Clarisse has been in Dakar for several days, meeting the young judoka whose own stories are only beginning. For athletes who have watched her compete and who celebrated her victories from afar, the opportunity to meet her brings a familiar champion into their everyday world. A conversation, a smile, a few encouraging words: these encounters can become memories that accompany them long after the Games.
Just minutes before the opening contests, it was Clarisse’s turn to step into the spotlight. Accompanied by two musicians, she took her place on the podium behind a drum to signal the beginning of the competition. With Senegalese colours around her and a broad smile on her face, she brought warmth and a sense of celebration to a moment the young athletes had been waiting for. The final preparations were over. It was time for judo.
“I am immensely proud to be here,” she said afterwards. “I am so happy to be here and to add this Athlete Role Model role to my achievements. I am delighted to meet the young judoka, our future champions. They all know me already and our exchanges have been really warm.”
There was something especially touching in hearing a champion with so many titles speak with such happiness about this new responsibility. Her presence in Dakar offers the young athletes a chance to see the person behind the medals: someone who understands their excitement, welcomes their questions and is pleased to share this occasion with them. In an arena full of ambition, that generosity has its own power.
Soon, the young judoka would hear their names called and walk towards the tatami. Some would win their first contests, others would face an early disappointment, but all would begin an experience from which they could learn and grow. Clarisse had helped welcome them to that moment with encouragement, music and joy.
The drum had sounded. A champion was smiling. Dakar’s young judoka were ready.