“A huge relief and a childhood dream come true. » For Margot Pinault, this first world judo title, won on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, is far from trivial. At 30, the Frenchwoman has come a long way since a domestic violence incident two years ago and then her withdrawal from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She won the world champion title against her compatriot Marie-Eve Gaye. The athlete who will represent Les Bleues in the up to 70 kg category at the Olympic Games. After her title, Margot Pinault’s emotions were palpable. “This was a title I wanted to achieve since I was a child. It fills the disappointment of not making it to the Olympics. I’m very proud. »
She learned that she would not participate in the Olympic Games at the end of 2023, three years after the Olympic gold won by the teams in Tokyo. The price of missing the start of the season, especially during the European Championships in Montpellier, where she found herself when she defeated Marie-Eve Gaye at the same time. But as soon as the disappointment passed, Margot Pinault got back on her feet.
“I think I have developed enough abilities to recover from difficulties, both personal and sporting. When I learned about my selection for the European and World Championships, I immediately switched gears. I focused on that, kept working and putting things in place. »
Prior to this title is in Abu Dhabi, which she sees as a sanctification of the work done in recent months. With her club PSG still under contract for another year, she will now be able to process this season, which is coming to an end for her. “I’m about to catch my breath. There will be Games, I will be next to my boyfriend (Alpha Djalo) who makes them. I’m going to take some time off and then we’ll see when I come back. »
“One title is more than enough for me”
Until then, perhaps she’ll allow herself to celebrate that gold medal, even if the weather in the United Arab Emirates isn’t necessarily cooperating: “It’s a little hot, but I’ll have a little glass. I will also call my parents and thank the people dear to me. There are still team competitions ahead, so I need to stay focused. »
Margot Pinault will finally be able to breathe and enjoy the fresh air after the trials she has had to go through in recent years. Two years ago, she accused her ex-partner Alain Schmitt of domestic violence. The case received widespread publicity and the 40-year-old man was eventually released.
“Two years ago I was at my lowest point. I had to return to my place due to some minor personal problems. I had to go back to the mat,” Margot Pinault told AFP on Tuesday after her world title.
At 30, the Frenchwoman takes the opportunity to take stock of her career, even if it is not yet over: “I’m not going to repeat ten years, but we’ll see if we want to. I don’t think I’ll make it to Los Angeles in 2028. I don’t have the ability to win many titles because I don’t think I can become a five-time world champion. But one title is more than enough for me. »
Source: Le Parisien
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