News
Clément Lebreton: French University Kickboxing Vice-Champion and Finance Student
A first-year Master's student in the Master in Management programme (PGE) at SKEMA Business School’s Sophia Antipolis campus, Clément Lebreton practises kickboxing (full-contact), competing at a university level with the support of SKEMA. Earlier this year, he earned the title of French University Vice-Champion in this discipline.
Clément, at 22 years old, you are a PGE student and vice-champion boxer in the heavyweight category. How do you balance your academic life and sporting commitments?
I’ve been practising kickboxing for four years and boxing for six. Throughout my training, I’ve always had the support of my physical education instructors, especially when I travelled to compete in Reims in February. The professors and the school were by my side.
I’ve been very well supported, both by our physical education teacher in Sophia Antipolis and by fellow students. At SKEMA’s Sophia campus, the combat athletes are of a very high calibre. Thanks to this support, I’ve been able to compete and keep up with my studies as normal.
You are currently following the Finance & Quants track in the Master in Management (PGE) programme. What career path do you envision?
I joined SKEMA for the diversity of its finance programmes and the school’s renowned excellence in this field. I’m currently starting my second internship in asset management in Luxembourg, after completing my first internship in wealth management.
What qualities are essential to being a good boxer?
I believe the first quality is humility. When you lose, you must be able to carry the physical and mental scars of defeat. It’s vital to be persistent, to know how to get back up after falling. Boxing is a rather unforgiving, tough sport—let’s not forget, you take hits. It’s first and foremost a sport for the passionate.