LE FIGARO. - Judokas and judokates of the French team can train again at Insep. What is your feeling?
Jean-Luc Rougé: It's very nice. I would have preferred to see them in kimono and on a tatami obviously, but you have to be patient. The situation is not fully satisfactory but symbolically, it has a strong meaning. We look forward to the moment when our athletes can grab each other again.
»READ ALSO - Without Teddy Riner but with a smile, judo opened the ball at Insep
What arrangements were made during confinement to allow this return?
We had delivered training equipment to those who had room at home. For those who had a garden, it was easier. For the others, it is obvious that this return to Insep sounds like a breath of fresh air. But very quickly, they will want to feel human. Judo remains a combat sport. This morning (Monday, note), I spoke with deputies to consider a resumption of judo with a mask at first. Our athletes have been tested and if internally we stabilize the different training groups, if we limit interactions, I think that this resumption of judo activity must be able to be carried out quickly.
"No sport offers 100% protection"
Judo is a contact sport. Are you afraid that at the start of the school year, parents will keep their children away from their practice for fear of the virus?
It's possible, even if I don't see a lot of differences with handball, football or rugby. No sport offers 100% protection. You have to be reasonable. 65% of our licensees are under 12 years old and if we manage to make them stay well with each other, as is the case at school, this would already be an important step. We have already established many protocols, with parents who do not stay around the carpet, masked coaches, smaller groups and impeccable hygienic conditions.
Will there be a Covid-19 before and after for the practice of judo?
It will not change in principle. In judo, we have always learned hygiene, to have short nails, clean hands and feet. It is in the nature of this sport. This health crisis will push us to accentuate them. And at the start of the school year, parents will decide, knowing that not all children will be able to do archery (smile).
Read also
- Without Teddy Riner but with a smile, judo opened the ball at Insep
