A torrent of tears.
And seconds that drag on to resemble minutes.
Madeleine Malonga could not hide her emotion and sadness in front of
France Télévisions
cameras
after her final lost against the Japanese Shori Hamada, victorious at home on Thursday.
World number one and legitimately favorite, the 27-year-old Frenchwoman was surprised from the start of the fight to ultimately never find a solution to her opponent.
So, at the time of appearing in front of our colleagues, the judokate broke down in tears.
Inconsolable.
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I will digest this and see you again for Paris 2024
Madeleine Malonga
“
I am really disappointed. I might realize after that it's a great medal, but I wanted so badly to win. It represents so many years of work, and we know that this is an opportunity that may present itself only once in a lifetime. I think I defended well at the start, then I don't know, I moved and let go of my leg, thinking I could get up. It's okay… I really wanted to thank my club, Alain who supported me throughout this day. I wanted so much to bring back this medal for the city of Blanc-Mesnil which supports me. Hope you are not too disappointed
», She was able to explain after several difficult seconds, overwhelmed by emotion and unable to pronounce a single word. And the Frenchwoman to conclude with a touch of optimism and already revenge before leaving the place, unhappy: "
I will digest that and see you again for Paris 2024
".