Staying Positive

This article also featured as part of the 2019 GFFN 100.

Of these one hundred players, few are more unexpected and yet more deserving of recognition than Yoann Court. At 29 this is just Court’s second top flight campaign after a meandering career which has both threatened to flourish and, after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, to evaporate completely. Court, however, explains that although “I play two games, the sporting one and the one against the disease,” this “illness has made me stronger.”

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce insulin. Insulin moves glucose, carbohydrates broken down after eating, from the bloodstream and into the cells for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream rather than moving into cells to give them energy to work properly. High levels of glucose in the blood can damage arterial walls and a build up can lead to heart disease, heart attacks or a stroke.

Understandably, having been diagnosed with diabetes back in 2012 when at Sedan, Court told L'equipe that he feared for his career after an initial two month lay-off which included a week in hospital. However Court was informed that his illness could be managed if he took it seriously

“At first it was complicated,” Court explains. Having struggled to gauge his insulin dosage he “was afraid of falling into hypoglycemia or having a sugar level too high. Once or twice in training I didn’t feel good but I resurfaced.” The Brest forward however admits that “before, I didn’t eat well, but since I met my wife I’m eating a lot better. Physically, I feel better than before, maybe because I'm more careful, I'm resting more.”

With this in mind, Court’s 2019 becomes all the more remarkable. After a depressing 15/16 Ligue 1 season with the hapless Troyes, Court found himself with struggling second tier side Bourg-en-Bresse at the start of 17/18 but was quickly snapped up by Brest. Installed as their creative fulcrum, Court helped the Western club to promotion. Seven assists and 2 goals so far this term have come at key times too; a brace to draw 2-2 with Lyon being a highlight.

However, it’s his assists that have been pivotal, only Islam Slimani has more. “I don’t cut corners. I won’t miss training for a small injury. I work hard to progress and to bring what I can to the team,” said Court. “I tell Gaetan Charbonnier that if we’re two on one in front of goal, I’d rather pass to him than score. An assist is as good as a goal for me."

Potentially very affecting for most suffers, for a professional athlete diabetes could be career threatening. As a result Court told the Ligue 1 Show: “Every time I play, I’m delighted, I’ve played another game and as someone who suffers from diabetes, each match is a victory!” Even so Court has worked hard to highlight his continued top level career as an example that diabetes can be managed and suffers can continue to pursue their dreams. “I remind them that life is far richer than they might think... You have to stay positive!”

by Adam White

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