Paris 2024 Paralympics | Para judo - Sandrine Martinet after her fifth Paralympic podium: ‘A medal at home is priceless’.

A few minutes after losing her Paralympic Para judo -48kg J2 final at the Champ de Mars Arena, France's Sandrine Martinet spoke to the press about her performance of the day: winning a fifth Paralympic medal in 20 years.

She did it. On Thursday 5 September, French Para judoka Sandrine Martinet took part in the Paris 2024 Paralympic tournament in the -48 kg J2 category. In a category dominated by Kazakh Akmaral Nauatbek, who had come from the able-bodied category, her main aim was to win a medal, her fifth at the Paralympic Games in six appearances. After her two successes in the morning on the tatami of the Champ-de-Mars Arena, this goal was achieved.

But for the last step, the the athlete from Ile de France had to face her rival from Central Asia. A challenge, we thought, possibly within the grasp of the French Para judo legend, ready to achieve the feat in front of her family. But the reality was quite different, as Sandrine Martinet lost in 2:27 after conceding two Waza-ari.

You're always disappointed to lose in a final, of course, but I'm very, very proud of this silver medal,’ she said afterwards in the mixed zone to a swarm of journalists. In the other three [Paralympic] finals, I might have had regrets and I could have done better, but in this one I gave it my all. I had a great day, especially as a few months ago I didn't know if I was going to be able to be here and compete like this. The challenge was successful, and the medal is here at home, with an extraordinary public. A big thank you to everyone who made this project possible.

Sandrine Martinet finally wins a medal in front of her children

After a month away from her family, and especially her two children Loïc (14) and Daphné (10), Sandrine Martinet was looking forward to this Paralympic day with great anticipation. "Even if it was a defeat, it was a wonderful moment. I want to make the most of it with this beautiful medal,’ she said. The preparation has been long and painful. We've made a lot of sacrifices, it's hard for them, for me and for ourselves, but you have no choice when you decide to embark on this project. It's with great pride that we bring home this podium. A medal at home is priceless.

As for the future, Sandrine Martinet, 41, has no intention of stopping there. "What I've experienced over the years thanks to Para judo has changed my life. The human story that I live every day thanks to Cesport is incredible, and we don't want it to stop. We want to keep learning and learning and learning," she concluded before accepting her Paris 2024 Paralympic silver medal on the podium at the Champ de Mars Arena.

All the Para judo results from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

All Para swimming results and timetables can be accessed and updated in real time HERE.