Amandine Buchard: From Judo to Rugby and the Journey to LA 2028

French judoka Amandine Buchard has officially outlined her ambitions for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, launching a unique athletic pathway that integrates high-level judo with elite rugby commitments under a structured dual-project initiative managed by Lakom Agency.

The announcement underscores a growing trend among elite multi-sport athletes aiming to expand their competitive horizons across Olympic cycles. Buchard, an established force on the international judo circuit, shared her forward-looking vision on social media alongside the hashtag #DoubleProjet, signaling a calculated shift toward preparing for the 2028 Summer Games in Southern California.

The Vision Behind the LA 2028 Dual Project

Dual-sport integration remains a demanding pursuit in modern Olympic sports, requiring precise physical conditioning and careful calendar management. According to public disclosures from Lakom Agency, the initiative is designed to support Buchard’s transition and preparation across both disciplines without compromising her competitive standing on the tatami.

The road to the Los Angeles Games presents unique scheduling hurdles. Athletes attempting to balance combat sports with team-based field sports must navigate contrasting physical demands, ranging from the explosive weight-class management of judo to the sustained aerobic endurance and collision-heavy nature of rugby.

Managing Transition and Training Demands

Elite judo competitors rely on precise grip fighting, throwing mechanics, and rigorous weight-cutting protocols. Transitioning elements of this training background into rugby union or rugby sevens requires developing open-field speed and handling skills unique to team sports.

While specific roster destinations or match debuts have not yet been formally announced by Lakom Agency, the strategic framework is firmly in place for a multi-year buildup. The partnership aims to leverage Buchard’s elite combat sports pedigree while building competitive rugby competence ahead of the 2028 Olympic cycle.

Next Steps on the Road to 2028

Stakeholders and fans can expect further updates regarding training camps, partnership announcements, and potential tournament appearances as the LA 2028 qualification window approaches. Official announcements will be coordinated through Lakom Agency and Buchard’s primary athletic representatives.

Amandine Buchard : "Je veux faire les JO de Los Angeles en Rugby à 7 et Judo"

Share your thoughts on this dual-sport transition in the comments below, and stay tuned for further updates as the journey toward Los Angeles continues.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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