Laura Rasoanaivo Razafy, an 18-year-old judoka from Madagascar, has won the African judo championship in the under-70kg category. She achieved this feat in July at the championship held in Nairobi, Kenya. This victory marks a significant milestone in her career, and she is now setting her sights on the 2024 Olympics in Paris. With her impressive win, Rasoanaivo Razafy has brought pride to her country and hopes to inspire others to take up the sport.
Rasoanaivo Razafy's journey to the top has not been easy. She has been training in judo since she was 10 years old, under the guidance of her parents, Luc Rasoanaivo and Edith Andrianarisandy, who are both black belts and former members of the national team. Her parents have been instrumental in her development as a judoka, and she credits her mother with being her first coach. Rasoanaivo Razafy's hard work and dedication have paid off, as she has won several championships, including three national championships and a gold medal at the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games.
Rasoanaivo Razafy's victory in Kenya was a testament to her skill and determination. She won her quarterfinal match against Cameroon's Ema Cindy Keukoua with an ippon, a perfect throw that sends her opponent crashing to the ground. In the semifinals, she defeated Egypt's Afnan Shehata in just 11 seconds, also with an ippon. Her confidence grew with each win, and she eventually secured the gold medal by defeating Egypt's Farica Magdy in the final.
As a member of the Association sportive Saint-Michel, Rasoanaivo Razafy has had the opportunity to train regularly, which has contributed to her success. She emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and physical conditioning, stating that she prepares herself months in advance for competitions. Her strategy allows her to peak at the right time and perform at her best. Rasoanaivo Razafy's achievements serve as an inspiration to young athletes in Madagascar, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, they too can succeed on the international stage.
Despite her success, Rasoanaivo Razafy acknowledges that funding can be a challenge for athletes in Madagascar. She is fortunate to have a sponsor, but many others are not as fortunate. She believes that with support from the Federation and the Ministry, the sport can develop further in the country. Rasoanaivo Razafy is not just a judoka; she is also passionate about CrossFit and boxing, which she believes help her stay fit and focused.
Rasoanaivo Razafy's goals extend beyond her current achievements. She is already preparing for the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games, the Francophonie Games, and the 2024 Olympics. She hopes to make a strong impression at the Olympics, stating that it would be an incredible experience to stand on the podium. Her long-term goals include pursuing a career in physiotherapy and opening her own clinic. However, she has no intention of retiring from judo anytime soon, as she believes that the sport has changed her life and continues to inspire her.
As Rasoanaivo Razafy looks to the future, she remains committed to her sport and her country. Her achievements have made her a role model for young athletes in Madagascar, and she hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. With her talent, dedication, and passion, Rasoanaivo Razafy is sure to make a lasting impact on the world of judo.
Key points
- Laura Rasoanaivo Razafy wins African judo championship in under-70kg category
- Rasoanaivo Razafy sets sights on 2024 Olympics in Paris
- Athlete credits her parents and training for her success in judo
