Huge headache in perspective! Six months before the Olympic Games, some categories leave little room for suspense as to who will represent France in Tokyo. Thus, in less than 63kg, Clarisse Agbegnenou has for (very) long extinguished any idea of internal competition. On the other hand, in the under 78kg category, the French staff is preparing to live a painful choice as the girls shine there. Thus, in a tournament as high as the Grand Slam in Paris, three of them rose to the semi-finals. If Audrey Tcheuméo finally failed at the foot of the podium, the first two steps were blue-white-red. By dominating - at the penalty game - Fanny-Estelle Posvite, Madeleine Malonga has at the same time consolidated her first place in the world ranking, but also her hexagonal number 1 status after her title of world champion last year.
Marie-Eve Gahié, half fig and half grape
In the under 70kg category, Marie-Eve Gahié, the reigning world champion, seems to have definitely outdistanced Margaux Pinot this Sunday. Even if Gahié could regret his two final defeats, the first in the half against the Japanese Saki Niizoe who clearly dominated her, before undergoing another, during the fight for third place, against the Swedish Anna Bernholm, who gave him a magnificent arm key. A halt that she will have to manage intelligently in view of Tokyo, where she will be eagerly awaited. Pinot, she, had dominated the Belgian Roxane Taeymans on ippon for her introduction, before getting caught in the tatami as of her next fight by losing against the Greek Elisavet Teltsidou for three penalties. Already in unfavorable waivers, it would now take a grand succession of victories to see the 26-year-old judokate come and threaten the status of Gahié.
Nothing stops Romane Dicko
Finally, in the 78kg + category, the good surprise came from Romane Dicko. After having eaten his black bread for a long time due to multiple physical glitches, the one that had been presented - a little quickly - like the future Teddy Riner in the feminine has found colors in recent weeks. Victorious at the Tel Aviv Grand Prix a fortnight ago, the 20-year-old judokate went on with a new title, her first in a Grand Slam. With the way that is more for her who admits "having enjoyed this Bercy atmosphere". A perfect day with six fights, six successes per ippon and an impression of ease and impressive power. In a category of heavy orphan since the retirement of the Olympic champion from Rio Emilie Andéol, Dicko has a boulevard in front of her.
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