Romane Dicko candidate as French flag bearer

Romane Dicko stands at the forefront of French judo, not only as a formidable athlete but also as a strong candidate to carry the French flag at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Born in 1999, in Clamart, France, Dicko's journey in judo began relatively late compared to many of her peers. She took up the sport at age 13 in 2012 at the Randori Club in Villeneuve-le-Roi, inspired by her father's suggestion and a powerful performance by Audrey Tcheumeo at the 2012 London Olympics. This late start did not hinder her rapid rise through the ranks, marking her as a significant force in international judo.

The French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) recently announced Dicko as one of the fourteen candidates for the prestigious role of flag bearer for France at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This honor, previously bestowed upon judo legends Teddy Riner and Clarisse Agbegnenou, would place Dicko in the esteemed company of Angelo Parisi (1984) and David Douillet (2000). The announcement of the flag bearer will be made on July 12, 2024, and Dicko's candidacy reflects her prominence and the respect she commands within the French sporting community.

Training at the prestigious National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP) in Paris, Dicko has developed a dynamic style, favoring techniques like harai-goshi and harai-makikomi. Under the guidance of national coach Severine Vandenhende, she has crafted a career filled with remarkable achievements. She competes for PSG Judo, a club known for producing top-tier talent.

Dicko's impressive list of accomplishments includes two medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics: a bronze in the +78 kg category and a gold in the mixed team event. She followed these successes with a heavyweight world championship title in 2022 in Tashkent and has been a dominant force in European competitions, winning titles in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Her mastery extends to the IJF Masters, where she clinched the top spot in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Consistently topping the IJF World Rankings in her weight category, Dicko is recognized for her resilience and skill on the mat.

Beyond her competitive achievements, Dicko is also a dedicated student, pursuing a mathematics degree at Sorbonne University in Paris. She balances her academic pursuits with her rigorous training schedule, exemplifying a commitment to both her intellectual and athletic development.

Dicko's personal life is rich with interests outside of judo. She enjoys couture, creating new clothing from old jeans, dancing, and traveling. Her vibrant personality and varied interests contribute to her well-rounded character, making her a role model for young athletes.

A memorable highlight of her career, as she shared on Instagram, was winning the Olympic gold medal with the French mixed team in Tokyo. However, she regards this achievement as merely a warm-up for Paris 2024, indicating her ambitious goals for the upcoming games. Influenced by judoka Audrey Tcheumeo, whom she considers a personal hero and mentor, Dicko has forged a path of excellence and inspiration in judo.

A distinctive feature of Dicko's competitive persona is her belief in her "lucky hair." Since dyeing her hair white for a cadets tournament, she has maintained this unique style, often adding the colors of the French flag for major events. This ritual has become a symbolic part of her identity and competitive spirit.

Romane Dicko's journey from a young girl inspired by Olympic heroes to a top contender for the French flag bearer at Paris 2024 illustrates her remarkable dedication and achievement. As she prepares for the home Olympics, her story continues to inspire and captivate the world of judo and beyond.