Denis-lès-Bourg – Operation Elles et judo brings together more than 150 judokas around Céline Lebrun

At the initiative of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Judo League, the Ain Judo Committee and Crédit Agricole Center Est, as part of Pink October, the judokas and judokas of Ain met at the Saint-Denis-lès-Bourg gymnasium for privileged moments with the champion Céline Lebrun.

An exceptional track record

A high-level sportswoman, Céline Lebrun has monopolized all the podiums for 15 years. She obtained her first title of champion of France in junior in 1994, then that of champion of France four times in 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009. It is in European competition that she shines the most with gold medals individually without interruption from 1999 to 2002 and a 5^e title in 2009. Without forgetting the titles of European champion by team in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2004. Only one world title in individual in 2001, but two others by team in 2002 and 2006. She obtains the silver medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

A varied program

This day was an opportunity to highlight women’s sport, and judo in particular, Céline Lebrun declaring that “thehe women’s judo is the showcase of French judo, although women represent only a third of the licensed judo workforce. However, the results for women are higher than for boys. We must convince women that all can practice judo.“The judokas and judokas came from all over the department and some novices joined the usual practitioners. We could note the presence of some municipal councilors who came to tread the tatamis installed in the gymnasium and take advantage of the champion’s advice. In the morning, the judo workshop was reserved for children from 3 to 11 years old, while the afternoon was devoted to intergenerational exchanges between teens/adults and mother-daughter, again under the guidance of Céline Lebrun. correctly to avoid injury. A few simple judo holds were explained and carried out by the participants. Two periods of discussion were well followed, with a physiotherapist on the theme “The body in sport” and with a nutritionist on the theme “Food and sport” Moments of conviviality allowed discussions to continue with a food truck available at lunchtime and a shared snack around 4 p.m.

The champion’s little secrets

Céline Lebrun revealed to us some secrets to success in high-level sport: “Work again and again, perseverance too. Personally, I never gave up, even in the most difficult moments, after frustrating defeats or nerve-wracking injuries. I always knew how to bounce back. The technique, the mind, it takes work, and the coach always delivers good advice, from his experience. You always have to listen to him to try to erase his mistakes and develop his technique and his mind. Judo is evolving: twenty years ago, we were more into agility and dynamism, today it’s more physical and the stakes are higher. The rules adapt to be more readable on TV and you have to adapt constantly and therefore provide even more work. A new generation arrives and begins to perform, in cadets and juniors, in particular. You have to work even harder and not stay in your comfort zone.“There is no doubt that these little tips were remembered by the participants and, in particular, by the youngest.