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Paralympic Judo Champion Cyril Jonard to be Honored in marvejols, France
MARVEJOLS, France – Celebrated para judoka Cyril Jonard, a multiple Paralympic medalist, will be honored in Marvejols, Lozère, on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The local dojo will be renamed in his honor.
First Para Judoka Promoted to 6th Dan to Attend Departmental Gathering
Jonard, the first para judoka to achieve the rank of 6th dan, will be present at a departmental gathering organized by the marvejols judo club.
A Storied Career Marked by Perseverance and Triumph
At 49, Jonard boasts an remarkable record, including 13 world championship titles across deaf sports and para sports. he is also an 18-time French national champion and a European champion. His Paralympic achievements include a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games, a silver at the 2008 Beijing Games, and a bronze at the 2024 paris Games.
Overcoming Adversity with Kinaesthetic Awareness
Jonard faces the dual challenges of deafness and progressive vision loss due to Usher syndrome. He relies on his sense of body movement,or kinaesthesia,to compete at the international level. Despite his disabilities, Jonard has achieved success competing against both able-bodied and disabled opponents.
Dojo to be Officially Renamed in Honor of Jonard’s Achievements
The Marvejols dojo will officially be named ”Dojo Cyril Jonard” on Saturday, March 15, as a tribute to his accomplishments and inspirational journey in the sport.
How has Cyril Jonard’s Usher syndrome impacted his judo career, both as a challenge and as a source of inspiration?
Paralympic Judo Legend Cyril Jonard: Your Questions Answered
Here’s a closer look at the life and legacy of para judo champion Cyril Jonard, whose achievements will be celebrated in Marvejols, France.
Q&A: Unpacking Cyril Jonard’s Story
Q: what is a para judoka?
A: A para judoka is a judo athlete with a disability.Para judo adapts the rules of customary judo to ensure fair competition for athletes with visual impairments, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Jonard competes in the B2/B3 category (partially sighted).
Q: What is a “dan” in judo, and why is 6th dan important?
A: The “dan” system represents a judoka’s rank and mastery. It’s a progressive scale. 6th dan is a very high rank, signaling decades of dedicated training, skill, and contribution to the sport. jonard is the frist para judoka to achieve this level, marking a key milestone in the recognition of para judo talent.
Q: What is Usher syndrome?
A: Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disorder causing combined hearing loss and vision loss.This is a major factor in the challenges Jonard has overcome during his career.
Q: How does Jonard compete despite deafness and vision loss?
A: Jonard relies heavily on his kinaesthetic awareness, his sense of body position and movement. He’s also known for his excellent technique, strategic thinking, and an indomitable spirit. His training regimen is intense, and he may use specialized equipment to assist in training.
Q: What are some of Cyril Jonard’s most notable Judo achievements?
A: Jonard’s Judo resume includes:
- Gold Medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games
- Silver Medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games
- Bronze Medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic games
- 13 World Championship Titles
- 18-time French National Champion
- European Champion
Q: Where is Marvejols, France, and what is the significance of naming the dojo after Jonard?
A: Marvejols is a town in the Lozère department of France. The renaming of the dojo (judo training hall) to “Dojo Cyril Jonard” is a significant honor,recognizing his inspiration to athletes,the community,and the town. It will serve as a lasting tribute to his career and as motivation to future judokas.
Cyril Jonard’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of judo. His achievements will continue to resonate in the world of para sports for manny years to come.
