O soto gari or ippon seio nage. The children of the department’s judo clubs are used to hearing them but this time, the names of these techniques came from the mouth of an Olympic champion. Notably mixed team champion at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, Axel Clerget spent the afternoon of Wednesday September 27 at the Hidien Park dojo in Châteauroux.
With his imposing build and his good humor, the 36-year-old judoka continued the demonstrations in front of his students of the day. “He taught me a technique to get back on my back”, proudly confides Sani, 8 years old, from the US Saint-Maur club. The young judoka then had his belt signed by Axel Clerget during the signing session at the end of the course.
“Indre looks like my original department”
According to Axel Clerget, proving to children that they can follow their dreams, no matter where they come from, is essential. “Indre looks like my original department, Haute-Marne, it seems like we are a little forgotten. It’s important to have figures who come here and for people to be inspired by them. We can achieve great things coming from departments like that”he assures.
The champion admits to being happy “finally” feel the excitement building as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach. For his part, Axel Clergé feels in shape and confident thanks to his latest victories on the international circuit. They will need to perform well at the next tournaments in Tokyo and Paris to qualify for the Paris games in 10 months.
2023-09-27 17:04:23
#Olympic #champion #Axel #Clerget #judo #lesson #children
