“A huge relief, and a childhood dream come true. » For Margaux Pinot, this first title of world judo champion, this Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, is far from trivial. At 30, the Frenchwoman has come a long way, after a case of domestic violence two years ago, then her non-selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
She won her world title against her compatriot Marie-Ève Gahié. The athlete who will represent Les Bleues in the under 70 kg category during the Olympics. After her title, Margaux Pinot’s emotion was palpable. “It was a title that I wanted to achieve since I was little. It fills the frustration of not making the Olympic Games. I am very proud. »
At the end of 2023, she learned that she would not participate in the Olympics, three years after the Olympic gold won by teams in Tokyo. The price of a missed start to the season, particularly during the European Championships in Montpellier where she found herself, when, at the same time, Marie-Ève Gahié won. But once the disappointment was over, Margaux Pinot got back on her feet.
“I think I have enough developed abilities to bounce back from challenges, whether personally or in sport. When I learned of my selection for the European and World Championships, I switched directly. I focused on that, kept working and putting things in place. »
Until this title, in Abu Dhabi, which she sees as a consecration of the work accomplished in recent months. Under contract with her club PSG for another year, she will now be able to digest this season, which is approaching its end for her. “I’m going to take a breath already. There will be the Games, I will be there for my friend (Alpha Djalo) who is doing them. I’m going to take a vacation, then we’ll see when I come back. »
“One title is more than enough for me”
Before that, perhaps she will allow herself to celebrate this gold medal, even if the weather in the United Arab Emirates does not necessarily lend itself to it: “It’s a little hot, but I’m going to drink a little glass. I’m going to call my parents too, thank the people who are dear to me. There is still the team event, so I have to stay focused. »
Margaux Pinot will finally be able to breathe, and enjoy a little fresh air, after the ordeals she has had to go through in recent years. Two years ago, she accused Alain Schmitt, her ex-partner, of domestic violence. The case was widely publicized, and the 40-year-old man was ultimately released.
“Two years ago, I was at my lowest. I had to get back in place following some small personal problems. I had to find my way back to the tatami mats,” Margaux Pinot told AFP this Tuesday after her world champion title.
At 30, the Frenchwoman takes the opportunity to take stock of her career, even if it is not yet over: “I’m not going to repeat ten years, but we’ll see if we want to. I don’t think I’ll make it to Los Angeles 2028. I don’t have the profile to collect lots of titles, because I don’t think I have the ability to be five times world champion. But one title is more than enough for me. »
