Between last year and this, Melkia has competed at 3 grand slams, including Paris, giving her the chance to soak up the atmosphere at the Bercy, not dissimilar from the noise and vibrations of the Kasri Tennis Arena in Tajikistan, albeit on a different scale. She has learned a lot in the past 12 months, enough to give her the fortitude to retain her title regardless of the quality of the opposition.
In the final, an exhausting trial which went deep into golden score, competing against an Olympian and senior European medallist, Melkia somehow found the energy to do what needed to be done, when the risks were most pronounced, “I wasn’t thinking, my body just did what it did. My spirit was struggling. I really did all I could here in Tajikistan and I’m so proud."
"To face Russo (ITA) again, I knew she would be in the final against from the start of the day. I wasn’t so sure about me!” Russo and Auchecorne fought the same final at the 2023 European Championships Juniors but with a different result. “She is so strong. Following the draw, when I saw we were not in the same pool, we both knew it could happen again. She has many qualities so it’s a high level contest and also a pleasure to fight her."
"This event has been great. My coach from our club, Chelles Judo near Paris, came to watch me. It was an exciting event for us as we also had Alya De Carvalho competing, from our club. She is also strong and although she lost, I’m not worried for her. She has great judo and will be more than ok.”
At 20 years old, Melkia’s junior career is now closed and although she has already tested the water, a full dive into the senior category is now obligatory, “I’m a bit scared but also excited about going to seniors. I will have to be patient and see what’s waiting for me. Before that, the team event in Dushanbe is next and I’m really excited to fight for Team France on Sunday.”
Double world champions at any age are not common. Auchecorne is already in an elite group and she knows how to hold her nerve for the long haul.