At 28, Séphora Corcher is preparing to represent France at the Sambo world championships, scheduled for next November in Kyrgyzstan. A new challenge for this sportswoman from Guyana, whose journey is marked by passion, perseverance and the quest for meaning.
Today it is a figure recognized in its discipline. However, when she starts a sport, Séphora Corcher knows nothing about sambocet Martial art from Russia.
Licensed from the age of 6 at ASCB Bonhomme, in Cayenne, Séphora excelled in judo. From the age of 14, the college student left Guyana to integrate a Sport-Studies section. In 2012, she joined the Espoir of Rennes, in the footsteps of the Guyanese champion Lindsay Tsang Sam Me, then continued her training at the France in Orleans before joining the INSEP and the Red Star Club of Champigny.
In 2021, after winning a bronze medal in the senior first division, she put an end to her judokate career: “I had a loss of meaning in my discipline”she says.
It was his judo coach who makes him discover the samboRussian martial art which mixes judo, struggle and grappling. Discipline immediately seduces the young woman: “I liked the possibility of being able to attack my legs, to make ankle keys, muscle compressions … It was a new breath. »»
Consequently, Séphora is fully devoted to it. In a few years, she built an impressive record:
- 2022: European champion in Serbia
- 2023: European champion in Israel, gold medalist by team and 3th At the World Fight Games in Saudi Arabia
- 2024: European vice-champion and 5th at the Worlds in Kazakhstan
- 2025 : 5th at the European Championships in Cyprus
Today, it aims for a global medal in Kyrgyzstan in November: “I go there without pressure, but I train hard to put the chances on my side. »»
Recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 2021, the Sambo could one day join the Olympic Games program. In the meantime, the discipline remains relatively unknown in France, with some 2,000 practitioners.
Séphora invested, however, to make it discover, even in Guyana where, during a stay in 2024, she animates demonstrations and workshops at the Dojo de Suzini, ASPTT and even at the Melkior-Garré high school, in Cayenne. “It is always a pleasure to share and show that the most important thing is development through its practice”.
Today a lieutenant of police in training, Séphora reappears his sports career and his future profession: “The sambo has nothing to do with the police, because in the professional context the techniques are very codified. But sport brings me physical condition, hindsight and lucidity to manage situations. »»
At the same time, she trains at the Villeneuve-d’Ascq wrestling club, a family club where she finds the collective spirit that is close to her heart.
Beyond his high-level athlete journey, Séphora delivers a simple message:
“Sport is for everyone, young or old, women and men. We don’t all have a vocation to become champions, but everyone can find a sport that suits them. The main thing is not to take advantage of. »»
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