Double gold medalist at the Paris Games, Teddy Riner marked the history of judo and French sport during a memorable fortnight.
Win two Olympic gold medals and take a special place in the history of French sport. Nice summer, right? This is the one experienced by Teddy Riner near Paris. Triple Olympic champion before arriving in the capital, the French colossus knew that he was particularly awaited by the French public… but also by French judo. A discipline weaned from gold before its hero enters the fray.
First individually, in the +100kg category. At the heart of a white-hot Arena Champ-de-Mars, the judoka from Ile-de-France passes the rounds one after the other… until reaching a final which pits him against the Japanese Kim Min-Jong, another reference in the discipline. Between the two men, a duel of titans begins… finally won by the Frenchman, which allows the French public to exult.
A draw for eternity
A third individual gold medal at the Games… soon followed by a new golden team charmat the end of an incredible scenario. Trailing 3-1 during this team event, the Blues managed an incredible comeback against Japan to finally win 4-3 thanks to a final victory from Teddy Riner.
Nothing predestined the French colossus to give victory to the Blues… but while the two teams were tied at 3-3, the draw for the decisive fight displayed “+90kg” on the screens of the Arena Champ-de -March. The public explodes: it's Teddy Riner fighting for gold. And at the end of an unbearable suspense, it is the Frenchman who once again triumphs over the unfortunate Kim Min-Jong.
A memorable scenario which allowed Teddy Riner to take a special place in the hearts of the French… and a unique position in the history of French sport. Indeed, the tricolor judoka became the first French five-time Olympic champion in the history of the Summer Olympic Games. Forever in legend.
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