Français
For three years, Anaïs Blanchard saw the title of French champion elude her. But on Thursday, October 24, the young (18-year-old) surfer finally managed to get rid of all her apprehensions to win the title of French junior champion on the waves of Hossegor, in Capbreton, in the Landes. "Anomaly repaired for one of the most talented surfers of her generation," writes the French Surfing Federation on its website, which thus salutes the victory of the one who was at twice captain of the French junior team during the last international competitions.
"I had been going to the final for at least three years but with the pressure, I always missed out," says Anaïs. I fell, my management in the series, it was really not that good. So this year, I was really focused, I wanted to win the title for my last junior year. I managed to put all negative thoughts aside, I was focused on not falling, not giving up. I'm super happy. It did me a lot of good for morale because losing by very few points each time was very hard. I'm finishing my year of surfing well with a great title! "A clear victory for the champion who dominated her final head and shoulders. However, the start of the competition was not of the simplest.
The father's emotion
"During the first series, it was complicated to find good waves but I still got a good score to go through to the next round, explains Anaïs. After the French teams, having been captain, I wanted to finish on a good note. And then it's also good to represent the island and all the help it gives me, thanks to the Community, my sponsors, my parents who have always been there. Especially my dad as a coach, but without ever putting pressure on me. It's still rare today to have parents behind you who push you while always remaining positive. I managed to make them proud so I'm really happy. "And to give them intense emotions.
When the representative of the Ajoe Reefer Surf Club finishes her final and slides down to the beach, she doesn't really know what to think. Until she sees her father, David Blanchard, running towards her. " When I got out of the water I didn't really believe it, I had a hard time taking it in, she assures. And then I saw my father coming towards me, in tears, it was very moving. I'm happy to have finally managed to win. My goal has been achieved. I hope that I managed to represent the island well and to please my loved ones. »
Louka Giraud, vice-champion in the junior category
With this latest title in the junior category, Anaïs Blanchard will now turn to senior competitions. With, of course, the hope of joining the professional circuit.
During the French championships in Hossegor, Anaïs Blanchard was not the only representative from Saint-Barth to shine. Indeed, in the junior category, Louka Giraud also distinguished himself. Of course, unlike his elder, he did not manage to impose himself. The fault lies with an outrageous domination by Ethan Fernandez who dominated the entire competition. But Louka Giraud fought hard to reach the final. If he has to settle for the silver medal, the young representative from Saint-Barth can now register a first mention of excellence: vice-champion of France minime 2024. Enough to hope for great performances in the years to come.
Cheyenne, minime champion!
The other great performance came from Cheyenne Patino Ubeda. At 12 years old, the Ajoe Reefer Surf Club member has taken advantage of the absence of the young French surfing star, Tia Zebrowski, to win in the junior category. "I still can't believe it," the young surfer exclaimed on Instagram.
At the end of 2024, Saint-Barthélemy can therefore boast of having two French champions!
