When Sébastian Girardey stepped onto Luxembourg soil in March 2025, he brought with him not just decades of elite judo experience from France, but a vision for transformation. As the new Technical Director of the Luxembourg Judo Federation, Girardey now finds himself at the heart of a small but ambitious sporting community, one eager to punch above its weight.
“It’s only been a few months,” he reflects, speaking just before the final day of competition at the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) 2025. “But I already feel like there’s real potential here. The coaches are passionate, the athletes are motivated and the atmosphere is one of quiet determination.”
Girardey’s judo credentials are impressive. Having served as Technical Director in Strasbourg’s high-level centre, then as Regional Technical Director for Grand Est, and later as Deputy National Technical Director for the French Federation, he is no stranger to elite performance environments. However, after years of overseeing international events and managing large-scale programmes, he was ready for a return to the dojo.
“I wanted to get back on the mat. My previous roles were more managerial, more about planning and logistics. Now, I get to work directly with athletes again. That’s where I feel most at home,” he says with a smile. Taking up the Luxembourg post was, in many ways, a leap, not into the unknown, but into a different rhythm. “It’s a smaller country, of course. Things move at a different pace but that’s not a disadvantage. It means we can focus deeply, build something meaningful, and move forward with clarity.”
Girardey is under no illusion that change comes overnight. His short-term goal is clear: establish strong, effective cooperation between the Federation and the clubs. “In France, structures are often larger and more hierarchical. In Luxembourg, the closeness is a strength. Everyone knows each other. If we align the clubs and the Federation under one technical direction, we can progress quickly.”
His longer-term ambitions include developing athletes capable of competing on the European and World stages, as well as reaching the Olympic tatami. “It’s a big dream, but it starts with small, consistent steps. We need to nurture talent from a young age and provide them with the right environment and support.”
Despite geographical proximity, France and Luxembourg differ in more than just scale. “The culture around judo is similar in terms of passion, but the structure, the rhythm, the expectations, they are different. What impressed me most here is the patience. People want to build something meaningful, not just chase short-term results.”
That doesn’t mean ambition is lacking. At this year’s GSSE, the team already showed strong performances, though Girardey admits they had hoped for a few more medals during the individual event. “There were a couple of unlucky moments but the mindset was right. Today, we are aiming for gold. Our first match is against Monaco, a strong team but if our athletes give everything, anything is possible.”
As he settles into his new role, Girardey seems energised by the road ahead. “It is a new chapter for me, but also for Luxembourg judo. We are not trying to copy anyone, we are building something that suits our size, our culture, and our people, and that’s exciting.” Girardey’s presence is already making waves, not just in terms of performance but in vision, structure and belief. In a federation with modest resources yet big dreams, Girardey may just be the catalyst Luxembourg judo needs.
Author: Szandra Szogedi