In this exclusive interview prior to Paris 2024, Rémi Feuillet, a distinguished judoka from Mauritius, shares the pivotal moments of his judo career, from his early days inspired by his father to his impressive achievements on the international stage. Rémi has earned multiple medals at the African Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and other prestigious tournaments, showcasing his dedication and resilience.
Rémi reflects on the impact of winning his first African Games medal, the lessons learned from competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (he came joint 17th), and the significance of his silver medal at the 2024 African Championships, which secured his qualification for the Paris Olympics. He also discusses the benefits of training in France, his mental approach to competition, and his aspirations for the future, both on and off the mat.
This interview offers a deep dive into the mindset and journey of a judoka who has consistently pushed the boundaries of his sport, providing valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring athletes.
On Wednesday 31st July, Rémi Feuillet lost to Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid of Estonia in the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Men’s 90kg.
Who is Rémi Feuillet?
Rémi Feuillet was born on 22 December 1992 in Mauritius. He earned a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, where he was eliminated in the first round by Mukai (Japan).
Since 2019, he has competed in the World Championships, achieving a seventh-place finish in Budapest in 2021. Over the years, he has collected five medals at the African Championships (2020-2024), including four bronze and a silver at the 2024 edition in Cairo in the -90kg category.
He also won a bronze medal at the 2019 African Games in Rabat and secured three medals at African Open events in 2023, including a gold in Algiers. Additionally, he claimed silver at the 2024 African Open in Abidjan and the 2024 Pan American Open in Lima.
Interview with Rémi Feuillet
Can you share a bit about your journey into judo and how your father influenced your career?
My dad instilled in me a deep passion for judo. As a competitor himself, he also gave me a strong drive for competition.
How did winning your first African Games bronze medal in 2019 impact you, and how has your approach to judo evolved since that achievement?
Winning that bronze medal was a significant milestone for me. It paved the way for my first African Championships medal in Madagascar, and since then, I’ve earned an African medal every year. It adds a bit of pressure because I feel like I can’t afford to do worse in the future.
What were your key takeaways from competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics, and how did that experience shape your approach to training and competition?
The main lesson was not to put too much pressure on myself and to focus on doing what I’m capable of.
You achieved a notable seventh-place finish at the 2021 World Judo Championships. What were the main factors that contributed to your performance?
I had a favourable draw, and I seized the opportunity in the quarterfinals.
With five consecutive bronze medals at the African Judo Championships, what strategies or techniques have you found most effective in your recent competitions?
My strategy is to stay relaxed, maintain mental strength, and give my best effort.
Can you describe the significance of your silver medal at the 2024 African Championships and what it means for your career?
The silver medal was extremely significant because it qualified me for the Olympics. It also marked progress from my previous performances.
How does training in France compare to your experiences training in Mauritius? What aspects of training in Villiers-le-Bel have been most beneficial?
Training in France offers me the advantage of working with a variety of opponents in several locations around Paris, which is something you don’t have in Mauritius.
What are your goals and aspirations for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics? How are you preparing for them?
My goal is to win at least one fight. I’m preparing in the same way I do for every competition.
How do you approach analysing and preparing for opponents, especially at major tournaments like the World Championships or the Olympics?
Video analysis is an effective way to study opponents, but I try to keep the focus on myself.
What role does mental preparation and psychological resilience play in your performance?
Mental preparation is important. I don’t have special training for it, but I try to think positively every day.
How has the judo community in Mauritius and beyond supported your career?
I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received from friends and my federation.
What advice would you give to young judokas aspiring to reach the level of success you have achieved?
There are many pieces of advice I can offer, but the most important is to never give up. Focus on understanding how to improve yourself, and surround yourself with the right people who can help you along the way.
Would you like to continue for the 2028 Olympic Games Cycle?
As for 2028, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to compete since I’m getting older, but I’ll see how things go.
What are your plans for after your Judo career?
That’s a good question about what comes after my career. I’m not entirely sure, but since I’m already a judo coach, I might continue down that path.
Athlete Rémi Feuillet, -90kg Half Heavyweight Judoka representing Mauritius.
- Instagram: @remifeuillet
- Facebook: Remi Feuillet
Interviewed by Anastasia-Alexandra Nenova
- Instagram: @madeinbulgariaxx
- Facebook: @madeinbulgariaxx
