Clarisse, you remain on a defeat against the Japanese Nami Nabekura during your last competition. What inspires you when approaching this Paris tournament?
Clarisse Agbegnenou: I'm going to surprise you, but somewhere, it feels good. Already, it makes me want to quickly set the record straight. Then, it allows me to release the pressure from this series of invincibility a little. For me, defeat is part of judo and I never considered myself invincible. Except that some people, they saw me like that. So it's always good to fall in order to be able to start off better. It pushes me to move forward. Without forgetting that we often progress more after a defeat. I hope this progression will be seen in Paris.
For four years, you have dreamed of the Olympic title and in the eyes of many, you must win it given your record. How do you manage this wait?
I don't see it as pressure. Every athlete aspires to one day win the Games. Besides, I just miss this Olympic title. So I think I would have more desire than all my opponents. I want to do everything to get it.
Is this Paris tournament a kind of rehearsal before Tokyo?
Yes, we can say that. It's like a rehearsal during which I can make a few mistakes, the goal being to be perfect on D-Day in Tokyo. I have to take advantage of this tournament to try things out, to refine others.
"Sometimes, it just lacks a little secret boot to live a final of less than eleven minutes"
Physically, how is your hip?
Like that of an old lady (laughs) But I pamper it and we're going to go together to the Games, I don't care.
How many competitions have you scheduled before the Games?
For the moment, I have not planned much. Of course, there is this Paris tournament and the European Championships (from May 1 to 3). After, we will see according to my feelings. Nothing is stopped. I want to train and when we compete, we reduce the workloads in order to be in shape during them. Today, I prefer to favor sessions where I can work on new aspects.
Does this mean that you plan to surprise your opponents?
You will see that in a few months (smiles). More seriously, now it's possible to see videos of my fights everywhere on Youtube and I'm not going to totally change my judo or do miracles. Sometimes, it just lacks a little secret boot to experience a final of less than eleven minutes (smile). That would be more than enough for me.
"I play a combat sport, so I know there will be pain from time to time."
Do you fear injury?
I think the more you think about it, the more likely it is to happen. We must act, not think. Even if, when I feel a small point somewhere, I will take it into account more during training by forcing a little less. But otherwise, it is impossible for several months to walk on eggs without breaking them. I do a combat sport, so I know there will be pain from time to time. For the rest, I have experience, I do not injure myself often and I know that the injuries often come from fatigue or poor nutrition. So on these two points, yes, I would be even more vigilant.
Do you dream of being a standard bearer in Tokyo?
I don't want to sound pretentious in saying this, but I really wish I could play this role. I want to show the way to other athletes. After, four years after Teddy (Riner) it would mean that it would still be judo but I think that for such a function, one does not choose according to the sport but to the personality and the prize list. So vote for me because I'm going to make you laugh (laughs).
The J-100 is approaching, it will be in April. Does this date mean anything to you?
Honestly, I probably wouldn't think about it. If you don't tell me the same day ... Life goes so fast and there are so many things in my life that I doubt I would think about it. Already I happen to forget the birthdays of some of my friends then ...
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