In a dramatic conclusion to the judo events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the French mixed team clinched gold in a nail-biting final against Japan, winning 4-3. The victory was sealed by French judo legend Teddy Riner, who secured his fifth Olympic gold medal, equaling the national record held by biathlete Martin Fourcade.The French team’s journey to gold was nothing short of spectacular. Trailing 3-1 at one point, they mounted an incredible comeback. Key victories by Joan-Benjamin Gaba and Clarisse Agbégnénou leveled the score at 3-3. In the decisive match, Riner faced off against Japan’s Tatsuru Saito in a grueling contest that extended into golden score, lasting over five minutes before Riner clinched victory with an ippon.This gold medal performance caps off an exceptional Olympic judo campaign for France, bringing their total to an impressive 10 podium finishes. The victory was especially sweet as it came on home soil, with over 6,000 passionate fans creating an electric atmosphere at the Champ de Mars arena.Riner, now a five-time Olympic champion, hinted at the possibility of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His leadership and performance were crucial in this team event, with French Judo Federation President Stéphane Nomis calling it ‘an extraordinary day’.While the focus was on the French victory, it’s worth noting that Brazil also had a strong showing in judo at these Olympics. The Brazilian team secured their best-ever performance with four medals: one gold (Beatriz Souza), one silver (Willian Lima), and two bronze (Larissa Pimenta and the team).
Key points
- France won gold in the judo mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating Japan 4-3.
- Teddy Riner secured his fifth Olympic gold medal, equaling the French national record.
- The French team made a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 deficit to win.
- This victory brings France’s judo medal count to 10 at these Olympics.
