Two years ago, Kilian Le Blouch was in the coach's chair when Francis Damier delivered victory to Paris Saclay Judo in a breathtaking battle with Loïc Pietri. A success for the history books, as the Essonne-based franchise became the first to win the Judo Pro League. It was an emotional and proud moment," recalls FLAM 91's technical director. There was a real sense of togetherness and energy. In other words, a strong group dynamic, for a very pleasant experience.

Enough to make you want to try it again, as FLAM 91 has decided to do this season by taking part again, but this time under its own banner. Fifth in the eliminatory phase, the Essonne-based club, which will meet Auxerre Judo in the quarter-finals, can count on a group whose members, including Lou Lemire, Francis Damier, Ibrahim Keita, Noa Paul and Laura Fuseau, were already part of the adventure and the title win two years ago. The format and refereeing rules weren't quite the same," notes the Tokyo Olympic team champion. The fact remains that if we can win it, we won't hesitate," he smiles immediately. But it's the substance that interests me most, with the idea that my athletes can compete against the best in France, and that this event will showcase the discipline on a national level".
The Judo Pro League is an experience that Francis Damier, victorious in his only bout on the second day against Roméo Lévêque - a direct national rival - from JC Chilly-Mazarin Morangis, simply "loves". "I love team competitions. I'm in it right away. My victory two years ago, which enabled us to win the first edition, is one of the highlights of my career, as is the team event at the 2021 World Championships in Budapest. Compared to two years ago, I'm taking this edition as a new challenge, for at least one reason: I'm now in the +90kg category. For the moment, we're touring with Mathéo Akiana-Mongo in this category. If I have to fight, I'll give it my all. We all want to relive the emotions of 2022!"

Also on hand at the Paris Dojo on this illustrious December 17, Laura Fuseau, vice champion of France 2024 in +78kg, completes her teammate and friend's demonstration. "Two years ago, like everyone else, we discovered a new format with one or two evening matches. We had to adapt to an unusual context. But the fact that we took part and went through with the adventure gave us all a sense of direction, even if, as Kilian says, there have been changes. For my part, and for Francis too, we fight at the end of the meeting. Two years ago, we had a team of six fighters. Now there are ten. So, even more than in 2022, you have to be able to manage your stress and concentration, and accept the fact that you could potentially be the one to bring home the decisive point. I have to admit that it's more difficult this season, because the waiting time is longer. Similarly, the introduction of new rules, such as kinza, is a parameter to be taken into account in battle tactics that wasn't there when we won. So we have to adapt, but the experience we gained two years ago remains invaluable!"

 

About the Auxerre Judo vs Flam 91 match

The meeting between Auxerre Judo and FLAM 91 will pit the fourth-place finisher against the fifth-place finisher in the elimination phase. Both teams have identical records, with three wins and one defeat. FLAM 91 will be able to count on Chloé Devictor, who has been imperious since the start of this edition - four wins and four ippons in as many matches - as well as its +90kg players, Francis Damier (see above) and Mathéo Akiana-Mongo, recent bronze medallist at the 2024 French seniors championships in +100kg. On the Auxerre side, Étienne Delvert has won three and lost one of his four bouts in the -81kg class. In the -52kg category, the Auxerre team also has a strong asset in the shape of reigning French champion Julie Weill-dit-Morey. Her duel with the lightweights from Essonne, whether 2024 Olympic medallist in the -48kg class Shirine Boukli or Paris Grand Slam multi-medallist Astride Gneto, will set the tone right from the start. Finally, in the +90kg category, Yann Rigaud, fifth at the French senior championships, alternated effectively with Belgian international Toma Nikiforov. All the ingredients for a serene conclusion.