Soumoulou: the last farewell to the champion Sandra Badie

This Saturday they came -…

This Saturday, they came – surrounded by a crowd of more than 500 people, made up of family members of the deceased, relatives and other Béarnais – to pay her a last tribute. Heavy hearts, hesitant speech. The sudden death of the Soumouloise athlete leaves a great void and many still find it difficult to realize.

“His disappearance was a shock wave which struck down our town, but also the entire French sports community”, slips the mayor of Soumoulou Alain Trépeu, at the microphone of the stage set up for the ceremony. The imposing stature of the city councilor cannot hide his sadness.

“The great champion” of Soumoulou

Overwhelmed by the disappearance of the vice-world champion of ju-jitsu and multiple champion of France, he adds: “She was a great champion. She had a natural talent but was above all the symbol of courage and determination. She made Soumoulou known all over the world, her performances made so many people dream”

And to underline: “But above all, behind the athlete, there was the person. His kindness, his frankness, his smile and his respect – as much for adults as for children – will remain forever engraved in our hearts. The City and Béarn pay tribute to you and our thoughts go out to your family and loved ones. Thanks champion! “.

“A sacred temperament”

The voice was also bruised in Christophe Brunet, director of the French ju-jitsu teams. “She loved her town, her Béarn and her Pyrenees so much. It was important for us to come here today, to pay homage to him. Many members of the France team made the trip. From the top of her 48 kg, she was not very big. But what a presence! It was a hell of a temper, a southern accent, an insatiable desire. She will be missed. But it does not leave us for all that: we will take it with us, at each competition. Starting with the next world championships in Mongolia. We will have an extra soul to get the medals”. Note that psychological support will also be put in place to support athletes and staff in their bereavement.

The emotion obviously reached its climax when it was the closest who spoke. Christophe Moreau, staff member of the Judo Club of Soumoulou, regretted “a last fight too hard to face” for Sandra, “despite [son] steely morale, [sa] exceptional physical condition.

And to slip: “It was not the tribute that we had thought of. We imagined celebrating your next medals more. You have dedicated your existence to our club: for you, it was dojo, work, sleep. We were your second family. But this ultimate defeat will be anecdotal compared to everything you left us, all his wonderful memories. Count on us to continue to win victories, in your honor.”

“Let’s go for something bigger”

Finally, Sandra Badie’s sister spoke: “I thought we still had so many years to share, both of us. Why you, why now? I will miss our songs, our getaways and all of our other moments of sharing. But I like to think that you left because something bigger awaits you! I love you my sister, keep watching over us from above! “.

The ceremony ended, the coffin of the athlete from Soumoul then headed for its final resting place. Under thunderous applause, which the present assembly continued for long minutes.