The French delegation was led by Cathy Arnaud, double world champion (Essen 1987 and Belgrade 1989) and bronze medallist at the first appearance of women's judo at the Games (Séoul 1988). She was accompanied by Madeleine Malonga, Romane Dicko, Axel Clerget, Cyrille Maret and Guy Delvingt, whose complete list of achievements would not be possible in one article.
For 48 hours, the champions were able to talk with school children, visit a hospital and take part in a massive judo session with the region's clubs, under the expert gaze of Kodomo, the famous judo mascot for young people. All was managed under the leadership of Frédéric Lecanu who has been running major educational judo operations for many years.
Cathy Arnaud explains, "This is the 47th time I have taken part in the Champions' Itinerary; I have not missed an episode. Each time it is a different emotion. It allows us to see how judo is developing locally, in the clubs. It is very interesting. Here in Strasbourg, I am struck by the whole organisation which is close to perfection. It is one of the best events I have ever taken part in. It gives us the opportunity to meet up with all our colleagues to talk about judo." In a few weeks, Cathy will lead the French delegation that will take part in the Veterans World Championships in Las Vegas.
Madeleine Malonga, world champion (Tokyo 2019), Olympic silver medallist (Tokyo 2020) and double Olympic mixed team champion (Tokyo and Paris), was very happy to be there, "I really enjoyed being back on the tatami. I have started training again slowly but today it was something different, something very important for our sport. Seeing the public and the young judoka again after the Paris games is a highlight. Seeing all these happy faces who are thrilled to see us warms the heart. They saw us on TV and now they see us in real life."
Axel Clerget, world medallist and Olympic mixed team champion (Tokyo 2020), knows Strasbourg well, as he often had the possibility to train there. "It's an incredible emotion and a real return to the source; honestly, it's really cool to do this. Each time we meet different audiences. Between visits to schools, retirement homes, hospitals and events like today, we see to what extent judo is an inclusive discipline. We can give back to society everything judo has offered us. Finding myself in Strasbourg, I have a special emotion while meeting up with many former players.”
Romane Dicko, world champion, double individual Olympic medallist and double Olympic mixed team champion, measures how far she has come, "It really makes me very happy after the crazy summer we've had. For the children and their parents too, being able to see our medals and to be able to talk to and practise judo with us is extraordinary. It's all about sharing. Seeing so many stars in everyone's eyes gives me a lot of happiness. Sharing is in our DNA as judoka."
Cyrille Maret, double world medallist and Olympic medallist participated in more than thirty editions of the Champions' Itinerary, "Since I ended my sports career, I have often participated in these events. Going to the territories to talk about our values is very important. Meeting people who suffer from illness or age-related challenges brings us back down to earth. It is very enriching for them, but also for us. Sport brings us together and that is the most important thing."
Guy Delvingt is a pillar of French judo. Having participated in the Olympic Games in 1984 in Los Angeles and after a brilliant sports career, he was coach of the French women's team for many years. Giving back to judo everything he has received is also part of his values, "With Cathy, we are the pillars of these operations and it is very pleasant to meet young athletes. We have trained some and admired the results of others. With this meeting with the public, it is intergenerational, which is our strength. We go everywhere in France, each edition having its own approach but in the end we find ourselves on the tatami around the same values and with the same philosophy. It is a great promotion for our sport and it delivers a great image of judo."
There were many images taken during this Strasbourg meeting because even if everything was organised for the happiness of the children, their club coaches, teachers and parents also enjoyed sharing a little of this exquisite judo recipe. The itinerary must still make three stops before the end of the year, enough to put even more stars in the eyes of the participants and of the champions.
