Written by Trackandmemes, June 20, 2023
He began athletics at the age of 13, and at 15 achieved a performance of 22 seconds and 38 hundredths over 200 meters at a meeting organized by ARCH, the Cinacian athletics club.
Déodato Sendo's performance places him second in the U18 category in Belgium, and in the top 10 of the European ranking for athletes born in 2008.
Ambitious but realistic, Déodato says he is chasing the Belgian Cadet record, a performance of 22'' 22 over 200m.
Nothing is impossible given his dazzling progress, since at the LBFA championship for all mixed categories, he achieved a personal best time of 22'' 61. 16 hundredths separate him from the Belgian record.
Has your progress been flawless?
I had a terrible season last year because of stress. It overwhelmed me at every competition.
All my races were under-performers, but this year I've worked hard to solve this problem and now I'm doing much better!
How did you solve your stress problem?
I understood that it was good to have a little stress, so I simply changed my relationship with him.
We can't eliminate stressful thoughts and feelings from our lives. But we can learn to change our relationship with them. The important thing to remember is that instead of fighting to get rid of unpleasant feelings, it's essential to recognize and accept them during stressful times. It's not just about training ourselves to be more present. It's about changing our relationship to our emotions, changing our point of view, being less judgmental, less critical of ourselves and those around us. When we do all this, I think we're less stressed.
You're one of Belgium's best in your category. What are your sporting goals?
I'd certainly like to run well, be fluid in my movements and apply as best I can what my coach teaches me. From a performance point of view, at the moment I'd like to be among the best in Europe.
What's your relationship with your coach?
I have two coaches. Sébastien Kesteloot, the president of the provincial committee for the province of Luxembourg, and Alain Hoffelt, a coach who brought 28 athletes back to the Olympic Games. Most of the time, I train with Sébastien. He's always helped me get back on my feet, and he's allowed me to show Belgium what I'm worth!
Who do you take your inspiration from, or what?
I'm not inspired by any particular athlete or anything. I simply try to give my best every day, and to reach deep inside myself for the strength and determination that enable me to give my all during a sprint.
Do you have any other hobbies?
Motorsport 🫶🏾 in all its categories! But my favorite categories are F1 and endurance.
What's your favourite series?
Dragon ball, Naruto and One piece. And in manga, Berserk.
What's your favorite moment in Naruto?
His and Hinata's wedding
And what was your saddest moment in One Piece?
! ATTENTION SPOIL !
Ace's death.
What about your entourage in this sport?
I'm lucky to have so many people who support me in this business. Unfortunately, some people don't appreciate me as much, but that's the way it is.
If you had to convey a particular message, what would you say?
That the greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time you fall!
What competition will you be taking part in next?
The LBFA cadet-school championship. I've already won them 6 times in a row. So see you on August 26, in Liège!
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