2023-04-21 12:23:57
Published on :
For a year, Laura Rasoanaivo, a young 19-year-old Malagasy, has been winning a string of victories: gold medalist at the Luanda Open in early April, double gold medalist at the Tunis Open in March. Laura will defend her title of junior African champion, at home on the Big Island, next July. But before that, the senior world championships await in Doha, mid-May, the champion who dreams of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.
From our correspondent in Antananrivo,
It’s 8 a.m. this Thursday, April 20, at the Judo Club Saint Michel dojo. After having completed an hour of split race, Laura Rasoanaivo is now chaining falls on the tatami, under the watchful eye of her coach Mamy. Weighted sheathing, power, explosiveness.
Laura Rasoanaivo is 19 years old and on April 11 she became the world number 1 junior in judo in less than 70 kg, giving her country for the first time in its history, all sports combined, a place of world leader.
The young woman with the sparkling almond gaze, performs the sequences, concentrated. ” I started judo at 10 years old, it was really out of curiosity. I didn’t think I would go far. I completely loved it, and I continued. I am constant, I am really constant in what I do. For 10 years, I do not stop until now. I have no pressure at all. »
« Laura knows what she wants »
But make no mistake. Behind her calm and her apparent gentleness, Laura Rasoanaivo is a veritable bubbling volcano. ” When I put on my kimono, it’s just the warrior mode in me that activates. Aggressiveness, determination, it’s like a movie, as if I had a power when I get on the tatami. It’s something I love, it’s passion, rage! And I have a mind of steel. »
A mental strength that praises his trainer, Mamy Randriamasinoro. “Compared to other African judokas, she is very new, so she has no apprehension, she is not afraid of anyone. Laura’s strong point is determination. Laura knows how to train alone. Laura knows what she wants. Laura has big ambitions. And so suddenly, we believe in it, it can go far. The main objective is to qualify for the Olympics. Now, before we get to that, we set ourselves a medal for the African Junior Championships, getting on the podium for the Senior African Championship, and then being on the podium for the Junior World Championship in October in Portugal. »
“Aim high, aim far”
The athlete’s next big fight will be May 11, in Qatar, for the Senior World Championships. A competition that the student in 2ᵉ year of physiotherapy, apprehends with a disconcerting relaxation. “ Junior is between 18 and 21, so that’s my real category. I fight as seniors rather for the qualification for the Olympics. It’s a big challenge, but at the same time, I don’t have too much pressure. I just can’t wait to see where I am and can’t wait to play in the big leagues and see where I fit. To find myself a little. I really try to aim high, aim far. The spotlight is kinda on me. But I’m ready to cash in. And to live what I have to live. » And this, even if the conditions of preparation are far from obvious. ” What we lack is everything. »
Lack of sparring partner for randori (training), lack of internships abroad, lack of training places in Tana, lack of funding. Laura is an athlete who fights, for the moment, with unequal weapons with her adversaries and never complains. A lesson in bravery and tenacity.
« I am convinced that in a country like Mada, where half the population is under 19, there are nuggets and potential “little Lauras”, in several disciplines, just waiting to be identified. Unfortunately, the system does not allow it. And it’s also the message we’re trying to get across through Laura’s exploits, it’s to be able to raise all possible awareness, to turn to youth and that sport is a tremendous lever for development for the country. »
A country that is already vibrating for its new little queen of judo, won over by her disarming simplicity and smile.
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