France’s Teddy Riner becomes most decorated judoka
France’s home favourite, Teddy Riner, became the most decorated judoka of all time on 2 August as he won gold in the men’s 100+kg.
The victory makes it three individual Olympic gold medals for Riner and six medals overall which he adds to his tally of 11 world titles.
Riner won the final against Republic of Korea’s Kim Minjong in style by executing an ippon to the delight of the home crowd. The judoka is a national hero in France with his career spanning five Olympic Games.
“It feels good, especially when it happens this way,” Riner reflected. “With such a crowd, with my family that was there to cheer me on. We understand why, all those years, we travel abroad, we train hard, why there are moments of doubt. I know why I did it, and a lot of pride to have done it here.”
Riner added the gold to his collection after having had the honour of lighting the Olympic Cauldron during the Opening Ceremony.
“It adds to the pride.” he said. “When I got told that I would be the last one (to light up the Olympic Cauldron), it was already an extreme joy. When we do such perfect Olympics as I did today, we’re happy. We want to live the experience fully. We want to savour every moment, and that it will last.”
Photo by © David Ramos/Getty Images
