Romane Dicko

Romane Dicko, a mathematics student, has been crowned European judo champion twice: in Tel Aviv in 2018 and in Prague in 2020. She is considered one of the most promising athletes in French judo.

The two-time European champion is supported by the Sorbonne University Foundation through the "Passeports pour les JO" program. Supported by Crédit Agricole d'Ile-de-France, this scheme gives athletes greater financial autonomy, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their studies and training.

What does this 2018 European champion title mean to you?  

Romane Dicko: First of all, it's the culmination of a lot of hard work. I've had a difficult season due to several injuries which led me to redouble my efforts to get back to the best level. Secondly, this victory represents the start of a new phase for me, and proves that I'm capable of having a great career.

How did you discover judo?

R. D. : I started judo quite late, at the age of 13. It was while watching the 2012 London Olympics with my family that I discovered Audrey Tcheuméo, bronze medallist in the discipline. I saw a report on this sportswoman with a special story, which made me want to try my hand at it. My father supported me in this project and I joined a club.

Why did you choose to join Sorbonne University?  

R. D.: I wanted to become an aeronautical engineer and reconcile this project with high-level sport. After my baccalauréat, I had to find a school that would allow me to follow an engineering course while continuing my training. Sorbonne Université, in partnership with the Institut national du sport, de l'expertise et de la performance (Insep), was the ideal solution.

How does Sorbonne University help you reconcile your day-to-day work in top-level sport with your studies?

R. D.: The university's status as a top-level sports student means that I can adapt my studies to suit my sporting goals. This means I can spread the duration of my degree over several years, so that I can succeed in both my academic and sporting projects.
I also benefit from the fact that the first year in MIPI can be done directly at Insep, which saves me time and makes me more efficient. I have two two-hour training sessions a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and around three hours of classes in a day.
The Sorbonne University teachers come directly to Insep. They are very attentive to our needs. They are always available to answer our questions and support us in our dual project. 

What are your next objectives?

R. D.: I want to improve on both the sporting and academic fronts. As far as sport is concerned, I'll be taking part in the World Championships at the beginning of September. As for my career plans, I still want to become an aeronautical engineer and enter the engineering school at Sorbonne University.
My dual career path brings me a lot, because through high-level sport, I meet new and different people, learn to overcome psychological obstacles. This helps me in my day-to-day studies and enriches my university experience.