Born: 1990 (Bondy, France)
Biography:
Audrey Tcheuméo, born on April 20, 1990, in Bondy, France, is a renowned judoka competing internationally in the -78 kg (light heavyweight) category. With notable achievements including a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Tcheuméo has established herself as one of the most talented and successful athletes in her field.
Growing up in a highly athletic family, Tcheuméo was surrounded by sports from an early age. Her father, Christian Ebwea-Bile, was a former Cameroonian footballer who represented the national team between 1984 and 1986. Similarly, her mother, Marcelline Tcheuméo Tchato, was a former Cameroonian international handball player. Notably, Tcheuméo is the half-sister of Antoinette Nana Djimou, a French athlete who became the European indoor pentathlon champion in 2011.
Following in the footsteps of her parents and sister, Tcheuméo began her sporting journey in various disciplines such as football, tennis, handball, and boxing. However, it was judo that captured her interest at the age of 14. Discovering judo by chance in October 2004, Tcheuméo quickly displayed exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
Training at the local club Villemomble Sports in Villemomble, a commune neighboring Bondy, Tcheuméo honed her skills and obtained her license. Her progress was remarkable, as she consistently demonstrated her prowess on the mat. In early 2008, she earned fifth place at the Elite France Championships, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal in a tough fight against Géraldine Mentouopou. Undeterred by this setback, Tcheuméo forged ahead and clinched the junior France champion title in April of the same year, despite recently suffering a fractured fibula from a car accident.
Tcheuméo’s relentless determination and talent caught the attention of judo authorities, leading to her selection for the junior level international competitions shortly after joining the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP) in Paris. At the U20 European Championships held in Warsaw, she triumphed in the -78 kg category, winning the gold medal in spectacular fashion. Just a month later, Tcheuméo secured another impressive result, claiming a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in Bangkok.
Continuing her ascent in the judo world, Tcheuméo faced challenges along the way. In January 2009, she earned a bronze medal at the Elite France Championships but was later defeated by Chinese Olympic champion Yang Xiuli at her first World Cup appearance in Budapest. Nonetheless, Tcheuméo remained resilient and successfully defended her European junior title in Yerevan, Armenia, later that year. Unfortunately, she missed the opportunity to compete at the world age category meeting in Paris in October.
The year 2010 marked a turning point for Tcheuméo’s international career. She made her first appearance at the prestigious Paris Tournament, a milestone for any judoka, and achieved victory in a remarkable display of skill and determination. Over the years, Tcheuméo continued to assert herself as a formidable force on the international stage, consistently delivering outstanding performances.
Tcheuméo’s journey as a judoka is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and ability to overcome obstacles. Her impact on the sport extends beyond her individual achievements, inspiring and paving the way for aspiring athletes in women’s judo.
Awards:
– Bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics
– Silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics