Written by Trackandmemes, April 18, 2023
In the era of sprinting, in France, we see the rise of a young athlete aged only 16 years. Named Victoria MABIZA BIRASHIRWAShe had a perfect winter season, breaking her previous personal bests at the French Championships in the 60m, in 7''52 and in the 200m in 24''50. It's wearing the gold medal that she will break on the starting line.
A perfect season, or almost, because she does not obtain the title of French Champion because she does not have the French nationality.
« The process is underway and I hope to finalize it before the FOJE (European Youth Olympic Festival) of this summer to potentially seek selection to the French team »
But Victoria, in addition to wearing the hat of a young coach for the little ones in a club where she has been a member for three years (ASVEL athletics), she is also a student at the Lycée Frédéric Fays in Villeurbanne, Lyon.
In fact, his debut as an athlete was already promising. With a record of 7'98 in the 60m, 12'14 in the 100m and 26'90 in the 200m, his talent could not go unnoticed.
« Seeing such a big evolution in such a short time at my very young age motivates me even more to surpass myself and to discover new sensations. That's why I feel good when I practice athletics, and that's why I made this sport my passion.
During my childhood, I experimented with various sports, including team sports, but without finding satisfaction. Therefore, I turned to individual disciplines and was immediately attracted to athletics, which I now practice assiduously and regularly. What I liked most about this sport and what drives me every day is the individualism it embodies. »
It is in this athletic discipline that Victoria trains 8 hours a week. And having a small penchant for the 200m, she is actually performing on 60, 100, 200 and 400m.
In athletics, as we know, knowledge is mainly transmitted from coach to athlete. Julien Langlet will still have everything to teach her young protégée. Together, the objectives seem to be already well fixed, since Victoria would like to go under the 12 seconds bar on 100m and under the 24 seconds on 200m, in the hope of going for a podium at the French Championship!
Not to mention a potential qualification for the FOJE if she manages to obtain French nationality by then, to qualify for the French team and, of course, to achieve the minimum standards!
And in terms of motivation, Victoria has a rather individualistic spirit.
"At the end of every race, if I'm not happy with my performance, I have only myself to blame and vice versa. Having only myself to depend on is what excites and motivates me the most."
Allysson Felix said, "Philippians 1:21 is a special verse for me because it helps me keep my life centered.
Because as an athlete, it's important to stay focused, at all levels. But is it that easy to be that strict when you're only 16 and performing that well?
« It is important to remember that sport is first and foremost fun and that pressure before a competition is normal. It can even help boost performance. In addition, proper preparation is essential to reduce the stress of the competition. Often, I like to detach myself from the noise, listen to music, be in my own cocoon or I take advantage of this time to pray. »
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