Amandine Buchard wants to qualify for judo and rugby sevens

Amandine Buchard just won another individual bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and now has her sights set on an ambitious dual goal: competing in judo at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and joining the French rugby sevens team. In a recent social media post, Buchard announced her intention to pursue both these paths, signalling a significant shift in her career trajectory. This dual ambition also marks the end of her time with PSG Judo, a club she will officially leave on September 1st to better align with her new objectives.

Buchard's Olympic journey began at Tokyo 2020, where she won a silver medal in the -52kg division, narrowly losing the final to Japan's Uta Abe. She also clinched gold in the mixed team event, showcasing her prowess on the international stage. Her career is decorated with numerous accolades, including five bronze medals at the World Championships across two weight categories (-48kg in 2014 and -52kg in 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2024). She is a two-time European champion, having won gold in 2021 and 2023, and a five-time World Masters medallist, with two gold and three silver medals.

Buchard's dominance on the World Judo Tour is evident from her 14 gold medals, spanning two World Masters, five Grand Prix events, and seven Grand Slams. These accomplishments reflect her consistency and elite status in the sport. However, her ambitions now extend beyond judo, as she looks to embrace a new challenge in rugby sevens, a sport known for its physicality and fast-paced action.

Her decision to leave PSG Judo is a strategic move to allow her the flexibility to train for both judo and rugby. This marks a significant transition in her career, but one that she approaches with the same determination that has characterised her judo success.

Buchard's journey in judo began at age six, driven by her father's encouragement to channel her energy into a combat sport. She quickly rose through the ranks, making her international senior debut at the 2013 Grand Slam in Paris. Over the years, she has trained under the guidance of national coach Christophe Massina and club coach Nicolas Mossion, honing her skills at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance in France.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Buchard is known for her resilience. She was unable to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games due to illness and injury, a period she describes as one of deep depression and physical challenges. The pressure of being a top athlete, combined with the demands of making weight, led to a range of issues, including eating and sleeping disorders, memory problems, and behavioral challenges. It took her two years to recover fully, a testament to her mental and physical fortitude.

As Buchard looks ahead to Los Angeles 2028, her motto, "The harder the fight, the greater the victory," seems more relevant than ever. Whether on the judo mat or the rugby field, Buchard is set to bring the same intensity and passion that has made her one of France's most decorated judokas. Her dual pursuit of judo and rugby sevens is a bold move, but if her past is any indication, Buchard is more than capable of rising to the challenge.