The first wave of Olympic selections announced this fall has left some very strong athletes behind. This includes Julia Tolofua (+78kg), vice-world champion, who was injured in the shoulder and ultimately had to withdraw from the Paris Tournament this weekend at Bercy, and Romain Valadier-Picard (-60kg), who came third in the European Championships. They may become substitutes at the time of the Paris Olympics, and who knows, they may find themselves in the spotlight in case the current holder (Romane Dicko in heavyweight and Luka Mkheidze in under 60 kilograms) has to withdraw. How to recover from the disappointment? What goals should they set? Do they still dream of a stroke of luck that could send them to the Olympics?
Julia Tolofua: “Digested? I would say yes, a little yes. I am in a phase of rebuilding my morale. It was very difficult, very long, very tiring, and sad. I am taking the time to slowly rebuild my health and mental well-being. I didn’t want to come back to Insep. I wanted to get away from everything. We didn’t have time to talk to the management. I would like to have a discussion when we are rested. My family and friends helped me a lot. (We often saw her playing bowling on Instagram). Bowling helps me as much as my friends, we take the time to have fun.”
Romain Valadier-Picard: “Now it’s swallowed. It took me some time. It was a bit brutal for me. I thought the selectors would wait a little. I thought to myself maybe, but it didn’t happen. They explained to me the reasons, even if I don’t agree, I understand. It took me time to digest and move on. I lost in the first round at the Tokyo tournament (against the Japanese Takato). There I ruptured a ligament in my ankle. It was an accumulation. So I shaved my head (smile).”
The 2024 season with a European Championship and a World Championship before the Olympics.
Julia Tolofua: “I would say that 2024 will definitely be better than 2023 (when she was vice-world champion). There are competitions to go for, to win, to win gold at the championships, that will be my goal. I am definitely aiming to win more championships, even if the Olympic Games are not for me.”
Romain Valadier-Picard: “After my injury, I took a break from judo that did me good both physically and mentally. I managed to put aside the disappointment of the Olympics to focus on the other goals of the season: the European and World Championships. My goal is to be European champion or even world champion. We don’t rule anything out.”
Not being at the Olympics
Julia Tolofua: “Yes, anything can happen, but I don’t wish the worst for anyone. I don’t wish the worst for Romane (Dicko). I wish the best for everyone. At the moment, I am at 80% of my potential. When I come back, I won’t be giving any gifts.”
Romain Valdier-Picard: “I would have preferred to be number one. It’s better to be number two than number three. The plan is competition after competition, to bring out my best judo, to stand on the podium. Obviously, if I am European champion and world champion, it will be a very good year. Even if I will be upset about not going to the Olympics. It’s not done at all, I still have many steps to take, I am getting closer to standing on the highest step.”
Interview by Morgan Maury
