Originally from New Caledonia, French judoka Alexis Mathieu expressed his “big thoughts for (his) loved ones and also for all the New Caledonian people” on Wednesday during the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. “It’s very sad what’s happening there, that it’s happening this way,” reacted the 24-year-old Frenchman after his defeat in the round of 16 of the World Championships.
“I had a big thought for my loved ones and also for all the Caledonian people who suffered from these riots,” he said, after a week of violence in the archipelago, which left six people dead. including two mobile gendarmes.
Born on September 14, 1999 in Koumac, the judoka registered in the -90 kg category explained that it had “not been easy” to experience this situation remotely while preparing for these Championships.
“I was in regular contact with my parents” who live in New Caledonia, he continued. “Luckily things have calmed down a bit lately. It wasn’t easy but I made sure to stay focused on my competition. “My parents pushed me to stay focused, to not worry,” he said. After a victory with a magnificent ippon against the Bulgarian Ivaylo Ivanov, Mathieu lost against the Cuban Ivan Felipe Silva Morales.
“There are opportunities, now something is missing, it will help me progress,” he regretted. “It’s frustrating because I was in great shape. I leave with a bitter taste.” Mathieu was not selected for the Olympic Games.