She’s a tough character, one of the queens of the Bercy who can never ever be ruled out of the running. In 2011 her Paris title was mirrored by another of France’s heroes, the unique Lucie Decosse. This week, Tcheumeo continues to put herself under the spotlight of the World Judo Tour, in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Former teammate and now Audrey’s head coach, Lucie Decosse has much to say about Audrey’s longevity and energy, “I have seen her winning in Paris and also losing in Paris. I have seen her in the best form and have also seen her crying behind the scenes. She is a great symbol of not only determination but of the love of challenge, of competition.
Why does she continue, they ask, is it for money or sponsors? Is it maybe that she has nothing else? None of this is true! She has a full life with so many possibilities. She loves judo, she loves competition and she accepts that it will get harder and harder. But she is in great condition again, no injuries, and she has an excellent perspective about her own situation. She accepts the inevitable trajectory. She accepts that one day will be the last day but it is not today! She’s said she wants to go to LA and while so many have said it’s impossible, she asks why is it impossible? She is serious in training and knows exactly what is required."
Being at such a high level for so long and also being universally respected, what is the best aspect of Audrey? “She is here for everyone. In Paris this year, she even she made some fun cartoons for all the team members and posted them on our changing rooms. She is totally with the team and has been that way for the whole of her career. These sharing moments for her are necessary. She gives to the young and shares her spirit completely. I wasn’t like that at the end of my career. It’s very special.”
In Tbilisi, a happy, healthy, experienced and charismatic Audrey Tcheumeo will compete again. She is at home on every tatami, ready for every challenge and ready to share all judo has to offer with everyone around her.
