Not an easy draw in Tajikistan. For her last worlds in the junior category, the Niortaise Pauline Cuq inherited the Mongolian judokate Nandin-Erdene-Myagmarsuren from the 32nd in – 52 kg. The latter beat him in 2023 in the under 48 kg category. 19
In the event of victory on Wednesday October 2, the Dan licensee would face the Hungarian Luca Mamira, victorious in the fight for the bronze medal at the European Championships. The Frenchwoman then failed in 5th place.
A reference point to use better
Two tough future opponents “but not insurmountable”dit son coach Anthony Mortini. “She moved up in category this yearhe recalls. Pauline is not seeded. You must reach the quarter-finals to access the repechage. »
The medal is in the sights before moving to the big ones in 2025. “You have to try to take advantage of it and end on a good note. She obtained two European medals and one world medal among cadets, two European medals also in junior. We need to check this global box”insists his coach who hopes that his judokate “will take your time during fights. »
“Pauline, her reference point (I put) is at the rear left. But sometimes she abuses it, grants Anthony Mortini, remained on site, the fault of too high costs (1). His opponents expect a lot from him on this. And she sometimes plays this attack too quickly. » Powerful and enduring (she beat the record on an endurance exercise by a certain Clarisse Agbegnenou at Insep), Pauline Cuq no longer has to suffer the yo-yo effect in this new category.
Participations in major championships targeted
Among the seniors, she will continue in her club unlike Sandra Darbes Takam, who will compete on Friday, and Léonie Minkada-Caquineau. “We offer them the same services except the prestige of Parisian clubs”regrette Anthony Mortini.
He wants to lead Pauline Cuq to the European and world championships “medium term among seniors. » First test: the French championships at the beginning of November. “In France, Pauline moved to the seniors on September 1st. We must not waste time. »
The French queen is currently called Amandine Buchard who could favor rugby sevens over judo. Behind, the succession is open. And Pauline Cuq intends to be part of it.
(1) Pauline Cuq’s father made the trip for a cost of €1,800 (hotel and plane). Cédric Cuq will not even coach his daughter, taken care of by the coach of the France team.
2024-10-01 14:00:14