A year later, how do you view this first national title in 78 kg?
It allowed me to tell myself that I was capable of doing great things, of experiencing beautiful emotions, of being proud of myself, of making my family and my friends proud. And also knowing my first selection at the Paris Grand Slam, it was a trigger. I lost in the first round, but I had a very good fight. I just made a mistake. And, at this level, it is not forgiving.
In -78 kilos, even if the category is slightly aging in France, it is still extremely tough, how do you see your future there?
Personally, I see myself at the 2028 Games. That’s really my goal. I will do everything I can to get there. There is competition with headliners like Madeleine Malonga, Audrey Tcheuméo, Fanny Estelle-Posvite but they are in their final years.
PSG is great for the elites, those who make the Olympics, who already have medals. But probably not for me who is very young. I have to create my own place and, for that, I had to go out more internationally.
Why did you leave Paris SG this summer?
They came to pick me up when I arrived at INSEP, in September 2022. But I preferred to join Champigny (with Agbegnenou, Posvite, Pont…). PSG is great for the elites, those who make the Olympics, who already have medals. But probably not for me who is very young. I have to create my own place and, for that, I had to go out more internationally. In addition, the coach who followed me at PSG judo, Florent Urani, left the club. I felt a little lonely, even abandoned. I need to gain experience and Champigny will certainly give me a little more means. Besides, since September, I have already participated in a Grand Prix (tournament category just below the Grand Slam): in Zagreb even though I had never done one with PSG.
Aside from Paris, what international trips have you taken?
Following on from Paris, I won my first gold medal (senior) at an Open in Poland. Then, I was sent instead to sparring with Audrey Tcheuméo and Madeleine Malonga. Then in June, I made the Madrid Open (3rd). And in September, the Zagreb Grand Prix where I could have done better (7th). The podium was largely affordable but I didn’t have the necessary resources at that time. And, faced with unusual profiles, I panicked a little. while I am a fighter, with aggressive judo, always focused on the attack, I have not necessarily succeeded in expressing myself as I wanted. Recently, I prepared for the European Cup in Malaga (3rd). The competition was very complicated but the medal confirms that I am still here.
I haven’t had an easy time for a while. To succeed in judo, you must also find keys, solutions to prepare yourself for failure, as well as for success, and for hardness too. Right now I’m having a hard time doing it. I think it will take time.
You are only French number five before these French championships…
It doesn’t matter which girls are there, the goal is to win. As is the case with every competition. We’re not going to look for a ranking or a podium, we’re going to look for a win! I know that Audrey Tcheuméo and Madeleine Malonga will not be there. There will still be some good people there with Fanny Estelle Posvite (bronze at the 2015 Worlds), Chloé Buttygieg (2nd in the Grand Slam of Paris 2023)…
What are the next steps in your quest for the 2028 Olympics?
First of all, the first thing that is very important is health. Mental health. I haven’t had an easy time for a while. To succeed in judo, you must also find keys, solutions to prepare yourself for failure, as well as for success, and for hardness too. Right now I’m having a hard time doing it. I think it will take time.
Afterwards, you will have to win selections and above all perform there. Without medals, we are quickly forgotten.
Who are your coaches now?
Autumn Pavia at the federation, and Barbara Harel at the club. They are very present and attentive… Otherwise, I also work with a psychologist and I plan to see a mental trainer soon. The mind is key to judo…
