The roar of the crowd at the Champs de Mars was deafening as French judo icon Teddy Riner secured his third individual Olympic gold medal, becoming only the second judoka in history to achieve this feat. The 35-year-old heavyweight, a national hero, triumphed over South Korea's Kim Min-jong in the final of the men's heavyweight competition, adding another chapter to his already legendary career.
The atmosphere was electric as fans, many waving French flags and holding posters of Riner, witnessed the judo star's incredible performance. Riner, an 11-time world champion and four-time Olympic gold medallist, is widely regarded as one of the greatest judokas of all time. His imposing size and athleticism have made him a dominant force in the sport for over a decade.
His path to gold in Paris was not without its challenges. Three years ago in Tokyo, Riner narrowly missed out on a historic third gold medal, losing in the quarter-finals. However, he rallied to win bronze and ultimately secured gold in the mixed team event.
This time, Riner showcased his resilience and determination, rolling through the competition with impressive displays of power and technique. He faced a tough opponent in the semi-finals, Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan, but emerged victorious, sending the crowd into raptures with a decisive ippon.
With the mixed team judo competition still to come, the French team is determined to build on its impressive start. Luka Mkheidze and Shirine Boukli have already won silver and bronze respectively, demonstrating the strength and depth of French judo.
Riner's victory is a testament to his dedication and talent, marking a fitting end to a remarkable journey. He leaves Paris on top, a true legend of the sport, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of judokas to come.
