“Who can show me what moves exist in boxing? You ? Come on, come up here and show me! » The Third Year students, initially impressed to meet a boxing champion, were quickly put at ease by Fatia Benmessahel. She also grew up in Seine-Saint-Denis, in Rosny, and now aged 24, she knows how to speak to young people. She begins by introducing herself: “I started boxing late, around 17, and I liked it straight away. I was doing pretty well and hitting boys! » Big smile from all the schoolgirls! “Quickly, I took part in competitions which I won and I joined the French team. I became European junior champion. I am several times French champion and this year I won the bronze medal at the world championships
The students become emboldened, the questions arrive:
“Are you just boxing or are you working?”
I practice amateur boxing, the Olympic category. In France there are very few boxers who make a living from boxing, we have to work on the side.
So where do you work?
I am an engineer, and thanks to the sports agency my employer gives me time to train and for competitions.
What did being a boxer give you?
First of all, I love it! And I think if I hadn’t done boxing, I probably wouldn’t have done such long studies. At the beginning, I was like many of you, I just did what was necessary, no more, and often my homework at the last moment. But when I started boxing seriously, my mother wouldn’t have allowed me to continue if my results had declined. As I wanted to continue, I worked! And with training, traveling for training courses or competitions, I had to learn to organize myself and that was very useful to me, including for my studies. »
Will you be at the Olympics?
I hope, but it’s not sure! Even though I was a medalist at the world championships, I first have to qualify. To do this, I have to finish in the top 4 during one of the 3 international qualifying tournaments. It’s very difficult, that’s why the Olympic Games are the most prestigious competition, for all disciplines. Participating is already a victory!
And if you participate, what are you hoping for?
Ah, if I go there, it’s to win! I would do anything for it!
We will support you! »
Georges Makowski
Photo credit: Nicolas Moulard
#champion #school #playground #JOP #Paris #SeineSaintDenis
