While today was the turn of the juniors to take to the mat for their continental championships, the six-time world champion and Olympic mixed team and double Olympic champion took the opportunity to visit several local judo clubs and get a glimpse of the city, before attending the final block of the day’s competition. She was accompanied by an AJU delegation led by Alfred Foloko, Vice-President, and the Angola Judo Association representatives. It was a packed schedule that gave her the chance to get a feel for a country that is clearly passionate about judo.
Clarisse’s visits to the clubs came one after another and allowed Clarisse to learn more about judo in the country, while also offering her the chance to meet local judoka. These young athletes had eyes only for the champion who, with great simplicity and her ever-present warm smile, shared a powerful message. This message centred on the desire to push beyond one’s limits and the importance of believing in one’s dreams and goals; it was well received.
Clarisse’s track record speaks for itself; there’s little more to be added. And yet, her humility and ability to connect with others on their level is truly striking.
“I was very pleasantly surprised by the number of athletes I met,” she said. “I was also encouraged by the dedication of each and every one of them. Clearly, there is a lack of resources, especially when compared either a country like France, but it’s heartening to see that solutions are being found and the will to train is very much there. I found the coaches to be deeply committed.
I was touched to see judoka lending their judogi to others so they could train. That kind of solidarity really warms the heart. I’m convinced that if African judo continues to develop like this and if we can bring more big names from the international judo scene here, we’ll be able to inspire even more of this young generation.
When I arrived, I sensed that the young people knew of me, at least by name, but often they had no real idea of what I had achieved. One young girl even started crying, so overwhelmed she was to see a world and Olympic champion among them.
We need to do more to help educate and inspire, to nurture that desire to improve. If we can instil a fighting spirit in these judo enthusiasts, Africa will be capable of great and wonderful things.
Here, as elsewhere, they are already doing so much with so little. I see it in my own country; we have everything and yet sometimes we lack the motivation. I truly believe there is enormous potential in Africa.”
In the coming days, Clarisse will be on the tatami alongside Nicolas Messner, Media Director and head of the Judo for Peace programme. Their mission? To spread passion and inspiration. Even before the masterclasses officially begin, it’s already clear it will be a success.