Legras and Baker back with enriching experience |17 December 2004

While former light welterweight Legras went to l’Insep in Paris, France, to upgrade his knowledge in boxing coaching techniques, Baker learned new judo moves in Reunion.

Legras described the month spent in Paris as very enriching as he was able to work with French coaches who were preparing the France national side for different forthcoming international competitions.

“I learned different training techniques, about the two types of preparation – general and specific -, and how to follow boxers’ development closely. This includes the load of training boxers can cope with, their physical development and records of wins, draws and defeats,” said former Olympian Legras, who added that the coaches at l’Insep were willing to help him and that he gathered a lot from them.

For judoka Baker, who also coaches young judokas, he said that he learned a lot in a short period of time during the training followed at the Dojo Régional de St Denis, in Reunion.

“Other than judo coaching for different age groups, I got to learn about officiating, structuring of a federation and what they call ‘commissaire sportif’ (table officiating). I’m thus satisfied with what I gathered in Reunion,” said 26-year-old Baker, silver medalist in the 81-kg category at last year’s Indian Ocean Islands Games in Mauritius. 

Both Legras and Baker would like to thank the French embassy, the Nationals Sports Council and the Ministry of Local Government, Sports and Culture for sponsoring their training.