Guidel, France – Fourteen-year-old Daphnée Lallemand Rochel will represent Judo Guidel with pride this Saturday in the Paris region at the French Minimes (under 52kg) Judo Championships. The qualification is a testament to a strong season for the young athlete, highlighted by titles at both the Morbihan and Brittany championships.
Lallemand Rochel’s journey in judo began in 2021 in Quimperlé, before joining Judo Guidel for her second season. “I started judo in 2021 in Quimperlé. This is my second season at Guidel,” Lallemand Rochel shared. “I’m going to approach this competition step by step. First, acquire out of the pools and then we’ll see.”
For the past month and a half, Lallemand Rochel has been preparing for the national event with the guidance of a physical trainer. Her coach, Teddy Gourdin, believes she has the potential to make a significant impact. “She has the potential to go far in this exceptionally competitive event. She can aim for the top 15,” Gourdin explained. To prepare, she has participated in several major national tournaments.
Lallemand Rochel’s recent performances demonstrate her rising talent. According to judoresults.net, she achieved a seventh-place finish at the Label A Minimes tournament in Vendée in February 2026, and secured a first-place victory at the Brittany regional Minimes championship that same month. She also placed fifth at the Label A Minimes tournament in Cesson-Sevigne in January 2026, and second at the Loudeac Minimes tournament in November 2025. Her overall record includes 10 results in the judoresults database, with six podium finishes.
The Judo Guidel club is also celebrating a milestone. On June 5th and 6th, the club will mark its fifth anniversary with a special event. A highlight of the celebration will be the presence of Margaux Pinot, a member of the French national team, 2024 World Champion, and Olympic gold medalist (team event) from the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Pinot will lead three training sessions during the anniversary event: two for the Cadets and Seniors categories, and one specifically for the Benjamins and Minimes. This provides a valuable opportunity for the club’s younger members to learn from a world-class athlete.
This competition comes on the heels of a successful showing for Judo Guidel at the Morbihan departmental championships on April 13th in Baud, where two young judokas were crowned champions. Louis Massé and Daphné Lallemand Rochel both secured gold medals in their respective categories.
The club also saw success at the Coupe de Bretagne Benjamin competition in May 2024, where Louis Massé earned a silver medal and Daphné Lallemand Rochel took third place. Lily Rose Hernandez finished seventh in the same competition. Earlier in May, several Judo Guidel athletes were selected to represent the Morbihan department at the French team championships.
Judo Guidel also hosted its own tournament on June 1st, 2024, with strong performances from several clubs. Dojo Pays Lorient took first place in the Minimes Garçons category, while Amicale Judo Morbihan won the Minimes Filles category. Judo Guidel’s own athletes secured first place in the Benjamines category.
The club’s commitment to development extends beyond competition. A cohesion-building trip for Minimes and Cadets athletes is planned for July 4-6 on the island of Groix. On June 2nd, the club hosted a women’s training session led by Kaila Issoufi of the French Judo team, accompanied by Czech champion Adam Kopecky. The event was also attended by local dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Jean-Michel Jacques and Guidel Mayor Jo Daniel.
As Lallemand Rochel prepares for the French Championships, she embodies the spirit of Judo Guidel – a club dedicated to fostering talent and celebrating success at all levels. The club’s anniversary event, featuring Margaux Pinot, further underscores its commitment to providing its athletes with the best possible training and inspiration.
What’s Next: Lallemand Rochel will compete in the French Minimes Judo Championships this Saturday in the Paris region. Further updates and results will be available on the Judo Guidel website: clubjudoguidel.wixsite.com.
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