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Khadijah Cherifou, une athlète prometteuse du caen Athletic Club (CAC), se prépare à participer aux Championnat de France Elite en salle (60m) qui se dérouleront les 22 et 23 février 2025 à Miramas, dans les Bouches-du-Rhône. À peine quelques jours après sa performance aux Championnats de France U23, elle nourrit de grandes ambitions.
Un parcours déjà impressionnant
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À seulement 21 ans, Cherifou a déjà fait ses preuves en remportant la médaille de bronze lors des Championnats de France U23 à Nantes, il y a deux semaines. Elle déclare : Mon objectif sera de potentiellement améliorer mon record personnel et, sait-on jamais, si la chance est présente, de me qualifier pour la finale.
Même si je m’améliore, j’ai toujours eu du mal à gérer mon stress. Si bien que mon départ a été poussif et, par conséquent, moins bon que celui des autres concurrentes.
Une athlète déterminée
Malgré ses défis,Cherifou a affiché le meilleur temps des engagés avant la compétition. Je savais ce que je pouvais faire et cela me mettait en confiance, raconte-t-elle. Je venais pour l’or.Je reste sur ma faim, mais je suis contente du résultat et de ce que j’ai accompli.
Depuis le début de sa carrière, il y a trois ans, Cherifou a quasiment toujours été présente aux compétitions nationales.
Quand j’étais plus jeune, j’étais très sportive. Je faisais du judo, de l’équitation et du cross de temps en temps. J’ai toujours couru vite.
Après une pause dans le sport durant son adolescence, elle a choisi de se concentrer sur l’athlétisme à son arrivée à Caen pour ses études. Actuellement en année sabbatique, elle déclare : J’ai choisi l’athlétisme car je savais que j’avais déjà des prédispositions. J’ai un nouvel entraîneur depuis le mois de septembre [Stéphane Lepoittevin, ndlr] et il est très investi.Je ne m’attendais pas à atteindre ce niveau.Quand je l’ai compris, j’ai commencé à prendre les choses au sérieux.
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Khadijah Cherifou: From Caen to Championnats de France Elite – An Expert’s Take
Time.news: Today, we’re diving into the world of French athletics and a rising star, Khadijah Cherifou. Joining us is sports performance analyst, Dr. Anya Sharma, to discuss Khadijah’s journey to the Championnats de France Elite en salle. Dr. Sharma,welcome!
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to talk about Khadijah.
Time.news: Khadijah Cherifou, representing Caen Athletic Club (CAC), is preparing for the Championnats de France Elite en salle (60m) in Miramas. This comes shortly after winning a bronze at the Championnats de France U23 in Nantes. What does this rapid progression tell us about Khadijah’s potential in the French athletics scene?
Dr. Sharma: This rapid turnaround and success at both levels indicates a significant upward trajectory. To medal at the U23 level and then immediately compete at the Elite championships shows her dedication and an accelerated growth curve. It suggests she has a high ceiling and is adapting well to the pressures of competition. Her presence at the Championnats de France Elite underscores the possibility of her becoming a prominent figure in French sprinting.
time.news: The article highlights that Khadijah achieved the “meilleur temps des engagés” (best time of entrants) prior to the U23 competition. however, she also acknowledges struggling with stress, affecting her starts. How common is this challenge among athletes, and what are some strategies for managing it effectively?
Dr. Sharma: Performance anxiety and difficulty managing stress are incredibly common, even at the highest levels of sport.The pressure to perform can be debilitating. Strategies vary, but often include visualization techniques, mindfulness exercises, and working with a sports psychologist to develop coping mechanisms. Focusing on process goals rather than outcome goals can also alleviate some of the pressure. In Khadijah’s case, refining her pre-race routine could improve her starts and reduce anxiety.
Time.news: Khadijah mentioned she chose athletics because she recognized her natural predispositions and that her new trainer, Stéphane Lepoittevin, has been very influential. What role does coaching play in an athlete’s development, especially at this crucial stage of their career?
Dr. Sharma: Coaching is paramount. A good coach provides not only technical expertise but also strategic guidance, emotional support, and helps the athlete develop a strong mental game. It sounds like Stéphane’s investment has been key in Khadijah’s recent progress. The right coach recognizes an athlete’s strengths, addresses their weaknesses, and tailors training programs to maximize their potential. A strong coach-athlete relationship built on trust and open communicationis essentiel to succeeding in athletics.
Time.news: Khadijah’s journey included a break from sports during adolescence before returning to athletics in Caen. Could you speak to the importance of cross-training and a varied athletic background for young athletes?
Dr. Sharma: A varied athletic background, as Khadijah demonstrates with her experience in judo, equitation, and cross-country, actually builds a more resilient and adaptable athlete. Cross-training develops different muscle groups and motor skills, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and contributing to overall athleticism. Her diverse background gave her a solid foundation, setting her up for success when she chose to focus on athletics later in life.
Time.news: Any final thoughts on khadijah’s chances at the championnats de France Elite and her future in athletics?
Dr. Sharma: Khadijah has a promising career ahead of her. Her determination, combined with a strong work ethic and quality coaching, puts her in a great position to make a name for herself. The Championnats de France Elite will be a valuable experience, irrespective of the outcome, and will help her to improve her performance. With continued focus and support, she has the potential to consistently perform et the highest level of French athletics.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s been incredibly informative.We wish Khadijah Cherifou the best of luck at the Championnats de France Elite!
