Three medals: two in judo and one in… rugby sevens, this is the completely crazy challenge of Amandine Buchard, double Olympic medalist in Judo for Los Angeles. To take it up, the 29-year-old judokate joined Stade Français.
At 29, Amandine Buchard is tackling one of the biggest challenges for Olympism. Already a two-time medalist in judo in the under 52 kg category (silver in Tokyo and bronze in Paris), the Martinican is aiming for two new medals in her discipline, but also another in rugby, the second sport that she practices with talent. To carry out her demonic project, the former PSG licensee joined Stade Français. If she is going to represent the club in judo, she remains for the moment licensed to the rugby club of Noisy-le-Grand – Marne-la-Vallée (which plays in Federal 2), before hoping to gain strength, helped by the sports coaches from Stade Français. She returns to this crazy challenge.
Why this crazy challenge?
For what ? The higher the challenges, the more they make me want to work hard with ambitious goals. Rugby is a sport that I practiced and loved a lot. At some point, I made a choice. I joined a high-level judo structure. At that time (younger), it was not possible to reconcile the two. I had goals in this discipline, to become European champion, world champion and Olympic judo champion. This happened over the years.
“The goal is to have three medals, two in judo and one in rugby 7”
It’s an issue (rugby) supported in particular by your dad, how do your parents view this choice?
Honestly, I haven’t had a negative opinion. I was pushed to do it. My friends and relatives pushed me to choose the disciplines I wanted. They support me whatever I do. They will support me as best as possible.
The challenge is two medals in Los Angeles in both sports or the possibility of giving up judo because the body….
The goal (laughs) is to have three medals (two in judo and one in rugby). I’m going to try to get 3 medals! I am at the beginning of my project in these two sports. I want to perform well in both. I can’t imagine judo without rugby and vice versa. I’m eager to.
Your judo friends, what did they tell you, they know you…
They told me: “You are crazy, you are seriously ill”. They were really into it. They have had a lot of compliments, they tell me that I am capable of doing it. Telling me that is very stimulating because everyone believes it, it’s really possible. I have a lot of pleasure and it’s a great pride. I am very honored to be at the Stade Français today. I really like this human side that I find. It’s very interesting to have people who listen to us and support us. Athletes, we are not machines, we remain human beings with emotions.
You won’t be bored yet, it’s something pretty crazy…
Oh no, I haven’t been bored since January. I do two to three training sessions every day, including weekends. I’m not bored. I am very fulfilled playing sport. As long as I know how to put the brakes on at the right time, I know how to do it. I have already adapted my workload and skipped training if I am tired. I have the chance to play two sports that I love.
“Qualifying for Los Angeles in judo? I’m not going to give them a choice, being the best.”
Precisely in terms of the calendar, there may be small problems…
There will be choices to make. Frankly, I will prioritize the European and World Championships and the Olympic Games. At the high level of judo, I am the only one. I will only have the individual competitions to complete. For rugby, matches are from fall until early spring. Judo follows behind. It will be an organization. I will not return to Bercy for judo. It’s a very high level competition, higher than a world championship. I’m not going to arrive with my hands in my pockets at the Paris Grand Slam, there is no question of participation. Maybe I’ll do Turkey or Georgia.
Very practically, there is only one qualifier per category in Judo in France, are you not afraid that the Federation will block you from someone else… if you prioritize rugby
I’m not going to give them a choice. By performing well, the best in my category in judo, I will not give them the choice to select me. In the end, if I spend more time on rugby and less on judo, it doesn’t change anything. I performed well in judo without much training. My profile and my working method allow me to be efficient. To be selected, I would have to perform well. If I am French number one, they will have no choice.
You don’t have the fear of injury, for example if you are injured at the start of the Olympics in rugby… Don’t the calendars overlap for both?
I could get injured playing rugby, playing five-a-side on Sunday. I could get hurt while riding a scooter, crossing the street. I am old enough to manage my weeks, to listen to my body. I don’t think about the injury, it’s the high level, I don’t focus on it.
Did Florent Manaudou or Antoine Dupont, who play two sports, give you any advice?
We give each other advice but that doesn’t stop us from practicing. We talk about it without really talking about it. They push me to do it because I love it like them.
Comments collected by Philippe Carnus
