Romain VALADIER PICARD of France landed on the IJF World Judo Tour in 2021, incomes his first medal, a bronze within the Paris Grand Slam, an indication of incredible issues to come back. Earlier than this he had made the regular ascent, claiming Cadet and Junior European titles and since added a senior bronze to his assortment. As we speak, on day one of many 2025 Paris Grand Slam, he arrived and stood on high of the rostrum to listen to his nationwide anthem.
It was my first medal final time and it was an amazing pleasure however this medal is completely different, I’m extra skilled, and properly within the final ones I left with no medal, so this time with the gold medal, as well as it’s in Paris, and furthermore in opposition to a Japanese opponent. Final time it was my arrival to the senior degree and now it’s a affirmation that it’s my place. I’ve labored onerous for it and now I’m prepared for extra.
Generally when the battle is flowing and the expertise brewing, athletes could make a method look easy, and this at all times appears to be the case for Valadier Picard who threw his opposed, SEKIMOTO Kenta (JPN) not as soon as, however twice. First with uchi mata scoring waza ari, which was adopted up by a drop morote seoi nage that sealed his golden destiny.
Possibly it seems it, but it surely actually wasn’t! Not straightforward in any respect truly… I’ve labored loads in opposition to the profile of the Japanese, and I entered with the mentality that I need to speed up and be forward of him. They don’t wish to compete with ‘violence’, however it’s a preventing sport, and technically they’re very sturdy so I’ve to discover a technique to defeat them, not simply with expertise. I feel to defeat the Japanese athletes you need to put a number of vitality in to it, be very lively, and I managed to create this within the battle and I feel for this reason I succeeded.
In fact nobody enters the Paris Grand Slam with another need however to take a medal, however this 12 months, Valadier Picard was certain he can be standing on the rostrum it doesn’t matter what.
It was good, I used to be certain I might take a medal, however I needed extra. I used to be actually right here for extra and I wasn’t right here to lose the ultimate. It’s an enormous step for me, and I simply needed to win in opposition to the Japanese man. On the finish of the 12 months I went to Japan for 2 months, the primary was with a good friend and the second month I used to be alone, so it was actually vital for me to not let him previous me or be delayed, to at all times be one step forward.
With only a minute left on the clock, taking the rating can maintain a number of strain, forcing some in to an amazing defence mode, however as he explains, this has include a value up to now and now he is aware of higher.
I feel with expertise I handle my leads very properly, even when you could have the rating you need to hold going. I’ve already made the error of defending after a rating and I do know that is how one can misplaced a battle. I wish to suppose that I’ve not scored, to maintain being exact and look to throw.
It has been a tricky 12 months for the 22 12 months judoka, who was within the working for the Paris Olympic Video games, however was pipped by a group mate for the place.
I need to admit, now it’s a good feeling and a superb begin, however final 12 months I actually needed to go to the Olympic Video games. My dream stopped early within the 12 months in January so it was very onerous and I wanted to seek out inside sources to maneuver ahead. I wanted somewhat time to digest it, I used to be seven within the rating, however Luka Mkheidze was higher, he was third, and he succeeded with the silver medal in order that was that!
Now I solely wish to transfer ahead and begin once more.
Judoka
Romain Valadier Picard
Writer: Thea Cowen
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