A World Karate Champion at the University of Montpellier
At the most recent World Junior Karate Championships, held from November 12 to 15, 2015, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aurore Bourçois, a business administration student at the Institut Montpellier Management, competed in the individual women’s junior -48kg category.
The trip with the French national team lasted ten days: we left on Saturday, November 7, and returned on Tuesday, November 17, 2015—and we even brought home a beautiful bronze medal!
Aurore Bourçois: A Matter of Seconds… by ffkarate
So, Aurore, are you happy with your podium finish in Jakarta?
“"Making it to the world podium isn't easy, so yes, I'm happy to have made it onto the podium with this third-place finish, 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, I feel mostly satisfied. I’m trying to be content and celebrate this medal, even though I was, in fact, very disappointed after the semifinals 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?
“The championships went very well. We stayed at a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of Jakarta, where we were able to hold a few training sessions before the big day, since we arrived in Indonesia a few days before the start of the championships to acclimate to the country. There was also a great atmosphere within the French team, and the Indonesians gave us a very warm welcome.”.
Otherwise, I joined the French national team two years ago (2013), where I competed in my first World Championships in Spain and won the title of Junior World Runner-up. Then, in February 2015, I won the title of European Junior Champion in Zurich.”
How do you bounce back after a loss in the semifinals—especially against the Japanese player, who went on to become world champion?
“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 get us back in the game; they talk to us and re-motivate us by making us realize that third place is still a great achievement, and that it would be a shame to walk away empty-handed after such a long journey. I think it was my competitive spirit and my desire to win that allowed me to refocus for this final match of the day.”
How long have you been practicing karate? And competing?
““I started karate when I was five and a half; I didn’t start competing until later (around age 11 or 12).”
Is it easy to balance college studies with competitive sports?
“"No, it requires good organization and some sacrifices (like going out, for example). Since I train every night, I work a lot on the weekends. Still, I think being able to do both is a real strength, because I’m determined to succeed in both areas."
Did you receive support from ISEM before and during your competition?
““Yes, indeed, my teachers and the other students all offered me their encouragement and support before I left. And many of them congratulated me when I returned.”
And now: what’s next?
“I’ll be getting back into training soon because I’m moving up to the U-21/senior division and will need to prepare for national competitions like the Coupe de France, as well as international events such as the Paris Open next January.”
