Teddy Riner, the greatest judoka of all time, captured his third Olympic gold medal in Paris, solidifying his status as a national hero in France. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 305 pounds, Riner’s dominance in the sport is unparalleled. While his name may not be as widely recognized as other athletes like Simone Biles or Novak Djokovic, within the world of judo, Riner is a transcendent figure. Statues of him have already been erected in both his birthplace of Guadeloupe and in France. He is mentioned in the same breath as legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane as one of the country’s most popular athletes.
At 35 years old, Riner’s career is approaching a vanishing point, but he has not lost his competitive edge. Despite ranking seventh in the world, Riner entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with doubts about his abilities. In an interview, he admitted to constantly questioning himself and finding motivation in doubt. This mindset has fueled his success and helped him overcome challenges throughout his career.
In the semifinals, Riner defeated Temur Rakhimov, the number one-ranked judoka in the world. The victory ignited a passionate response from French fans, who showed up with handmade signs and cutouts of Riner’s face and flags. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as Riner walked onto the mat for the final against Minjong Kim of the Republic of Korea.
The final match lasted just 4 minutes and 33 seconds, but it showcased Riner’s incredible skill and agility. With a swift move, he threw Kim over his hip and onto the mat, leaving spectators in awe. The reaction in the arena was one of delirium, with tears, hugs, and cheers filling the air. Riner, humbled by the outpouring of support, walked laps around the mat, embracing everyone and posing for pictures with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Riner’s journey to greatness began in 2007 when he became the youngest male judoka world champion at the age of 18. He stepped into the spotlight as France’s next great heavyweight judoka, following in the footsteps of David Douillet. Riner’s career has been filled with extraordinary accomplishments, including two Olympic gold medals, 11 world championships, and a stunning winning streak of 154 matches between 2010 and 2020. Despite acknowledging his twilight years in the sport, Riner’s work ethic and determination have remained unwavering.
Looking ahead, Riner has already set his sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. After taking some time to celebrate and rest, he plans to return to the gym and continue his training. Riner’s legacy as the greatest judoka of all time is secure, and while the temporary Champ-de-Mars Arena, where he achieved his latest triumph, will soon be disassembled, Riner’s impact on the sport and his country will endure.
In conclusion, Teddy Riner’s third Olympic gold medal in Paris solidifies his status as the greatest judoka of all time. Despite doubts and self-questioning, Riner’s unwavering determination and work ethic have propelled him to unparalleled success in the sport. His victory in the final against Minjong Kim was met with delirious celebration and showcased his incredible skill. As Riner looks to the future, he remains focused on competing in the 2028 Olympics and continuing his legacy as one of France’s most beloved athletes.