Champions Train with Technogym: Shirine Boukli
Shirine’s inspirational journey – fueled by the ever-present support of her parents and enhanced by Technogym’s excellence for the training of champions – exemplifies determination towards athletic expertise.
Born in Nîmes, France, in 1999, Shirine Boukli represents the modern generation of international Judo. Competing in the extra-lightweight category (under 48 kg), she has established herself as a remarkable judoka on the global sporting scenario.
Her list of accolades currently includes the gold medal at the 2023 (Montpellier), 2022 (Sofia) and 2020 (Prague) European Judo Championships, and the silver medal at the 2023 World Judo Championships in Doha. Her sporting career appears to be in its prime, and she’ll be representing France at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (after having already earned this opportunity for Tokyo 2020), showcasing her talent on the world’s largest sporting stage.
Shirine got into judo at 4 thanks to her father, and she highlights how this source of motivation has been essential throughout her career, to this day. It all started because, as a young girl, she saw her dad as an example: to her, he was the strongest man in the world, a role to strive towards. Getting as strong as her father became Shirine’s goal and the reason for which she has fought.
She remembers how her motivation then evolved, but still implied her parents being the backbone of her successes. Growing older and realizing the unconditional support they provided – always taking her across France for matches – she felt a deep sense of gratitude. Knowing that her parents’ sacrifices and comprehension were the foundation of her journey to success, she began fighting for that, all the way to Paris 2024.
“In fact, I feel like I owe my whole life to them, because thanks to them that I am where I am today. And that’s what keeps me going every day and makes me want to keep going and never give up. I know they’re always there, I know they’re my strength, and when I need to recharge my batteries, I know I can count on them. And that’s it, for me: they’re my pillar and I fight for them every day.” – Shirine Boukli
Shirine’s rise in the global judo community has made her a prominent figure and an inspiration for aspiring judokas, especially among young girls. Her judo style is characterized by a strategic approach to matches, agility, and technical prowess: she leverages Technogym equipment and technology to channel her talent towards peak physical performance and athletic excellence.
Judo as a discipline evolved in a manner that emphasizes technique over brute strength. In Shirine’s words, physical preparation and judo are complementary aspects that go hand-in-hand. As judo primarily focuses on technique and combat, physical fitness is crucial for enhancing strength and performance. During one of her average days at the gym, a well-rounded routine includes strength trainingfor muscle enhancement and cardiovascular exercises, all of which are vital for injury prevention. These Technogym-powered gym-floor activities supplement the physical demands of judo, filling the gaps left by the practice of this martial art alone.
