After a career rich in medals on the national and international level, the time for retirement has come for Étienne Briand. Taking a step back after more than 12 years of competition, the athlete from Sept-Îles spoke about the reasons that motivated his decision as well as his future.
JQ: Étienne, at 30 years old, what pushed you to retire from competition?
Etienne: It happened naturally. Over the years, the blows become more difficult to absorb, but above all, I continue my doctoral studies in economics at UQAM. Two years from graduating, the time I could devote to judo was no longer enough to maintain a high level of performance. I am focusing on my studies and hope to one day join a large institution and start a new career, this time in the field of economics.
JQ: You left home at 15 to join the National Center. What memories do you have of this period of your life?
Etienne: When I arrived in Montreal, I had no doubt about what I wanted to do, about the objectives to achieve. I didn’t ask myself too many questions, even if the financial aspect was sometimes a source of stress. I had unwavering determination to move forward. These years were not always easy, but I still have good memories of them.
JQ: You have had a busy sporting career, with more than 12 years of international competitions, and at the same time you managed to pursue studies in economics (Bac in Maths and Economics, M.Sc. graduate in economics and Doctorate at the ‘UQAM). How did you manage your time to balance all of this?
Etienne: Until the start of my PhD, studies were not particularly an issue for me. I could follow the courses remotely and I passed my baccalaureate without actually attending classes! (Laughs.) You then have to put things in context. The pandemic has significantly slowed down sporting activities. This is where I was able to apply for a PhD. I was able to study alongside training and traveling abroad for tournaments. However, as I progressed through school, the workload made practicing judo more difficult. I took a step back, and I prioritized my diploma over the podiums.
JQ: How do you see the future now, in life and in relation to judo?
Etienne: I devote myself entirely to my studies and my future career. I study full time and I am lucky to be able to do so thanks to scholarships and my doctoral student position at UQAM. For now, I’m going to take a break from judo. Who knows, maybe later, I will be able to put my experience at the service of new generations.
JQ: Speaking of new generations, what would be your best advice to young judokas?
Etienne: They must invest their all. Not 80%, but 100% in what they do. Sometimes life requires making difficult choices. You have to carefully evaluate the consequences and make decisions, but once the choices are made, you have to give it your all. In my career, I have had many decisions to make, but each time, I gave everything I had to achieve my goals. I sometimes say to myself that it is a shame to see certain young people with great potential who are far from giving everything to succeed. Also, I cannot encourage young people enough to continue their studies alongside their sporting career. Today, I am very happy to be able to count on my diplomas to have a career and a future other than in judo.
JQ: Coming back to your sporting career, what is your fondest memory of judoka?
Etienne: When I was at the National Training Center, I had a great bond with my coach, Michel Almeida. Sometimes you come across a person with whom you know straight away that everything is going to be okay. With him, I was able to surpass myself while knowing that he was there to support me, whatever the result. Feeling supported makes you want to do more. The podiums we climbed together remain my best memories.
Saarbruecken, Germany, August 28 – Olle Mattsson (SWE), Etienne Briand (CAN) European Seniors Cup 2016 (Photo © by Klaus Mueller. All rights reserved. )
JQ: Finally, what is the biggest regret of your judoka career?
Etienne: There really isn’t one. I have always taken responsibility for my choices and given everything I could. If I have to bring out a bad memory, I would say that it was a lost fight in the world championship, even though I am convinced that I won it. I never wanted to see the images again. Some decisions are sometimes hard to understand, but that’s how it is. You have to accept adversity and move forward.
Thank you Étienne for devoting this moment to us. We wish you a great retirement and, above all, we hope to see you again soon on or around the tatami mats. A huge congratulations for your career! Judo-Québec is proud to have had you as a representative on the international scene. Good retirement!
2023-09-21 21:12:04
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