Julie (Ko-Lanta): "Hats off to Tania!"

You are an international football player, how did your club react when you found out you were going to join Koh-Lanta?

Julia: You sign a confidentiality clause when elected, but I was able to warn FC Fleury, the president of my club, in advance. My contract was a year away and I took the news pretty well because Koh-Lanta could potentially put a good picture of women’s football and the club’s visibility. On the other hand, it was a little harder for my coach to digest it, because he’s tied to Champions League goals and he’s losing an element, which is always a bit sad, especially since we don’t know what we’re going to find next. But it went well, my departure did not affect the results of the team, which put me at ease.

A few days ago you announced the end of your professional football career. Did you think before going to the Philippines?

No, but Koh-Lanta rushed my decision a bit. It was difficult to re-athlete when I returned. My legs were shaking with every step, my muscle tests were disastrous, and I had lost most of my explosive power. Koh-Lanta remains a physically traumatic adventure incompatible with his senior football career. I’m 35 and I have other plans, it was time to stop.

You were pretty prudent at the beginning of the adventure, was this a default strategy on your part?

Definitely ! I thought about that before I left. As someone who has followed the previous seasons, I think that at the beginning of the adventure you should not be the first or the last, and you should not reveal yourself too much. For example, I wouldn’t want to be in Héléna’s shoes and be chosen as team leader – even if it’s a personal satisfaction. My fourth place in the obstacle course suited me very well. I didn’t do it on purpose to be below my abilities, but looking back, it wasn’t that bad.

During your poor performance on the pincer test, you were too harsh on yourself. As a top athlete, is it more complicated to fail?

Yes. I found myself in trouble. I never thought I would be this bad at an event accessible to everyone. I was really embarrassed, I even cried.

How did you react when you discovered the male alliance?

GOOD MORNING MY BABY. I had forged strong ties with Nicolas, who entrusted me with his primary alliance with Gilles, Fred, and Quentin upon reunification. I sailed a little to myself, saying that he would protect me as best I could. And that’s exactly what happened!

Lots of betrayals happen this season of Koh-Lanta. Did you think you were a strategist before you went to the Philippines?

Not possible! The thing I feared most was betraying my values. It’s true that you develop incredible strategies when you find yourself facing the wall (laughs), but I don’t think I’m giving the image of an unscrupulous person. I always think I can justify my votes as much as possible. My only regret is that I voted against Tania during the surprise council. I misunderstood the situation.

You are on the initiative of one of the most beautiful curves of the season in the last recommendations. Did Tania hesitate to lend you her immunity necklace to fool the kids?

At first I wasn’t very confident, he even asked if I would really give it back to him (laughs)! Her imagination that I might have stolen her necklace made me smile!

Was it fun to pull the carpet from under the children who saw themselves together in the final?

(Laughs) I won’t say otherwise, but I had a modest victory back then because someone’s dream was shattered… but what personal satisfaction for Tania and me! I think this male alliance made some viewers uncomfortable as well, so it’s good to have a tied final.

Do you regret that adventurers didn’t take their destiny into their own hands before, like men?

Yes clearly. I discussed this a lot, especially with Laura. We felt a little silly exploring the show. After we dealt the big blow by eliminating Gilles, we should have continued the women’s alliance. But we found ourselves compelled to vote against each other because of “connected destinies” that created little useless hostilities.

How did you approach orienteering?

I had some theoretical ideas about using a compass, but in practice… (laughs). I bet on the luck factor as well, as did Inès (Note from the Isle of Heroes editor) who accidentally unearthed a dagger before he could find the lantern.

Unlike the hook hook test, you took your defeat in orientation with philosophy…

Yes the gripper was a technical error that I could have fixed when I had never done orienteering in my life! Tania, Fred and Nicolas were better than me, I could only bend over. I wasn’t good so I deserved this fourth place. Having succeeded in the coup in the previous parliament and not being able to transform the test was still a disappointment…

What do you think of Tania’s journey? FFinally Was it underestimated from the start?

I know he’s been sitting on the hot seat throughout his adventure and it’s not easy for him. But when I saw the result… I would love to be in his place. I admit it (laughs). He knew how to maintain a cheerful and positive attitude despite gossip. I just tell him it’s good for him and hats off!

Sarah Ibri