Erika Kirpu Interviews the First European Champions of Genova 2025: Lacheray and Garrigue Speak After Gold
The 2025 European Fencing Championships in Genova began with a bang — and France took both of the first golds. On Day I, Eva Lacheray conquered Women’s Foil, and Rémi Garrigue delivered a stunning victory in Men’s Sabre. Olympic champion and EFC press officer Erika Kirpu sat down with the two athletes just after their triumphs to talk about pressure, support, and the magic of competition day.
Eva Lacheray: “Maybe It Was Just Me Today”
Erika Kirpu: Eva, congratulations on this title. So — first after the pool, first at the end of the competition — how did you feel to live this, what we can call now, Eva’s Day?
Eva Lacheray: Actually, I didn’t feel like... it was just amazing for me. This morning it was difficult for me at the pool — I won every round, but it was very difficult. I was looking for something and I didn’t find it. But I think it was just me today. It was difficult, but I could find something inside myself... and I don’t know, maybe that’s why I won — but I don’t actually know why. I’m just super happy.
Erika: Which role did your coach and your team play in the win?
Eva: Today I had the national coach with me and we were very good together. And my club coach came here to Genova and he helped me so much. Guillaume and my coach were a very good team for me, and it was very important for me.
Erika: You felt a lot of support?
Eva: Yes, a lot of support.
Erika: Is there somebody special who you would like to dedicate the victory to?
Eva: Maybe my parents, because I think they are very happy. I can’t tell them now, but I think they are very happy. They are always there for me, and I think maybe my mom is crying actually. But I want to tell her and tell my dad that I love them very much, and I will take a picture for them. I’m so grateful for that.
Erika: And they should be proud of their daughter. Thank you very much, good luck for the next event.
Eva: Thank you.
Rémi Garrigue: “Stay Focused on the Thing to Win”
Erika Kirpu: You became an under-23 European champion just a few months ago. Today, you became a European champion at senior level. How does it feel?
Rémi Garrigue: I'm really happy as well. Wow, wow, wow. I was here to do my best and I'm happy with the result. And just this — I won.
Erika: I saw that during the day you had many tough matches, hard matches, but you were always able to overcome them, especially in the end. What is the secret of this power?
Rémi: I try to stay focused. To stay focused on the target — not on the win — on the thing that I do to win.
Erika: And what about the final? The scenario was more or less the same. You were down in the score, and then you managed to come back and win — against a three-time Olympic champion. What was your mental approach?
Rémi: Yeah, sure. It's impressive to be against this champion — three-time Olympic champion. So I try to stay focused on the thing to win. Don't give up when you take the advantage at the start of the match. And the result is good.
Erika: You were amazing.
Two champions, two stories, one unforgettable day in Genova.
You can watch these full interviews in video format on our official Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/eurofencing
Stay with us for more insights and athlete moments throughout the week — the road to European glory continues!
