Teddy Riner Dominates Paris Grand Slam, Eyes Historic Third Olympic Gold
Double Olympic heavyweight champion Teddy Riner etched his name further into judo history by securing his eighth Paris Grand Slam title, a record-breaking feat achieved less than six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics. While the path to a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the +100 kg category remains challenging, this victory serves as a powerful statement of intent.
riner acknowledged the significance of the win, stating, “It’s done, we’re off to a strong start for the year.It was crucial for me to compete in Paris; it’s a valuable gauge, as the atmosphere will be similar on D-day” – August 2nd at the Arena du Champ de mars.
The Parisian crowd, known for their fervent support, roared Riner on throughout the competition. Despite the resounding victory, Riner remains grounded, emphasizing the need for continuous advancement. ”Ther are still areas were I need to develop,” he admitted.
This triumph marked Riner’s return to individual competition after nine months, following his eleventh world championship victory in Doha, Qatar. He now stands alone as the most decorated champion in the history of the Paris Grand Slam,surpassing the seven titles held by judo legends Lucie Décosse and Clarisse Agbégnénou.Originally planning to resume his competitive schedule in Baku in two weeks, Riner couldn’t resist the allure of competing in front of his home crowd in a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Olympic Games.
While Riner acknowledged that he is not yet at peak condition,he expressed confidence in his ability to refine his technique,physicality,and judo skills over the next six months.
The absence of key rivals such as Japan’s Tatsuru Saito, Russia’s Inal Tasoev and Tamerlan Bashaev, and the world No.1 Temur Rakhimov from Tajikistan, meant that Riner faced less formidable opposition than anticipated. However, the competition was still fierce, and Riner had to dig deep to secure victory.
A notable challenge came in the semi-final against Uzbekistan’s Alisher Yusupov, a bronze medalist at the 2023 World Championships. Yusupov initially appeared to have scored an ippon, but after video review, it was downgraded to a waza-ari, allowing Riner to recover and ultimately triumph.
in the final,Riner faced South Korea’s minjong Kim for the first time.The bout went into overtime,but Riner’s experience and determination prevailed,securing him the gold medal.
Riner’s next competition will be in antalya, Turkey, at the end of March. His focus remains firmly fixed on the Paris Olympics, where he aims to achieve something truly extraordinary.
“What motivates me is to experience the Games in Paris,at home,” Riner shared. “It’s something magical. I’m fighting to achieve something great. Even if it doesn’t work out, my life doesn’t end there. I think I’ve already proven enough, but it keeps me going. I really care, so I’m going to do whatever it takes to win that great medal.”
Teddy Riner’s Paris Triumph: A Masterclass in Judo adn a Glimpse at History
Teddy Riner’s dominant performance at the Paris Grand Slam wasn’t just another victory – it was a statement. A resounding declaration that the French judo icon remains the undisputed king of the heavyweight division, firmly focused on etching his name even deeper into the annals of Olympic history.
Riner’s eighth Paris Grand Slam title isn’t just a testament to his enduring strength and technical prowess, but a powerful reminder of his unwavering dedication and mental fortitude. At 34 years old,many athletes begin to contemplate the sunset of thier careers. Riner,however, continues to defy expectations,showcasing the grace and power that have become synonymous with his name.
His sights are undoubtedly set on Paris 2024, where he aims to claim an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold medal. This feat, if achieved, woudl solidify his place as a legend, surpassing even the achievements of judo greats who came before him.
While we celebrate Riner’s remarkable achievement, it also sparks a heated debate: can he truly defy the odds and secure that historic third gold?
Riner himself remains grounded, acknowledging the challenges ahead. The landscape of heavyweight judo is constantly evolving, with young challengers emerging with renewed vigor. But riner’s experience, honed over years of intense competition, coupled with his unwavering self-belief, make him a formidable force to reckon with.
The road to Paris 2024 will undoubtedly be paved with grueling competition, unforeseen obstacles, and immense pressure. But if Riner’s performance at the Paris Grand Slam is any indication, he is ready to embrace every challenge and etch his name even further into the hallowed halls of Olympic history.
Let the debate begin: can Teddy Riner achieve the unthinkable and claim his third Olympic gold, cementing his legacy as the greatest heavyweight judoka of all time? Join the discussion below!
