2024-08-03 13:55:02
After lighting the Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron, Teddy Riner didn’t just set the Champ de Mars Arena ablaze on Friday, he set the entire nation of France alight with pride and jubilation.
On the final day of the individual judo competition, Riner etched his name in history, becoming the most decorated Olympic judoka ever. With this victory, he secured his third individual Olympic title (adding to his golds in Rio 2016 and London 2012) and sixth medal overall.
And, to make his historic gold medal even sweeter, he won it on home soil.
In the final, Riner faced off against the Republic of Korea’s Kim Minjong, a contest that culminated in victory by ippon for the French giant.
Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan took home the first judo bronze for his nation, while Alisher Yusupov of Uzbekistan took the second bronze of the evening.
Boasting 11 world titles and now six Olympic medals, Riner has shattered records, standing alone as the first male judoka to win five individual Olympic medals. His journey to the top of the podium was nothing short of legendary, defeating some of the sport’s titans along the way.
As the crowd roared in approval, Riner’s triumph was not just a personal achievement but a moment of national pride, inspiring future generations and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
“It’s a great source of pride, even if it’s complicated to understand straight away,” the judo legend said.
“It’s special because it’s at home. And then to have Guadeloupe behind me, the Antilles, it’s crazy! I have dreamed of it several times in my career to experience a final like that, with an ippon like that. Today I’ve done it at home.”
As for LA 2028? Riner said, “Of course. But everything comes in time. It’s 2024. I’m going to enjoy this medal.”
With the French President Emmanuel Macron, watching on, Riner’s victory in Paris is a celebration of excellence, resilience and the spirit of the Olympics, lighting a flame of inspiration that will burn brightly for generations to come.
Tomorrow, 3 August, Riner has the chance to solidify his legacy even further. Can he, at the helm of the French team, repeat the mixed team successes of Tokyo 2020, and add another medal to the record?
