This summer, Léa Bayekula, the 29-year-old sprinter won us two gold medals at the Paralympics in Paris. With Los Angeles 2028 now in his sights, the athlete tells us his alchemist's secret for transmuting rage into courage. By Anne-Sophie Kersten.
Once is not customary, it is Léa Bayekula, our GAEL Guest, who comes to our house for this interview. The agent of Léa.de.Belgique – her name on Insta – told us that the young woman would like to visit the editorial staff. “The world of women’s magazines interests him. » I who, after such sporting exploits, expected an assertive, perhaps even directive athlete, I perceive in her calm voice, in her large frank eyes painted with pink, a delicate strength, a quiet power. “Can I film?” » But of course, Léa, all the honor is ours.
You wanted to see the editorial…
Léa Bayekula: “Yes, I did three years of graphic design at the Le 75 school in Woluwe. At 13, I read women's magazines, including Amina, the only one with black models with whom I identified. I was looking for the castings. As I was often told that my face and my almond-shaped eyes had something special, I told myself that I had a chance. Apart from school, I didn't do much with my teenage life. Then, just before I turned 15, my father died. It was at this time that I was contacted, via social networks, by Samir, a nice person who suggested that I join an association offering activities to people with disabilities. »
What do you think then?
Léa Bayekula: »At first, I was a little perplexed because associations aren't really my thing. I like when there is a truly inclusive side. In the street, people are mixed, aren't they? But I accept because there are several activities like cooking, DIY, etc., and also basketball. I'll do it for three years. Three superb years which above all help me to build my character and to realize, during matches, that I love competition. “
Is that what carries you then?
Léa Bayekula: » What keeps me hooked is my friend Elfie, with whom we laugh like crazy. We set ourselves challenges: “The first to arrive at the metro entrance!” » He teaches me how to go down the escalators in a chair, including the one at the UGC De Brouckère, which is really very steep. When a person arrives late at basketball, he has to do “suicides”, laps around the court. Being the only girl on the team, I don't have to do them, although I find it great, because it improves speed. So I do them too. “
You already have it.
Léa Bayekula “Sure! The denial of what I experienced as a child, which gives me strength, the desire to smash everything, to answer: “Oh yeah, why are you telling me no if I can? ! »And then, there is this day of talent detection in the Paralympic disciplines by the French-speaking Handisport League. And I discovered athletics, as well as an incredible Belgian athlete, Marieke Vervoort. She shows me how to use an athletic chair, a wheeler. There, I said to myself: “This is what I want to do. »
