season promises to be busy. Her podium qualified her for the European Cup in Strasbourg on 23 and 24 April. With the key to a potential ticket for another European Cup, in Poland this time: “I see it as a way to gain experience, a bonus. »
“The goals are long term”, adds the UJLV coach. The judoka is ambitious, and sees far. In sight: the France team. Before heading for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, “a little girl’s dream”.
Note that Calypso Debuire, licensed in Noirmoutier, finished 3rde +70kg.
