Marion Etcheberry and Pauline Venouil, coaches of Etoile Gymnique Colomiers, take stock of the championship.
Let’s first go back to this defeat of April 30 in Meaux (32-16), during the final day of the group stage, which was still synonymous with maintenance.
Against one of the big stables, the girls answered present and achieved a match without falling at their best level. Duels were lost, but only a few tenths. So it’s an immense satisfaction to have been able to catch the notes of Les Meldoises. As for maintenance, it is a source of pride to be able to continue to be part of the twelve best teams in France. It is the realization of the work provided on a daily basis and the feeling of returning the favor to the EGC club that has accompanied us in the Top 12 project from the start.
This Thursday, at home, you won the classification match against Beaucaire (28-20). How did you approach this meeting?
The federal calendar imposes on us the sequence of many competitions by alternating the Top 12 and the individual competitions. Fatigue is felt for some. The mind takes a considerable part in this preparation. The maintenance was assured, so it was less pressure for the girls. But the desire to be the best, at home moreover, took over.
How do you analyze this victory?
She is unexpected. We were outsiders against a team from Beaucaire which has several European and world medalists in its ranks. Our girls have been able to draw on their resources following the injuries that have weakened the group in recent weeks. They performed well despite a few errors and distinguished themselves by their quality of execution. It was an honor for us to face big names in gymnastics. The victory was all the more beautiful. We finish in 5th place in this Top 12, a place that we savor as it was unexpected and which galvanizes us for next season.
For next season, should the workforce change?
The season ends on July 10, we will then plan for the next exercise. The workforce will change, that’s for sure. All the girls from the current team will no longer be there. New girls will join the team with new ambitions.
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