Fencer Ysaora Thibus commits to supporting young female athletes

The Guadeloupean foil fencer is one of the leading figures of the “Esansyèl” program, developed alongside other Caribbean athletes such as gymnast Mélanie De Jesus Dos Santos and former swimmer and journalist Ganesh Pédurand. Together, they aim to make sports more accessible to young girls from working-class neighborhoods in Pointe-à-Pitre and Les Abymes.

The goal of the program is to support 25 girls aged 11 to 16 through a journey that blends sports, education, and personal development. All of the participants come from Pointe-à-Pitre and Les Abymes, two cities with a strong sporting culture, but also a high proportion of lower-income neighborhoods. In these areas, many families cannot afford access to sports clubs and activities. To respond to these social barriers, Esansyèl will offer as many sports as possible over the course of four months.

A full schedule

The 25 participants will meet once a month. During each session, they will practice one or several sports, then attend masterclasses on topics such as mental health, leadership, and sisterhood. Finally, they will take part in an artistic activity led by local artists who have joined the program.

Ysaora and her partners designed this program to offer these young girls the same high-performance environment that shaped her into an elite athlete. It also became a healthy way to navigate the turbulence caused by her positive test in 2023 and the disappointment of the Paris Olympics.

Last year was difficult, but Guadeloupe has always believed in me. This is a rebuilding phase, a new chapter for me. I’m proud to carry this project because it has given new meaning to my life, through work that is not directly tied to high-performance sport.

Missed Games

In February 2023, Ysaora Thibus tested positive for ostarine, a banned substance, during an anti-doping test. Following the result, she was provisionally suspended by the International Fencing Federation (FIE). She immediately challenged the findings, asserting that she had never used performance-enhancing substances.

Investigations by Thibus and her team revealed that the substance came from a contaminated cosmetic product, a conclusion supported by analysis from a specialized laboratory. In other words, there was no intentional doping nor any attempt to enhance performance. In December 2023, the FIE ruled that she bore no fault or negligence, and the suspension was lifted.

However, this difficult episode disrupted her preparation for the Paris Olympic Games, where, given her level, she was considered a strong contender for at least one individual medal.

The “Esansyèl” program will conclude next January with a closing ceremony.