It is true that she is not afraid, but she also knew how to bide her time, she who was deprived of competition for many months due to back pain due to nervous irritation and who, during her back on the tatami mats, fought with a broken elbow as soon as he entered the World Juniors. It was the end of 2021! Since then, Alessia joined the Army as a high-level athlete and finds herself in the “big leagues”…
Alessia, what feelings are driving you before this first Euro?
“I'm very happy and very proud! This is a first achievement. There are others, of course, like the World Cup, but I'm not the type to skip ahead. Let's see what happens here, in Zagreb…”
Which result earned you the selection, fifth place in Györ or seventh in Antalya?
“I think it's a bit of both, but obviously I scored points in Antalya, a Grand Slam, where I had five fights. I think I took a step forward. Not just those last three months because there are years before, during which there is work. Last year was very complicated for me But, after the internship in December, in Japan, I approached this season. by focusing better on the competitions I was better prepared, both physically and mentally. I felt the confidence from the federal staff and, in particular, from Cédric Taymans who was very present in the few. moments of weakness which still sometimes haunt me.”
With five competitions under your belt this year, that’s not bad…
“It's a change from my last seasons, where I suffered from injuries, notably my elbow and my knee. So, knock on wood. For the moment, everything is fine.”
What is your goal in Zagreb?
“I still hope to get a medal, but I have to keep my feet on the ground. I'm not among the favorites for a podium. If things go badly, I'll get back to work. And I'll come back next year. But , until then, I am still registered in mid-May, in Kazakhstan, and who knows for the World Cup I feel that they have confidence in me and that they have decided to offer me my chance. A competition like a Grand Slam is a different level than what I've experienced so far. It's more serious, better organized, but I'm not impressed. And then I'm not impressed. , there are especially the opponents. There, I reach the high level, what's more with the prospect of the Paris Games, everyone is looking to qualify.”
“When I get on the tatami, my opponent has two arms and two legs, like me.”
Paris 2024 comes too soon for you. On the other hand, you will aim for Los Angeles 2028…
“Clearly, that's the goal! I will do everything I can to be there. For several years, I have been integrated into the high-level French-speaking group and I follow the training plans. I train in Louvain- la-Neuve, while still living in Liège, emotionally, I need to have my family and my friends around me. They contribute to my balance.
Have you already taken a look at the entry list for this Euro? How do you approach the draw?
“I look at the draw as soon as it comes out because it doesn't disturb me. I see which opponents I will take. Without analyzing. I leave it to Cédric Taymans to take care of it. On the day of the competition, we discuss the tactics. I specify: without planning for the future, I take it fight by fight.”
What is your strong point in judo?
“I think it's instinct, spontaneity. I don't think too much. I know what I can achieve and also what I can't. I try to be as relaxed as possible. When I go up on the tatami, my opponent has two arms and two legs, like me. The beauty of judo is that you can win and lose against everyone. I prefer to score standing up. on the ground, which is not my strong point, I manage, but I prefer to lift them and tackle them to the ground. It's a really incredible feeling.
Toma Nikiforov: “More reactions with reality TV than with judo, unfortunately…”
