Loïc Ferraud, judoka and winemaker from the region, continues to be the pride of his club, the Caveirac Judo-club, where he has trained for years. Although he does not live in the village, it is in Caveirac that Loïc refines his talent, under the watchful eye of his trainer Philippe Martin, who nicknames him “The Poison” for his unpredictable fighting technique. This year, Loïc reached the podium at the Senior 1 World Championships (over 30 years old) in Las Vegas, achieving a remarkable third place despite difficult travel conditions.
“Judo is fun”
Loïc’s preparation for the world championships was not easy. Just before his departure, his wife experienced health problems, adding a dose of stress at the start. Despite everything, he insisted on participating in this high-level competition, even if he found himself alone in Las Vegas.
In the – 73 kg category, Loïc fought five intense fights to win the bronze medal. He started with a victory against a Dutch opponent, then suffered a defeat against a Belgian. Without being discouraged, he scored three victories: against a Kazakh, against an Englishman then against a Frenchman. Thanks to his perseverance, he managed to climb among the best, finishing third in the world in a category where the level of competition is exceptionally high.
At 32 years old, Loïc has twenty-eight years of judo but he never considered making it a professional career. “Judo is a pleasure for me, not a job”, he said humbly. What motivates him above all is surpassing himself and the spirit of camaraderie. His trainer Philippe Martin, who has followed him since his debut at the age of 4, is proud of his journey. “Loïc embodies the spirit of sport: he is persevering, respectful and always ready to surpass himself,” he praises. Loïc was able to count on the support of his loved ones and his club. Everyone followed his fights behind their screens and encouraged him from France. This support has been a huge source of motivation.
With this third place in the world, he proves that he is a champion at heart. Passionate and determined, he was able to overcome obstacles to achieve his objectives and make the colors of the town shine on the international scene.
Midi Libre correspondent: 06 73 52 54 82.
