Youna Dufournet (FRA)

Bronze medalist on vault at the 2009 World Championships in London, Youna has since specialized uneven bars. She focuses and will be expected at this apparatus in Montpellier.

What made you start gymnastics?

My big sister was in Gymnastics, and my dad was president of the club. Being very energetic as a kid, my parents decided to enroll me into gymnastics!

What is a typical day like?

I get up around 7:00 and take a breakfast. I always start the day with a good coffee it is essential! Then I work a bit my classes. I am a law school student. Then I prepare and I go to train at 9:45. At 12:45 I go to lunch, go back to work and I take a quick nap. I have a second training from 15:30 to 18:00. I finish my day having a balneotherapy session, then dinner and go to bed!

What is your gymnastics’ best memory?

My best result today remains the bronze medal I won on vault at the World Championships in 2009. My best memories are the World Championships in Tokyo in 2011 and the last one in Nanning this year.

Do you feel more pressure with a European Championships organized in France, with the French audience?

No, it’s really great! In 2008 when the WAG European Championships were held in Clermont-Ferrand, I was competing as a Junior. It was really big, spectacular, there was a crazy atmosphere! I can’t wait to be in Montpellier to show beautiful gymnastics to our supporters!

Your two strong events are the uneven bars and the beam, but you were World bronze medalist on vault… What is your favorite one today? Aiming for any event final?

My strong event is the uneven bars on which I have a final goal … And I hope a medal!

Thomas Bouhail about Youna: « I remember well her World medal on vault, a great time! I really think she can repeat this performance on the uneven bars.”