World champion in 1975, Jean-Luc Rougé has chaired the French Judo Federation for a decade. Since August 2011, he has also held the position of Secretary General of the International Judo Federation. He answered questions from FrancsJeux on the delicate issue of the 2015 European Championships, on the French judo projects and on the Olympic ambition of Paris.
FrancsJeux: France has applied to host the 2015 European Judo Championships, the organization of which has just been withdrawn from the city of Glasgow. Does she have a chance of getting them?
Jean-Luc Rougé: No. We have submitted a backup application, in case the European Federation cannot find another solution. But it now appears that the competition will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the first European Games. Discussions are very advanced to combine the two events. Certain details remain to be resolved, notably concerning travel costs for delegations. This solution would allow the European Games to benefit from the presence of the best judokas on the continent. But we are thinking about applying for the 2019 world championships.
Are you just thinking, or have you already validated the project?
Let's say that we are strongly considering it, even if the decision is not quite official yet. The Worlds would take place in a renovated Bercy. They could be part of the logic of a French candidacy for the Summer Games in 2024.
Can the renovation of Bercy strengthen France's ambitions as a host for international events?
Of course. We will also be the first sports federation to organize an event there. We have brought forward the 2016 Paris Tournament to next October, on the 17th and 18th, so that it will take place in the new Bercy. Barring a disaster, it will be ready on time. Judo will thus be able to show the advantages of the new site and, here too, participate in the process of Paris' candidacy for the 2024 Games.
You were one of the first presidents of a sports federation to campaign for a Parisian candidacy for 2024…
It’s true, I’ve been talking about it for a long time. I am one of those who felt that we should not stop after the failure of Paris 2012. There was an extraordinary opportunity to win for the 2020 Games. We were unable to seize it. It's a shame.
Today, the context seems less favorable to you?
No. Things have changed, but we have our chances. Everyone says that the United States are favorites, but they don't win everything, far from it.
Does the approach started a few months ago by the French sports movement seem to you to be the right one?
I feel like, for the first time, we have a methodical approach to the application. Everyone is involved in a dynamic process. The presidents of Olympic federations have regular meetings. We had one last night. We have set up an information system between the federations. There is even solidarity between French leaders, which has never been put in place during previous candidacies.
What form does this “solidarity” take?
The objective is to help each other in our international ambitions. For example, I was very involved in Pierre Durand's campaign for the presidency of the International Equestrian Federation. Just today, I am having lunch with Georges Guelzec, who is running for president of the International Gymnastics Federation. The French are increasingly present in international bodies. I see him at every ASOIF meeting, where I represent the International Judo Federation in my capacity as general secretary. I meet many French leaders there, from football, badminton, handball, rugby… We are gaining ground.
