She is unbeatable since the beginning of the year ! Winner of the Paris Open in late January, the French fighter Alizee Agier (-68 kg) won again in Dubai last weekend. At 23, the 2014 World champion aims to be the N° 1 in her category and wants to take the European title next May, the only one she misses.

By Ludovic Mauchien / Photos : K-photos

How do you explain that you are in such a great form in early 2018 ?

I have had a good preparation. I take the time to train and to rest. I have a pretty framed rhythm. Since last September, I joined the Olympic pole. More time is given to physical preparation than before. We have three sessions in the week.

In addition, with my school (she studies tourism), my schedule is more adapted than last year. I can attend all trainings. That’s a big plus. In fact, a whole bunch of little things make us progress all.

What success do you prefer : Paris or Dubai ?

Paris ! I had the chance to make a final at home, in front of my family, my friends and French fans ... The supporters were at their top. They made so much noise. It's a special atmosphere that I really liked. This is my most beautiful victory.

And what is your most accomplished performance ?

In terms of strategy, I would say my semi final of the Dubai Open against the Russian Inga Sherozia (1-1, decision). It is an opponent who tends to be hyper generous in her Karate, who never quit fighting, who does not give up. Aginst her, I had to be super-strategic and concentrated from the first second to the last one.

And not your final in Paris where you easily beat Someya from Japan (4-0) ?

I have to beat the best to become the best and I'm happy to have beaten her but she’is still an opponent like any other ones. I do not say to myself : "Waouh, I won against Someya". I won the Paris Open, I did a good performance and I felt good, that's the main thing.

I had already beaten her in Rotterdam last year for the bronze. The Japanese profile is one that I like but I should always stay focused.

What would be your main opponent : Buchinger, Someya... ? Yourself ?

It's true that you have to compete with yourself to improve (she smiles). Concerning my opponents, there is also the Swiss fighter Elena Quirici. But it does not matter which one faces me.

It is important that I do not dwell too much on my opponent. Otherwise, I put sticks in my wheels. The person will always have two arms and two legs, although it is important to know how my opponents work.

What is your upcoming program ?

I will participate to the Rotterdam Premier League (March 16th-18th). Until then, I will resume my usual rhythm : training, physical preparation, university. After the Netherlands, there will be the competition in Rabat (April 6th-8th) and then the European Championships (May 10th-13th in Novi Sad).

Do you consider the European Championships a preparation stage or as a goal ?

This is a real goal, knowing that I won the silver medal last year. I was very happy because I was expecting a Senior European podium since for a few years. But now, I have to go for gold. I want to win the European gold.