After completing his time in the Pacific Islands, Julien returned to Australia. An exciting opportunity from the Vanuatu Judo Federation altered his plans, asking him to coach their athlete, Hugo Combo (-81kg), for the Paris Olympics.
Australia, a vast land of endless possibilities, was a pivotal part of Julien’s journey. With initial plans to split his trip into three parts: Queensland and the Pacific Islands, New South Wales, Victoria, before moving on to New Zealand, Julien had to rush his Australian trip due to this new opportunity.
In Queensland, Xavier Barker and Jeremy Cade played an instrumental role in organizing Julien’s Judo Nomad project, making the beginning of his Australian tour much smoother. In New South Wales and Victoria, Julien continued to build connections, conducting state training and visiting various judo clubs.
Melbourne became Julien’s central hub for nearly two months, allowing him to build a strong relationship with Christophe Legaud, President of Victoria Judo. He participated in the International Open of Melbourne and visited different clubs, reuniting with old friends and meeting Australia’s top judo athletes.
Traveling along the coast, Julien reached various destinations, including Adelaide, Tasmania’s capital Hobart, and Perth in Western Australia, witnessing the impressive judo organizations and making new connections in each location.
Finally, Julien’s journey in Australia concluded in Darwin in the Northern Territory, where he was warmly hosted by Emma, Craig, and the judo federation, and visited various clubs while experiencing the local culture.
Currently, Julien has arrived in New Zealand for new adventures and is preparing to coach Hugo for the Olympics. After the Olympics in France, Julien is planning to head to the UK for his IJF Academy certification and is considering the Judo Nomad Project tour in the UK and Ireland by the end of the year. Julien appreciates the support and encourages people to stay tuned for updates on his social media.
Julien’s journey is not only a personal adventure but also a testament to the global reach and impact of judo. His experiences in Australia and beyond demonstrate the power of sports in connecting people and transcending borders. As Julien continues to embark on his global judo journey, one can’t help but be inspired by his dedication and passion for the sport.