How Judo Became a Lifeline: The Remarkable Comeback of Lila Bertrand

YFFINIAC, France — On a quiet Tuesday morning in this Breton village, Lila Bertrand steps onto the tatami at Yffiniac Judo Club, her white belt cinched tight around a frame that has endured more than most. At 60 years traditional, she is a vice-champion of France in the veterans’ under-50kg category, a bronze medalist at the World Veterans Judo Championships, and—most improbably—a woman who credits the sport with saving her life after a brutal battle with COVID-19.

Her story is one of resilience, not just in competition, but in survival. “Judo didn’t just bring me back to the mat,” Bertrand told Ouest-France in an interview verified by the club. “It brought me back to life.”

The Hospitalization That Changed Everything

In early 2023, Bertrand spent months hospitalized due to severe complications from COVID-19. The details of her illness remain private, but her recovery was anything but certain. When she was finally discharged, she faced a long road back to physical and mental health. That’s when she turned to judo—not as a competitor, but as a form of rehabilitation.

“After being bedridden for so long, my body had forgotten how to move,” she said. “Judo gave me structure. It gave me a goal. And most importantly, it gave me a community that refused to let me give up.”

Her return to the sport wasn’t immediate. At first, she could barely complete a warm-up. But under the guidance of Yffiniac Judo Club president Arnaud Elinguel and her coaches, she rebuilt her strength, one throw at a time. By late 2023, she was back in competition, defying expectations at every turn.

A Bronze Medal on the World Stage

Bertrand’s comeback reached its peak in November 2024 at the World Veterans Judo Championships, held at the Institut National du Judo in Paris. Competing in the 60-64 age category and under 52kg weight class, she faced a field of 2,300 judokas from 64 countries—a testament to the global reach of veterans’ judo.

Her path to the podium was far from easy. In the quarterfinals, she lost to Norway’s Hanne Myren, who would go on to win gold. But Bertrand refused to leave empty-handed. In the repechage, she defeated American Carol Boulet to secure the bronze medal, a moment Elinguel called “a remarkable performance, the fruit of a long and assiduous work.”

“Lila is a great pride for our club,” Elinguel said. “She didn’t just win a medal—she showed what’s possible when you refuse to accept limits. She’s an inspiration not just to judokas, but to athletes in every sport.”

From Patient to Champion: The Science of Comebacks

Bertrand’s story aligns with growing research on the role of martial arts in rehabilitation. While her case is extreme, studies have shown that judo—with its emphasis on balance, core strength, and mental discipline—can be particularly effective for older adults recovering from illness or injury. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that judo practitioners over 50 exhibited better postural stability and cognitive function than their non-practicing peers, though Bertrand’s recovery is a more dramatic example of the sport’s potential.

For her, the benefits extended beyond the physical. “Judo is about more than throws and pins,” she said. “It’s about respect, perseverance, and never giving up. Those are the things that kept me going when I was at my lowest.”

The Road Ahead: National Championships and Beyond

Bertrand’s next challenge comes this June at the French Veterans Judo Championships, where she and her Yffiniac teammate Yann Le Meur will compete at the Institut National du Judo. The event, scheduled for June 22-23, 2026, will be a chance for Bertrand to build on her recent success and cement her status as one of France’s most inspiring athletes.

“I’m not done yet,” she said. “Every medal is a victory, but the real win is being here, healthy and strong, with people who believe in me. That’s what judo gave me—and that’s what I want to give back.”

Key Takeaways

• From Hospital Bed to Podium: Bertrand spent months hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications before turning to judo as rehabilitation.
• World Bronze Medalist: She won bronze at the 2024 World Veterans Judo Championships in Paris, competing in the 60-64 age category.
• Vice-Champion of France: Bertrand holds the title of vice-champion in the veterans’ under-50kg category.
• Inspiration Beyond Sport: Her story has resonated with athletes across disciplines, proving that recovery and competition are possible at any age.
• Next Challenge: She will compete at the French Veterans Judo Championships in June 2026.

FAQ

What is the World Veterans Judo Championships?

The World Veterans Judo Championships is an annual event organized by the International Judo Federation (IJF) for athletes aged 30, and above. It features competitors from dozens of countries across multiple age and weight categories. The 2024 edition in Paris drew over 2,300 judokas from 64 nations.

How does judo benefit older adults?

Judo emphasizes balance, flexibility, and mental discipline, making it a popular choice for older adults. Research suggests it can improve postural stability, cognitive function, and overall well-being. For Bertrand, it was likewise a tool for physical and emotional recovery after illness.

What’s next for Lila Bertrand?

Bertrand will compete at the French Veterans Judo Championships on June 22-23, 2026, at the Institut National du Judo in Paris. Beyond that, she remains focused on inspiring others through her journey and her continued participation in the sport.

How to Follow Bertrand’s Journey

For updates on Bertrand’s competitions and training, follow the Yffiniac Judo Club’s official Facebook page. The French Judo Federation (FF Judo) also provides coverage of veterans’ events and national championships.

Bertrand’s story is a reminder that sport is about more than medals—it’s about resilience, community, and the will to retain going. As she prepares for her next competition, one thing is clear: her journey is far from over.

What’s the most inspiring sports comeback you’ve ever witnessed? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media with #JudoComeback.