2023-11-28 13:13:00
The Women’s World Championship begins this week but it will be without Cléopâtre Darleux. The goalkeeper of the French women’s handball team, Olympic champion in Tokyo, has suffered since the start of the year from a concussion following balls hit in the head. Her last match with her club Brest dates back to the beginning of February 2023. Today, the 34-year-old player is doing better and plans to resume at the start of 2024. With one objective: to make the Olympic Games next summer.
How are you ?
Cleopatra Darleux. I no longer have daily symptoms of the concussion. I only have them when I go for high intensity cardio. They boil down to headaches. I don’t have any more like before. The cardio and cycling protocol, with Doctor Romain Loursac from LOU rugby (as part of a follow-up established with the specialist office Neurovision), is for the moment all I do. I have to complete all the steps to reach my maximum without any further discomfort. Afterwards, I can resume everything else.
Where are you in this validation?
I am at 85%-90% of my maximum and, to validate this, I must be at 95%. I’m still stuck a little at the end of the effort with these few headaches. I underwent every possible test to find out if I still had anything. Fortunately, I have nothing left. At first, I was described 50 symptoms of the concussion and I had around 40. I only have one left. I no longer have irritability, sensitivity to light, noise, screens. I feel a real improvement in my condition, I am on the right track. I’m already living again.
Are you worried that symptoms will suddenly return without knowing why?
The doctors assure me that once the concussion has passed, it’s over. There’s no reason for her to come back.
Could the symptoms return in a few years?
Feeling good in my everyday life reassures me. I will never take any risk for my health but from the moment the doctors give me the go, I will give my all again in everything without any more risk than another person of getting another concussion.
When will you return to training and play again?
As soon as possible. I cannot give a precise date. When I no longer have these last headaches at the end of the effort, I will start again. It can now go very quickly, I hope.
“Physically, I look after myself, I feel good. I’m going to miss a little muscle, I’ll have some reflexes to regain but it will all come back quickly. »
What motivates you the most?
I have learned over the last few months how much I miss handball. I also want to make the Olympics. I will do everything possible to regain 100% of my abilities and perform well in order to be selected. I never gave up being part of this adventure.
What deadline do you set for yourself to be selected for the Games?
If I start again in January, that’s great. But I will say that until March, things are still going well.
Won’t it be too late?
I do not believe. Physically, I look after myself, I’m good. I’m going to miss a little muscle, I’ll have some reflexes to regain but it will all come back quickly. The matches and the Olympic preparation will help me. March remains in good timing.
Won’t you be tempted, sometimes, to let the ball slip away to avoid another shock?
No. I have never been afraid of the ball in the 20 years I have been in goal. I’m not afraid of it anymore. I know the risks but my neurologist promises me that once I am completely recovered, I will start from scratch. A new shock will not be added to those which caused my concussion. I won’t be in any more danger than any other guard. I will probably change my technique a little to protect myself differently with my arms, especially in training, but nothing more.
Are you considering wearing a helmet like rugby players?
It’s of no interest. It protects against blows but not against brain movements. However, if a revolutionary headset exists, I’ll take it.
“I always had the idea of starting again. I never thought about stopping like this. »
Have you thought about stopping?
I always had the idea of starting again. I never thought about stopping like this. The question of my post-career has always arisen, even before the concussion but, paradoxically, it arises less now. I have no intention of stopping after the Games, whether I do them or not. I feel good in Brest, I want to stay there. 2024 will not mark the end of my career, I don’t think.
Regaining your place in Brest and in the French team will not be easy: how do you see it?
It doesn’t scare me. It’s like coming back from any injury. Throughout my career, I have lived with competition. Nothing was ever given to me and I saw it as another step. I’ll even tell you: I like it. I learned during this period how much I miss handball and I will be back with a lot of freshness and desire. At my age, it’s quite beneficial.
Do you come away with anything positive from this year without playing?
I am a sports mother but my job requires my 4 year old child (her daughter Olympe) to adapt. These last few months, I’ve been able to spend a lot more time with her and my family and that’s been nice too. Sportingly, I have also taken a step back, I have a different perspective on my practice.
Have you imagined the moment when you will discover your name in the list of those selected for the Games?
Considering where I come from, it will be exceptional if it happens and I hope so. When the roads are so winding to reach your goal, it’s even more beautiful. I will be over the moon.
If that’s not the case?
I will experience it differently. There will be disappointment but I will put things into perspective because I have already experienced great things. There are worse things in life. Either way, I’ll be at the games. It may be in the stands but I have already bought my tickets.
Without you, the Blues are competing in the World Cup: will you watch them?
I would have liked to have been there. There is a little bit of bitterness but I am behind them. I will follow them of course, watch all the matches. I’ve already sent a little note to all the girls. After the Olympics, the World Cup is my favorite competition. If I can attend one or two matches there, I will also be happy to go. And I think that the France team will be at least in the last four, without problem.
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