“What is this feeling after this clear victory in the -70 kg final against the Dutch Van Dijke, defending champion and bronze medalist at the last Olympics?
I give glory to God, without him I would not have been able to. Had to hang on (she starts to cry). I would really like to dedicate this medal to Nicolas (Chilard) who got hurt (and therefore package on this Euro)to Audrey Tcheuméo, to Astride (Gneto), to Mélanie Clément, to all the girls. You know how complicated the selection was. This medal is for all of them, because we are a real team. They deserved to be there, they could have been European champions too. That’s it, girls, it’s also for you. Thank God, it was a really difficult day, I’m so happy.
Until the semi-final you were clumsy, in the final we saw another Marie-Eve, offensive with this ippon seoi-nage after two minutes of combat validated by a waza-ari…
It’s a final. One final one wants to win more than the other. We must have the best behavior. We want to win.
In the quarter-finals you beat Margaux Pinot (on penalties), what made the difference?
We both fought like champions, as she is too. What makes the difference, frankly I don’t know. But congratulations to Margaux (3rd) also.
Even if it was hard today for you, we saw you hanging on, respecting the plans and if there is no ippon, it does not matter, we will eventually get there.
I’ve been saying for so long that I’m going to work on it. I’m happy to see some results. I hope I will continue. After if I win shido (penalty), I take. But I will continue this way.
“It’s a good start on this journey to Paris. I take this title and this stage too”
Doing shoulder movements is new for a big girl like you (seoi-nage)…
No it’s not new I did when I was a young senior. There, I have a little more opportunity so I do it.
What does this first European title represent when you have already been world champion?
It means a lot. It’s a step. There are the European and World Championships every year and the Olympics every four years, it’s a good start on this journey to Paris. I take this title and this stage too.
About the Olympics in Paris, do you regain control with this title compared to Margaux Pinot who had beaten you to the Olympics in Tokyo?
Step by step. There. »
