“I used to wish I had someone in Martinique I could look up to,” said fencer Kendrick Jean-Joseph, who is competing in his second FISU World University Games for the Fédération Française du Sport Universitaire at Rhine-Ruhr 2025.
The French flag bearer of the opening ceremony and student at the EM Lyon Business School, who will be in action in men’s épée individual on Friday, 18 July, is giving back to his home country by running his own fencing camp in Martinique, now entering its third year in 2025.
Jean-Joseph grew up in the French Caribbean island, more precisely in Schœlcher. By his own account, he wasn’t the easiest child. “It was important to my parents that I had something to focus on, so they got me into fencing.” At that time, he was seven years old and his idol was Enzo Lefort, a foil specialist from neighbouring Guadeloupe, because there were no well-known fencers in Martinique.
“Back then, I always wished that someone would come to us and help us improve”, the management student admitted.
He is changing that for the young fencing talents living in Martinique today. Now is his time to give back and help.
Double gold in Chengdu
At the 2023 FISU Games in Chengdu, China, Jean-Joseph claimed gold in men’s épée individual and team action.
Despite being only 24, he has already achieved a lot in his sporting career, with other top honours including a junior world title in 2021 and a bronze medal with the French team at the 2023 World Cup.
Another achievement, of course, is his self-founded camp, where 14 to 18 year olds participate in fencing training as well as other activities such as boat trips and mountain hikes. But the focus remains fencing.
“We want to give the children in Martinique the same training I do in Paris,” said Jean-Joseph.
He has the support of many good coaches and this year, 30 children are taking part, ten more than in the previous edition.
“When I was young, (2016 French Olympic champion) Jean-Michel Lucenay organised an épée camp in Martinique. After that, my dream was to organise my own camp in my home country.”
Over the years, Jean-Joseph has met many people who now help him organise the camp. The fact he is studying management also helps.
Big plans for Rhine-Ruhr
The French student-athlete has a clear vision for his second FISU Games.
“I want to experience another great moment, like I did two years ago,” Jean-Joseph said.
The opponents are different and the team has changed. But the desire remains the same. “I just want to enjoy it, because it will be my last attendance at the FISU World University Games. Ideally with a medal.”
A medal he would, no doubt, proudly present to the young children at this camp.
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.
Written by Lara Zugck, EU U-Media Ambassador, Germany
The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.
We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.
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