Portrait No. 19 - Agnès ETAVARD

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Agnieszka Etavard-Glemp. I am 47 years old and a mother of three children aged 25, 17 and 6.

What is/are your favorite sport(s)?

My favorite sport is basketball, which I've played for over 20 years, including 15 years on the French National Team. My achievements include three World Championships and two Paralympic Games.

And for the past 4 years, I have been playing para badminton at Trégor Badminton. This has resulted in several medals at the French Championships and a bronze medal at the European Championships.

When did you start playing?

I started playing wheelchair basketball in a rehabilitation center thanks to Perle Bouge before joining the French National Team. I began with Perpignan, then Narbonne, before joining Lannion where I spent my entire career. It was the only club at the time that fielded girls and still today places great trust in them.

Badminton is a more recent addition to my sporting life. I started playing to play with my daughter, before developing a taste for it and joining the local club.

What do you feel when you play?

I feel the adrenaline rush I no longer get from basketball. It's not that I've exhausted the sport, but I don't have my teammates to support me. I've always played team sports, and now I can only rely on myself. It's challenging myself that motivates me and keeps me going. And at the same time, there's also a tactical aspect that I appreciate and that makes me think.

What's your best memory from a match? Or a competition?

Qualifying match for the London Paralympic Games won against Spain. A 10-point victory. I'll always remember the stress of winning against Spain and qualifying, securing our ticket to our first Games. It was an incredible feeling.

What's your best memory off the field?

There were so many with Dorothée Mériaux, my wheelchair basketball partner, with whom I have so many memories. But of course there's also Angélique Pichon and Marianne Buso, with whom, during a training camp, we crossed a bridge over a noisy stream: we shouted like crazy and nobody could hear us. And it felt good at that moment with those friends.

Which player do you like the most?

Marianne Buso deserves recognition for her playing style and determination. Everything she puts in and the high standards she sets for herself has allowed her to reach the level she's at today. And even though she's no longer eligible to play for the French national team, she continues to give her all for her sport. She's talented in many other areas, but she dedicates everything to wheelchair basketball.

The person who inspires you the most?

Cynthia Marthez inspires me with her game: she has a calmness in her shots. She gives the impression of being well positioned, of playing correctly and of being extremely precise.

Can you tell us about the jersey? Its inspirations?

I wanted a different jersey, one that several people could identify with, that would make them wonder what the jersey meant, that it would raise questions.

We have the feathers in front to identify the badminton shuttlecock, or the ALKE bird.

At the back, you can recognize a racket handle, whether it's for badminton, a racquet, or a billiard cue.

The Maori design refers to the "AKA" (a specific ritual) upon entering the field. This moment brings so much focus, a complete surrender, an intimidation tactic. The key is to get into a trance before the match. It reminds me of the war cries with the French national team before the qualifying matches; they gave us so much energy.

What kind of music do you listen to to motivate yourself?

I enjoy listening to music, even though I also need quiet. I can go from good old rap like NTM or Neg'Marrons to Happiness by Kid Cudi.

What is your dream?

To do the Paralympic Games again, a third time, but in a new sport: badminton!

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

The hummingbird embodies a kind of lightness. A bird that knows what it wants with great delicacy, precision, and speed. I strongly identify these values ​​with those of badminton. Therefore, I was immediately captivated by ALKE's hummingbird and the values ​​the brand represents.

Find the AGNES jersey on our E-SHOP