Let's Make Our Way / IJF.org

Catherine 'Cathy' Arnaud is a legend of French and world judo, a double world champion (Essen, Germany, 1987 and Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 1989), Olympic medallist (demonstration event in Seoul 1988) and quadruple European champion, no less. This makes her one of the most decorated French judoka. Although her career as a high-level judoka is now behind her, Cathy is nonetheless very involved in the development of judo. She is still in charge of veteran judo and was in Las Vegas in November for the 2024 Veteran World Championships.

As we prepare to celebrate International Women's Day (8th March), Cathy, whose competence is matched only by her kindness, looks back on the elements that have guided her to stay in the world of judo and that can attract millions of girls and women around the world to the sport.

"It's all about staying close to judo, we have to find ways to keep women involved so that they stay in the sport, simply because they can flourish there.

I think the most important thing is to find your place in the group. Human beings are social animals, we need others to move forward in life; we need the group! I really believe that judo offers all the guarantees for us women to find our place there.

I don't think we need to do something 'special' for women. By that I mean, understand me well, that they must above all be treated like everyone else; no discrimination! It facilitates integration.

Offering women the possibility of staying in judo is talking to them about the objective. What can they get out of it, for what benefit? And above all, how can they have fun? So, as a woman, I want to be treated according to my goals, I don't anything to be imposed on me. If I'm here to integrate with society, that should be it and nothing else. If I'm here to compete, it's the same thing. If I'm here to learn to defend myself, it's the same. If I'm here to simply have fun, let that be the goal.

Personally, what convinced me to stay in judo is that very quickly, I felt like I belonged to a family and whatever the medals and results, it's a golden family. I made friends there, brothers and sisters of the heart. I met training partners who helped me grow.

Judo is an individual sport, that's a fact, but we are nothing without the group, without mutual support. When I was a young judoka, until I was 17, my progression was easy. It was after that I appreciated having this new judo family by my side. In the French team, despite the competition, we all wanted to get there, to all together make a place for ourselves."

Cathy Arnaud made a place for herself and continues to maintain it for the greatest happiness of all the judoka who cross her path.