International Tournament of Saint-Dizier: Mélanie Legoux

The 44th International Judo Tournament in the city of Saint-Dizier kicked off on Saturday, April 4th, with juniors, seniors, and veterans taking the stage. While waiting for the entry of minors and cadets on Sunday, April 5th, starting from 9:30 am, the competitors from Haut-Marnais claimed numerous podiums, accompanied by first place titles. This year, the Dojo de La Noue opened its doors to judokas from distant lands, including the Caribbean.

The tournament served as a flagship event for club members. Melanie Legoux-Clement, a judoka from the Marnaval club and the poster girl of the Bragard club, stood out on Saturday, April 4th, during the first day of the international tournament held at the Dojo de La Noue.

Competing in the -52 kg category, she arrived late morning with the experience of her numerous medals from the French 1st Division Championships. After successfully navigating the pool phase, she found herself in the semifinals with two other Bragardes, Charlotte Fraipont and Delia Tizi Ougdal. She faced the former in the semis. Overwhelmed by her clubmate, Charlotte Fraipont quickly fell. The final, against Aiana Vandaele, who defeated Delia Tizi Ougdal, was equally straightforward. Melanie Legoux-Clement, on her first attempt, trapped her opponent in the corner of the tatami mat and emerged victorious with an ippon.

“I have an edge over the juniors in the group. I expected a tougher fight in the final. I sometimes train with Aiana (Vandaele), who is usually offensive, but I seized the opportunity she offered,” said a satisfied Melanie Legoux-Clement.

Six Haut-Marnais winners, nineteen podiums

Her club colleagues followed suit. In the +63 kg category, the final was an all-Brigarde affair. Sofia Ouali and Alyssa Atamna engaged in a fierce battle, with each attempting attacks. Ultimately, the former emerged victorious. “We know each other well, as we often train together. She made a small mistake, and I took advantage of it,” Sofia Ouali said with a smile.

In other first-place finishes, Ines Ouali claimed victory in the -57 kg category, and Fares Bouzid triumphed in the heavyweight category for men (+90 kg). The Bragard quickly secured the win in the final against Christian Kitoko, whom he had previously defeated in the pool phase, albeit with more difficulty.

It is also worth mentioning that Mael Redoute (-60 kg), in the colored belts category, and Chaumont’s Huseyin Turker (-73 kg), in the veterans category, emerged victorious.

Behind these six winners, the clubs from Marnaval, Chaumont, and Ornel in Haut-Marnais placed thirteen other judokas on the podiums.

The organizing club of this event managed to secure four second places and six third places. From the Chaumontais side, two judokas reached the 2nd step of the podium. Finally, the only member from the Ornel club to make it to the podium was Maxime Daire (-60 kg), with a second-place finish.

It’s an impressive record for the Haut-Marnais after just one day. The medal tally is expected to continue to grow on Sunday, April 5th, with the arrival of minors and cadets.

Yohan Bourrelier

y.bourrelier@jhm.fr

Martinique Welcomes at the Dojo de La Noue

This two-day tournament also had an international feel. Among the French and Belgians, some judokas traveled a long way, taking an eight-hour flight.

These athletes came all the way from Martinique to Saint-Dizier to represent their region and their clubs, which numbered four (CAM Riviere Pilote, A. Jeunesse et Culture du Marin, J. C. Schoelcher, and Samourai Club Californie). They weren’t just there for show. Just on the first day, the Martiniquais secured three gold medals and four bronze medals.

These noteworthy performances promise more podium finishes today, with the minors and cadets, according to Gilles Guilon, the coach of Samourai Club Californie: “From a numerical perspective, it is very positive. Today (Saturday, April 4th), we had three overclassed cadets, and they will be present again tomorrow (Sunday, April 5th). Two of them are in the lead, so it promises to be a great day. But, you never know.”

For now, the Bragard stay is going well for the Martiniquais delegation: “We arrived on Thursday and were very well received. We had time for two training sessions in recent days. We are slightly used to the jet lag as we participate in numerous competitions far from Martinique,” concluded the Martiniquais coach, who aims to bring back many memories and medals from Saint-Dizier.

Results of the Haut-Marnais

Saturday, April 4th

Females
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Males

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