Special envoy to Tokyo
To discover
The full Olympic program
The Olympic medal table
When the referee sanctions you, what feeling goes through you?
Sarah Léonie-Cysique:
I admit that I was a little
confused
. Really, for me, I hadn't done any dangerous action and hadn't intended to do so at all. I thought it was for her that the dangerous action was going to be counted, hence a real feeling of injustice. After, unfortunately, it's sport. The referees judge according to their own vision. If for them I was the one who did the dangerous action, then I have no choice but to accept it, even if I don't agree with it. I can't referee myself anyway.
How did you manage this day, for your first Games, and more particularly this final?
After the semi-final, I was super happy to be sure to come away with a medal and I think it showed. I could not contain my emotions but after, in this final, I felt really good and I saw myself leaving with the gold medal. At the moment, I do not realize that I am Olympic vice-champion. It is only sadness that predominates. I blame myself a bit for not knowing how to take advantage of this moment. But I hope it gets better tonight and that I can savor.
You who are discreet and don't like being in the light too much, it's going to be difficult now…
(Smile) Yes, it's true. With the silver medal in my hands, I started to realize. An Olympic medal is worth all Grand Slam victories.
Despite your sadness, are you aware of what you have just done, at only 23 years old?
I am happy with my competition. It has been hard all year to train well, to find partners… Besides, I thank them because they were there all the time despite the sanitary conditions and it was not easy for the courses. Thank you to them and to them. I'm really happy, especially in the semi-finals where I was almost surprised to feel so good in the golden score. Even when she accelerated, I didn't panic and it's the second time this year that I've beaten her, it's very interesting.
We saw you wince during this semi-final…
Yes, I came out with pain in my hip but it was not on the side of my mowing leg so it was okay. And then unfortunately, despite my young age, I'm starting to get used to dealing with this returning pain. My state of mind also played a big role because it is about the Olympics, I could not let myself be overcome by doubt or fear. Especially since it is not a big injury. As long as I walk, I can fight and I just convinced myself that I was not in pain, that everything was fine. Even on one leg I would have gone.
Already three medals in judo, you are part of a winning team…
When Luka won his bronze medal, he put us in a good dynamic and in a good energy. I also really wanted to get on the podium like he did, and fight for it. He gave everything and behind, we all want to give everything too.