A Karate World Champion at the University of Montpellier
At the last World Youth Karate Championships, held from November 12 to 15, 2015, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aurore Bourçois, a Management Sciences student at the Montpellier Management Institute, competed individually in the Junior Women's -48kg category.
The trip with the French team lasted ten days: departure on Saturday, November 7, and return on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, with the added bonus of a beautiful bronze medal!
Aurore Bourçois, a story of seconds... by ffkarate
So Aurore, are you satisfied with your podium finish in Jakarta?
“Reaching the world podium is no easy feat, so yes, I'm happy to have made it onto the podium with this third place, even though the goal was still gold...
Is it satisfaction that prevails with this bronze medal, or regret at not having won a more prestigious medal?
“Looking back, satisfaction prevails. I try to be content and rejoice in this medal, even though I was very disappointed after the semi-final to have come so close to a final or even a world title.
How did the world championships go? Was this your first major international competition?
“These championships went very well. We stayed in a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of Jakarta, where we were able to do some training before the big day, as we arrived in Indonesia a few days before the start of the championships to acclimatize to the country. There was also a very good atmosphere within the French team, and the Indonesians gave us a very warm welcome..
Otherwise, I joined the French team two years ago (2013), where I competed in my first world championships in Spain and won the title of World Junior Vice Champion. Then in February 2015, I won the title of European Junior Champion in Zurich..”
How can you regroup after losing in the semifinals to Japan, the future world champions?
“It's not easy, you have to quickly put your disappointment aside and refocus on the last remaining fight.
The coaches are also there to get us back on track. They talk to us and motivate us by making us realize that third place is also a great achievement, and that it would be a shame to leave empty-handed after such a great run. I think it was my competitive spirit and my desire to win that enabled me to refocus for the last fight of the day.”
How long have you been practicing karate? And competing?
“I started karate at the age of five and a half, and began competing later (around the age of 11 or 12).
Is it easy to balance university studies and high-level sports?
“No, it requires good organization and sacrifices (such as giving up going out). Since I train every evening, I work a lot on weekends. Nevertheless, I think that managing to do both is a real strength, because I have the will to succeed in both areas.
You must have had support within ISEM before and during your competition?
“Yes, indeed, my teachers and fellow students all offered me their encouragement and support before I left. And many of them congratulated me when I returned.
And now: what are the next deadlines?
“I will quickly resume training because I am now moving up to the junior (-21) / senior category and will have to prepare for national competitions such as the Coupe de France, or international competitions such as the Paris Open next January.”
