From the discovery of para-taekwondo via “La Relève” to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Sophie Caverzan’s trajectory is impressive. The sportswoman has established herself in a few years at the highest international level, while remaining attached to her training club of Lagardelle-sur-Lèze.
Sophie Caverzan had never practiced taekwondo when she discovered the discipline in 2020 thanks to the “La Relève” program, a detection system from the French Paralympic and Sports Committee aimed at directing people with disabilities towards adapted sporting practice.
It was on this occasion that she was spotted by Oury Stanzman, coach of the French para-taekwondo team. Seduced by his profile and his mentality, he opened the doors to the high level for him. Former coach of Mélissa Oliveros in the French team, he directed her towards the Lagardelle-sur-Lèze club, where she made her debut under the direction of Mélissa.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Despite her status as a great beginner, Sophie Caverzan quickly benefits from trusted supervision. Mélissa believes in her potential and her determination, allowing her to progress in a demanding but formative environment. “What I like about taekwondo is the combination of strategy and intense physical performance,” she confides, emphasizing a sport that requires as much strength as finesse.
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Progress is rapid. In just three years, she joined the French team and rose to the highest international level. She notably won a bronze medal at the world championships in 2023 and became triple European vice-champion in 2023, 2024 and 2026.
In 2024, she achieves a major objective: participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the culmination of her rise. During this period, she divided her time between Lagardelle-sur-Lèze and Insep, a reference structure for high-level sport.
Beyond the results, she maintains a strong bond with her training club and her coach. Before competitions, she talks regularly with Mélissa to prepare herself mentally, and shares her results with her after the fights.
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In Lagardelle-sur-Léze, she discovered an environment that she describes as formative, demanding and without special treatment, which helped her build a strong mind. Attached to this village club spirit, she insists on the values of simplicity and humility which have accompanied her in her progress. For her, sport remains a powerful lever of transformation, improving health, morale and social life, and capable of changing life trajectories.
Today, Sophie Caverzan stands out as one of the rising figures of French para-taekwondo, symbol of a rapid rise built between detection, work and determination.
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