Interview: Virginia Aymard’s Path to the Paris 2024 Olympics

Read our interview with Virginia Aymard, and how she started judo at age 4, quickly advancing to national team competitions by 14.

Our exclusive interview covers how she earned national podium finishes in all age categories and why she now competes for Gabon, her mother’s country, after the French federation imposed a three-year competition ban on her.

She tells us how representing Gabon has been rewarding, highlighted by winning a bronze medal at the African Championships and qualifying for the Olympics. Aymard tell us her pride to develop judo in Gabon and her plans to establish training centres post-Olympics.

Who is Virginia Aymard?

Virginia Résenterra Aymard was born on 8 July, 1995 in Amiens, France. She is in the -48kg weight category in Judo. Virginia Aymard, a judoka representing Gabon, claimed gold at the European Cup in Dubrovnik in 2017 while competing for France. She also earned bronze at the European Cup in Uster in 2018 and gold at the same event in 2019. 

In 2022, she secured her first gold medal representing Gabon at the Asian Open in Zouk Mikhael, Lebanon. Aymard continued her success by winning the African Open in Luanda in 2023. In 2024, she achieved a bronze medal at the African Open in Luanda and another bronze at the Senior African Championships in Cairo.

She will make her debut at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Virginia Aymard Interview

At what age did you start training in Judo, and how has your journey been since then?

I started Judo at the age of 4. Everything went pretty fast: I started competing on the French national team at the age of 14 in cadet, then junior, and senior categories. I have national podium finishes in every age category: vice French champion cadet, national champion in junior, and bronze medal in senior. Then, I decided to compete for Gabon, which is my mother’s country, but the French federation prohibited me from competing for three years. I was free one and a half years before the Olympic Games, and I managed to qualify.

Can you tell us about how you first got into Judo? What inspired you to choose this sport?

My parents encouraged me to try many sports: I did tennis, dance, and swimming, but I fell in love with Judo. Nobody in my family had done Judo before; I’m the first one. Most Judokas try Judo because they are hyperactive; I did Judo because I was shy, and it was a good way for me to express myself.

What does a typical training day look like for you?

It really depends on how far away the competition is. Usually, I go to the gym in the morning for physical training or Judo techniques, and in the evening, I do Judo training. Before competitions, I usually train only once a day.

How do you balance your training and personal life?

It’s not that easy. I chose to take a year off from work; I’m an intern for an attorney, so I’m completely focused on Judo until the Olympics. My family is helping me with this project, so I see them regularly. I also manage to see my friends because I need that to relax and not be too overwhelmed by stress, and they understand that sometimes I won’t be able to see them for a while.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a major competition?

As the competition approaches, the training intensity decreases. I try to really focus on quality, not quantity. I have someone who helps me prepare mentally, and I also enjoy massages and spa treatments.

Can you share some insights into your diet and nutrition plan while training?

I don’t really have any restrictions. I have a very balanced diet and usually eat healthy meals, but two weeks before a competition, I try to reduce fat and eat a lot of pasta!

What motivated your decision to change your nationality from France to Gabon?

I competed in all age categories for the French team. I found that the French system wasn’t for me, as it was actually impossible to balance sport and studies. In 2017, there was a big strike when French Judokas didn’t train at INSEP for three weeks, which accelerated my decision.

Can you share some of the challenges and opportunities you encountered during this transition?

The French federation prohibited me from competing for three years. I was free in April 2022 without any assurance of even doing Judo again because coming back after three years without training, one and a half years before the Olympics, was a crazy challenge. But I’m glad I didn’t quit. I also had to adapt to a completely different system that I didn’t know.

How has representing Gabon influenced your perspective on your Judo career and goals?

I’m very proud of representing Gabon. I want to contribute to the development of Judo there and perhaps establish some training centres.

What has been the most rewarding part of competing under the Gabonese flag?

Winning the bronze medal at the African Championships was rewarding. It had been four years since Gabon had won a medal, so I am very proud of it. And, of course, qualifying for the Olympics is also a major achievement.

How did your friends, family, and teammates react to your decision to represent Gabon?

They were super excited for me because they know a career is short, and I need to make the best decisions for myself.

Since switching nationalities, you’ve won 5 Continental Opens and 1 Continental Championships medal. How does it feel to achieve these results?

It’s great, but of course, I aspire for more. I’m aware that I haven’t been in the circuit for that long compared to my opponents, and three years without competition hasn’t helped, but I’m staying positive and focused.

What do you think has been the key to your success in these competitions?

I think being really relaxed has been key. Of course, I’m always a little bit stressed, but I’ve learned that I can reach my full potential when I’m not too worried about the result. The technical and tactical aspects are also very important.

Can you describe your emotions and thoughts when you won your first Continental Championships this year in Egypt?

A continental medal is a form of consecration, and I knew it was very important for qualification as well. I was very happy, even though I had to stay focused until the end of the qualification.

What was your preparation like leading up to that event, and did you do anything differently compared to previous competitions?

I did a lot of competitions, so I was very tired. I needed to focus on the technical and tactical parts more than ever, so that’s what I did because I lacked it due to the intense rhythm.

How did this victory impact your career and confidence as a Judoka?

It gave me confidence and proved to me that I can succeed in major events.

How are you preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics?

Again, I’m really focused on being efficient technically, studying my opponents, and getting enough rest. I’m aware of the importance of the competition, but at the same time, I don’t want to change my routine because it would put more pressure on me.

What does it mean to you to compete in the Paris Olympics, especially with it being held in France?

It’s awesome! It’s easy for my family and friends to support me, and I’m in a familiar environment, which makes me more comfortable.

What are you most looking forward to about the Paris Olympics, both on and off the mat?

I’m totally discovering the experience and want to enjoy every bit of it. I don’t know what to expect, but for now, I’m focused on the competition. Unfortunately, the opening ceremony is the day before, so I won’t be able to attend.

Who has been your biggest support system during your preparation for the Paris Olympics?

My country, the authorities, my club, and my family.

Looking beyond the Paris Olympics, what are your future plans and aspirations in Judo and beyond?

I want to develop Judo in Gabon, so I’m figuring out how to create a centre where the best young Judokas in the country can train.

What advice would you give to other athletes preparing for their first Olympics?

Never give up, believe in yourself, train hard, and surround yourself with people who support you and understand your needs. Invest in a team to delegate responsibilities: mental preparation, Judo coach, dietitian, physiotherapist, and so on. Be strategic about your schedule and listen to your body.

What advice would you give to young athletes aspiring to compete in Judo at a high level?

Enjoy every minute on the mat; the pleasure is the most important. Train hard and always question yourself to improve everything you can. Also, find a system that works for you and don’t neglect your studies or your life after your career because a career is short. You need to prioritize your sport but also have a balance in your life. If you do everything in your power, you will have no regrets. Remember that when you fight, you are looking for something more and not less. Believe in your dream and remember you are not defined as a human being by the results you achieve or don’t achieve.

Athlete Virginia Résenterra Aymard, -48kg Extra Lightweight Judoka representing Gabon.

Instagram: @virginia_resenterra

Facebook: virginia.aymard

1. Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
2. Instagram: @madeinbulgariaxx
3. Facebook: @madeinbulgariaxx