World Karate champion at Montpellier University
At the latest World Youth Karate Championships held from November 12 to 15, 2015 in Jakarta (Indonesia), Aurore Bourçois, a Management Sciences student at Institut Montpellier Management, fought individually in the Junior Women -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 fine Bronze medal!
Aurore Bourçois, a story of seconds..... by ffkarate
So, Aurore, are you satisfied with your podium finish in Jakarta?
"To reach a world podium is not an easy thing, so yes I'm happy to have been able to climb onto the podium with this 3rd place, even if the objective remained gold..."
Is it satisfaction that prevails with this bronze medal, or the regret of not having had a more brilliant medal?
"Looking back, I'm more satisfied than anything else, and I'm trying to be satisfied and happy with this medal, even if I was very disappointed after the semi-final to come so close to a final and even a world title.
How did the World Championships go? Was it your 1st major international competition?
"We stayed in a nice hotel on the outskirts of Jakarta, where we were able to do a few training sessions before D-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 group, and the Indonesians gave us a very warm welcome..
Otherwise, I returned to the French team two years ago (2013), where I took part in my first world championships in Spain and won the title of Cadet World Vice-Champion. Then, in February 2015, I won the title of European Junior Champion in Zurich.."
How do you get back into the swing of things after losing in the semi-finals to the Japanese, the future world champion to boot?
"It's not easy, but you have to quickly put your disappointment aside and refocus on the last remaining fight.
The coaches are also there to help us get back into the swing of things, talking to us and motivating us, making us realize that a third-place finish is just as much up for grabs, and that it would be a shame to go home with nothing after such a great run. I think it was my competitive spirit and my desire to win that got me motivated again for the last fight of the day."
How long have you been practicing and competing in karate?
"I started karate at the age of five and a half, competition came later (when I was around 11/12)."
How easy is it to combine university studies with top-level sport?
"No, it takes a lot of organization and sacrifice (going out, for example). As I train every evening, I work a lot at weekends. Nevertheless, managing to do both is a real strength I think, because I have the will to succeed in both areas."
You must have had support from ISEM before and during your competition?
"Yes indeed, my teachers and fellow students all gave me their encouragement and support before I left. And very many congratulated me on my return."
What's next?
"I'm going to start training again soon, as I'm now in the espoir (under 21)/senior category and will have to prepare for national competitions such as the Coupe de France, or international ones like the Paris Open next January".
