Riner Leads PSG Judo to Champions league Victory
In a stunning return to competition, five-time Olympic champion Teddy Riner secured a crucial point for Paris Saint-Germain Judo as they clinched the Champions League title in Montpellier on Saturday. Riner, who had been absent from the mat for five months following the Paris Games, made a surprise appearance in the final against Red Star Belgrade, much to the delight of the crowd.
Facing a formidable opponent in Cuban Andy Granda, the reigning 2022 world champion and fifth-place finisher at both the 2024 World Championships and the Paris olympics, Riner displayed grit and determination despite being visibly off his peak form. After a grueling eight-minute battle, he emerged victorious via penalties, contributing to PSG’s resounding 4-0 victory.
PSG’s path to the championship was paved with remarkable performances. In the quarter-finals, they overcame Asnières 4-1, with Olympic bronze medalist romane Dicko making a triumphant return to competition, securing a crucial win. Dicko continued her dominant form in the final against Belgrade, winning both her bouts with decisive ippon throws, spending a mere minute on the mat. The semi-final saw PSG dispatch Judo Ukraine 4-0, showcasing their depth and dominance.
Riner’s participation in the Champions League was initially uncertain due to a contract dispute with PSG.However, a last-minute agreement paved the way for his return, allowing judo fans to witness the legend back in action.
Teddy Riner’s Triumphant Return: An Interview with Olympic Champion, Marie-Ève Gahié
Teddy Riner’s surprise reappearance on the judo mat at the Champions League Finals captivated fans and fueled debates about his readiness for competitive judo. To discuss this momentous return and its implications,we welcomed Olympic bronze medalist and judo expert,Marie-Ève Gahié.
Moderator: Marie-Ève, Teddy Riner’s victory against Andy Granda was certainly hard-fought. Do you beleive he’s fully recovered from his post-Olympics break?
Marie-Ève Gahié: It’s clear Teddy wasn’t at his peak in Montpellier. His win was grit and determination, relying more on experience than his usual explosive power. Andy Granda is a world-class judoka, and Teddy needed every bit of his legendary resilience to secure that victory.
moderator: A five-month break is important at this level of competition. Would you say his return was rushed considering his contract dispute with PSG?
Marie-Ève Gahié: It’s a complex situation. Riner is a fierce competitor, and I believe the lure of the Champions League title, combined with the resolution of the contract dispute, motivated him to return.Whether it was the optimal timing is debatable.
Moderator: Romane Dicko’s dominance throughout the tournament was impressive.Do you see her emerging as PSG’s new leader with Riner’s potential shift in focus?
Marie-Ève Gahié: Romane is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. Her performances in both the quarter-finals and final were exceptional, showcasing her technical prowess and mental fortitude. Riner’s future role within the team remains to be seen, but Romane’s emergence as a leader is undeniable.
Moderator: This Champions League victory seems to solidify PSG Judo’s dominance in the sport. What factors contribute to their continued success?
Marie-Ève Gahié: PSG Judo possesses a remarkable blend of veteran experience and emerging talent. Their depth is remarkable,as evidenced by their 4-0 victory against Ukraine in the semi-finals. Add to that a dedicated coaching staff and world-class facilities, and you have a recipe for sustained success.
Moderator: Final thoughts, Marie-Ève? What excites you most about the future of PSG Judo and Teddy Riner?
Marie-Ève Gahié: I’m excited to see how PSG Judo continues to evolve and dominate the judo landscape. As for Teddy, it’s fascinating to see how he navigates this new phase in his career. Will he focus on mentoring younger judoka like Romane, or will we see him seek another Olympic title in 2028? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on Teddy Riner’s return and the future of PSG Judo? Let us know in the comments below!
