The French judoka to add to a collection of world and European titles, arrived in China two days ago to fulfil the honoured role and has compared this Youth Olympic Games to London 2012, where she won a gold medal.

"The Opening Ceremony was enormous," she said.

"I really had the impression of being at the Olympic Games for top level athletes, like in London two years ago.

"Everything is really similar to the Games.

"Back in 1998, I participated in the World Youth Games in Moscow.

"It was also an event for young athletes, but we were only focussing on the competition and it didn't have the same dimension."

During her time in China, Decosse, who retired from judo after missing out on a bronze medal at last year's World Championships, will be participating in a number of workshops to promote the sport and its deep-lying values in both sport and everyday life.

Lucie Decosse won Olympic gold at London 2012 to complete a full set of judo medals throughout her career ©Getty Images



She will be based mainly in the YOuth Olympic Village where she can engage with youngster, giving them knowledge and advice on their future careers, while also helping them understand a variety of aspects that come with being an elite sportsman or woman.

"This morning for instance, I participated in a workshop organised in cooperation with the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency)," said Decosse.

"It gives good opportunities for the young athletes to learn more about this important topic.

"Every day we participate in different events and workshops."

Tomorrow, Lucie Decosse will also be present at the judo animation held in the Village, together with Ruben Houkes, the Athlete Role Model in Singapore four years ago.

During the four days, the champions along with International Judo Federation representatives will present judo and its values to a young audience of future champions, giving athletes from other sports the chance to discover judo and its principles.

Before all that, however, the reigning Olympic champion paid a visit to the Longjiang Gymnasium to witness the first day of judo action here at the Games.

"Of course, it's also interesting for me to come to watch judo, even if it's always a little strange.

"Not that long ago, I used to be under the pressure of the event myself.

"Today, it's more relaxed and I can really discover the level of the future generation of champions."

Decosse was no doubt impressed with what she saw on the tatami today with gold medals being won by Kazakhstan's under 55 kilogram cadet world champion Bauyrzhan Zhauyntayev, Turkey's Melisa Cakmakli and Japan's Abe Hifumi.

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