Blandine Guimard is 2024 world judo vice-champion, in the veterans category. The president of the Ribérac club “for two years”, a liberal nurse in life, is not on her first podium. “I am a double French veterans champion in 2023 and 2024 and I have been a bronze medalist four times at the world championships. »
The World Championships in the category take place every year in a different country. This year, the competition took place from November 4 to 7 in Las Vegas, United States. “In my veteran category under 78 kg, the fights took place on the fourth day. I reached the final for the first time and performed my last fight against Sorraya Bekkouche. Unfortunately, an injury during this fight did not allow me to escape from my opponent’s last immobilization on the ground. I didn’t give up, but Sorraya won this fight. »
The Périgourdine injured her collarbone. So she has to be content with the money, but… “It’s a source of pride. It had been four years since I finished as a bronze medalist and I have never been vice-world champion. So I’m making progress and it’s a great result. »
For this world meeting, the Ribéracoise is required “all year round, to three training sessions per week” which she shares between the Périgueux and Ribérac clubs. “And two days of physical preparation. It’s work. What I like is surpassing oneself, and the links that are created between different people and generations, we are all equal on the tatami. I also like humility, nothing is ever acquired before a fight. »
