She is one of the most cherished female sports figures in France, a martial arts icon celebrated for challenging motherhood norms in high-level sports by bringing her infant to training sessions.
When Clarisse Agbégnénou, the French judo champion, secured the bronze medal in the under-63kg category on Tuesday and proudly raised her baby daughter, Athéna, the enthusiastic crowd erupted in cheers.
Although Agbégnénou, a six-time world champion with two gold medals from the Tokyo Olympics, didn’t clinch gold on home soil—awarded to Slovenia’s Andreja Leski—the enthusiasm of the French fans hinted at the excitement to come with key competitions featuring fellow judo stars Teddy Riner and Romane Dicko later in the week.
Judo is undoubtedly a core sport for France, traditionally yielding more Olympic medals than any other discipline. Thus far in the Paris Games, this trend continues, as judo has contributed the bulk of France’s 17 medals by the conclusion of the fourth day.
French athletes have excelled for decades in this refined yet strategic martial art, which demands respect even while grappling, throwing, and pinning opponents. France ranks second globally, following Japan, the birthplace of judo.
Countries worldwide, including Japan, have expressed admiration for France’s ability to produce judo champions. This remarkable success stems, in part, from judo’s immense popularity in France, with around 500,000 participants across over 5,700 clubs. There is a culture of identifying talent among pre-teens and a strong emphasis on high-quality coaching.
All hopes for French judo gold now rest on Riner’s performance on the tatami mat this Friday; a champion in the +100kg class, he is one of France’s most beloved athletes. Riner is often compared to Kylian Mbappé in martial arts, known for his cheerful demeanor that has captivated fans since he first showcased his talent as a teenager. He frequently graces magazine covers and is affectionately referred to as the nation’s teddy bear.
Riner had an astounding nine-year undefeated streak and was entrusted with lighting the Olympic cauldron at the Paris opening ceremony. Now, at age 35, he is seeking yet another gold medal.
Also competing this Friday is rising judo star Dicko, age 24, who participates in the +78kg category. She has recently been commended for her response to what she describes as fatphobia in France, advocating against online harassment regarding her weight. “Grow up,” she expressed in an Instagram post. “I’m an elite athlete and I have love-handles. Yes, that exists. It hasn’t deterred me from excelling at a high level in judo, nor has it stopped me from winning a world championship and medaling at the Tokyo Olympics.”
Meanwhile, Agbégnénou, 31, remarked of her bronze medal: “I won’t stop here,” and pledged her intention to compete at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
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Agbégnénou’s fame in France is rooted in her remarkable personal journey. She was born prematurely in Rennes and underwent significant kidney surgery as an infant, even experiencing a coma. Now, she serves as an ambassador for premature baby charities. Discovered as a teenager, she received advanced training and swiftly ascended to become one of France’s foremost judo athletes in both individual and team events.
She stated prior to the Paris Olympics that her role in pioneering opportunities for elite female athletes with children is among her proudest achievements—she trained with her baby close by to nurse her. “I want women athletes who follow me to feel free and legitimate, to break conventions, to shift mindsets, and to alter the rules. We can embrace life as both women and mothers while also achieving greatness as champions,” she shared with Le Parisien before her competitions in Paris.
British judo athlete Lucy Renshall was eliminated before the medals round. “I felt fit, I felt good, I felt strong,” she remarked. “I felt great after my first match, but in judo, one point can decide the outcome. The better athlete triumphed today.”
The silver medal in the -63kg category was awarded to Prisca Awati-Alcaraz, making her the first Mexican woman to earn a medal in judo.
