Euro Ju-Jitsu: Medal objective for Jean Charlier

Authentic reference in his discipline, ju-jitsu, Jean Charlier is also competing in the European Senior Championships this weekend in Frankfurt. World number 1 a year ago when he was in the U21 (- 77 kg), the Carolo will compete with what is best on the continent.

“I have faced adults before and so I know what to expect, he specifies. But I’m going to line up for the first time -85 kg … I hope to hold the road. I will also have to deal with another factor: the lack of pace because I have not competed since January 2020 because of the Covid. “

Its category is scheduled for this Saturday morning. “We are only eighteen in contention but it will be very high level. The four best in the world are there. My goal is to get a medal, and that even if I have to go through the draft. I am not going there. down as a tourist. “

But before considering a title or a place of honor, the Gosselien had to complete some formalities related to the always specific health context. “Thursday, before my departure, I took a Covid test. I have to take another one on the spot before the weigh-in and then another before facing my first opponent!”

Like the other competitors, he must remain confined to the hotel before the tournament. “There won’t be any spectators. We can’t even stay in the stands… It’s really weird! But I stay focused on the goal I have set with my coach and my physical trainer.”

During confinement, Jean Charlier trained at home on a carpet installed in a hangar. Proof of his great passion for his sport, he takes the road to Pepinster twice a week to train with the Belgian elites. “With an hour and a half on the road one way, one and a half hour return, it may seem long but the supervision there is great and the trip is worth it because I am progressing enormously.”

However, he did not give up judo, his original discipline, which he continued to practice within Asahi Marcinelle. “But at the level of competitions I devote much less importance to it.”