Seyf Arab between tatamis and amphitheatre

At 19, Seyf is a third-year pharmacy student in Montpellier... and a top-level judoka. A member of the Judo Olympique de Montpellier, he trains up to five times a week, while taking his studies seriously. It's a demanding balance that he takes on with lucidity, energy... and a great deal of discipline.

A competitive spirit

It was his father who introduced him to judo, having practised it himself. "I tried out a lot of sports, but from the first time I trained in judo, I knew it was the right one. I got hooked right away. Since then, his progress has never stopped, despite a break during the PASS year, when he put his practice on hold.

His consistency and determination recently saw him qualify for the French senior championships in the second division, while still a junior. "I finished second. I'm a bit disappointed, of course... but I'll remember this little performance, which is a pleasure at the end of the year.

Next objective: the French team championship, scheduled for June.

Organization and discipline: the key to balance

Managing a double life as a student and top-level athlete is not easy. But Seyf has managed to adapt. "Honestly, it's quite complicated. But the university is understanding, and I've learned to be organized." Today, his days follow a well-timed rhythm: classes, revision, then training. "I have to leave school around 5.30-6pm to go training. I do this five times a week. Since this year, his high-level sportsman's contract with the university has enabled him to adjust certain timetables, particularly for practical work.

For him, sport also provides invaluable mental support. "I need to let off steam. When I don't train, I don't feel so good. Judo settles me down and helps me to stabilize. He admits, however, that he sometimes has to fight the temptation to give his all to sport to the detriment of revision.

Studies chosen with conviction

Encouraged by his brothers, one of whom is also a pharmacy student in Montpellier, Seyf discovered the field and has blossomed in it. He is now considering a residency, while keeping an eye on the pharmaceutical industry. "I'm still thinking about it. Maybe in three months' time, I'll want to go into pharmacy! We'll see.

In the meantime, he has a clear message for future students: "With discipline, anything is possible. You shouldn't give up sport just because you're doing demanding studies. You can succeed at both.