Between his work as a freelance journalist at Radio France and his status as a high-level athlete, Valentin Houinato has a very busy schedule. As soon as he can, the judoka, who lives in the Paris region, comes to see his grandparents who live in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (Vendée).
Also read. Microphone, work, judo and Olympics? Houinato’s crazy dream
“Judo scares me”
“When I’m in Vendée, it’s the only time when I don’t have any requests, he points out. Ici , my grandparents only ask me a few questions about judo. » “Judo scares me, underlines her grandmother Marie-Thérèse. I’ve never attended his fights because I’m always afraid he’ll get hurt. »
If Valentin Houinato has already experienced the injury, he is playing on a tightrope at the start of spring. “My tendon in my right elbow is two-thirds cracked, reveals the judoka. This prevents me from straining and pulling very hard. At some point, the tendon will give out… I would like it not to be before the African Championships. »
Indeed, the man with Vendée roots, whose father is Beninese and who has represented Benin since 2022, will try to score his first podium there. “I’m going there to win, let go of the one who finished fifth twice. If I obtain a medal, my qualification for the Paris Games will be almost assured. »
Also read. VIDEO. Here is the daily life of Valentin Houinato
” He’s courageous “
Valentin Houinato would then make his dream come true. “I’ve been thinking about the Olympic Games for ten years. This is the event of my life, supports the judoka ranked 74th in the world. I will cry before, during and after. » Tears of joy, of course.
“Valentin is stubborn, he does as he pleases, but he is courageous,” specifies Marie-Thérèse. “It’s the first time she’s told me that in twenty-seven years. his grandson whispers, a little touched. After the Olympics, I will try to come directly here, ideally with the medal. » Just to take the time to breathe again and enjoy with family.
2024-04-17 20:24:13
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