A new life begins for Alexandra Recchia. She is going to be 30 years old, has just been baptized and starts the Olympic qualifications as the women World titles record holder, five in all (two in -50 kg, three in team). She has nothing to prove anymore, she just wants to be happy, without dizzying pressure. But when you know « Alex », pleasure necessarily rhymes with victorie ...
By Ludovic Mauchien / Photos : K-Photos
How was your summer ?
It was full ! We did 3 seminars (July 27-30 and August 10-13 in the South of France, August 27-31 in the national center), very physically demanding, first by the heat, but also by the lenght and content of training. The coaches especially insisted on the technical work, for example not stopping on a single technique, but to continue. This is not necessarily what we are used to do and what we are most comfortable with. It was extremely interesting and rewarding. They were very good seminars. Besides, I focused on fitness.
Are you satisfied with your preparation ?
I think that could not be better. What was especially positive was the last seminar that was open to other nations (Switzerland, Canada, Spain, Holland). We mainly made oppositions, which allowed to test us before Berlin. It was rewarding to train with other athletes who perform well on the international scene. I have only one desire : to renew this kind of experience. It was really great.
You did not participate in a lot of competitions this year. Was it strategic ?
No, not necessarily. I did all those that were more or less important. There is only Dubai that I had to blow because I got baptized the same weekend. I talked to the staff. I explained to them that this approach had been important to me for several years. To be baptized was the consecration of a training I started in September 2016, catechesis for adults.
« I FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT BEING BAPTIZED FOR SEVERAL YEARS »
Why did you get baptized this year at 30 years old ?
Little, I was in a Catholic school. I then broke up because of sport that took me a lot of time. It had been several years since I wanted to be baptized. It has always been important to me. My godmother was very, very religious and motivated me. And, also, the birth of my niece, who turned 3 last June, also encouraged me to take this training. I am her godmother, I will guide her spiritually. I wanted to do things well. From now on, I practice. I was at church on Sunday.
Back to Karate, what did you learn from your European championships (3rd)?
That I had made the right decision by changing my coach, even if it did not end with a title. There has been a lot of positive things in this European championship, physically but also with Ludo (Cacheux) on a more specific aspect. In order not to renew this kind of error, there are adjustments to make and I count on my fighting instinct.
How do you judge this 3rd place ?
I was very happy, especially since I am doing a great place of three, which showed that I deserved better than bronze. It was very positive. I will not spit on a medal, ever ! We have it for life. I am not happy to end 2nd or 3rd because I am greedy. I always want to win, that’s normal. But we must relativize and say that the regularity over so many years is already very good.
« IF I AM ON THE PODIUM EVERY TIME, IT DOESN’T MATTER IF I DO NOT WIN »
You haven’t won since Rotterdam in March 2017. Does that bother you ?
Not at all. I did not even know it. No, no... In addition, every time I lost, it was close and it was because of my mistakes. It was not negative at all. I tell myself that if I can be regular as I have been in recent years, it will be fine. Olympic qualification is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal will be to be consistent and try to reach ¼, ½ finals and, if possible, podiums on each competition. If I am on the podium every time, it does not matter if I don’t win. The important thing is to reach the Olympic qualification.
What do you expect from Berlin ? To see your shape before the Worlds ? Or your goal is to win ?
This is not a competition to test yourself but to position yourself in the ranking and start ther qualifications in the best conditions, then to approach the competitions serenely. This is of course a real goal.
But, it’s my first competition since the European championships (May 10-13 in Novi Sad). If there is not the 1st place at the end, it is not the most important, which is to position me well, to take my marks and start the season well.
« FOR THESE TWO YEARS, IT MUST ONLY BE PLEASURE AND HAPPINESS »
While thinking of the World championships... ?
I take by competition by competition. It allows me to eliminate stress. We are less than a week from the competition and I haven’t yet stress, which is quite unusual for me. Functioning like that suits me very well ! I will try to take each competition as a World championship, since each one counts for the ranking.
I am 30 years old. All I do is bonus, it’s to have fun, it’s not to put me in some horrible states of mind. As long as I continue to perform, that I have good feelings and sensations, it should be fine.
Although the Olympics are a dream and a goal, I do not want to put me under pressure by saying : « That's the goal of my life. I must absolutely succeed ». No ! At my age, we also want to enjoy life and other things. I put all the chances on my side, I train, I put things in place to achieve this goal, but without pressure. For these two coming years, it must only be just pleasure and happiness.
Have you followed the Asian Games (August 25th-27th)?
Not at all. I looked at who was participating but I never follow my opponents. In fact, I try not to worry about others. I am concerned when they are in front of me on the mat. I concentrate on my preparation to be the most optimal, efficient and effective possible. I watch my opponents on the day of the competition.
ALEXANDRA RECCHIA
Born : October 25th, 1988 in Lyon
Height : 1.54 m
Category : -50 kg, team
Club : Evry
Records (Seniors)
World championships
-50 kg : 1st in 2012 and 2016
Team : 1st in 2010, 2012, 2016. 2nd in 2014. 3rd in 2008
European championships
-50 kg : 1st in 2013, 2016. 2nd in 2015. 3rd in 2012, 2018.
Team : 2nd in 2011, 2013, 2017.
Winner of the World Games in 2017, 2nd in 2013
