He is the most cherished sports figure in France, a charismatic force affectionately dubbed the nation’s teddy bear, who has dominated judo matches for years amidst cheers of “Teddy Bam Bam!” celebrating his remarkable ability to swiftly throw and secure his opponents.
All dreams were realized when Teddy Riner showcased his remarkable tactical poise and extraordinary physical prowess in his home city of Paris on Friday – making history by clinching his third Olympic individual gold medal in the +100kg division.
In a splendid evening for French judo — one of the country’s favored sports — Riner triumphed over his South Korean rival, Kim Min-jong. “I’m ecstatic; I’m going to relish this. Nothing comes easy, you have to push yourself,” Riner remarked.
At 35, he is now recognized as the most accomplished judo athlete in history – boasting four Olympic gold medals – three individual and one team – along with two Olympic bronze medals.
Amid the numerous frenzied fans was his friend, film star Omar Sy, who ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm with a spirited Mexican wave, along with the French president Emmanuel Macron.
Riner frequently refers to a coach’s description of judo as “a kind of dance for robust individuals” — and that was precisely how he delivered his performance in Paris, agile in evading his 24-year-old contender’s attempts to engage him. Notably, Riner, known for his grand stature, remains light on his feet and capable of springing into swift sprints in training, resembling more of a track athlete.
However, judo is a mental sport as well, requiring rapid tactics and strategic thinking. Riner has stated that regardless of one’s physical strength, it is the mindset “that directs you to your desired outcome”.
His triumph carries significant symbolism. Traditionally, judo yields the most medals for the nation at the Olympics. Riner’s victory marks France’s inaugural judo gold at the Paris Games. For decades, French competitors have excelled in this revered, albeit strategic martial art, which mandates respect amongst grapplers, throwers, and pinning opponents. France ranks second globally, only behind Japan, the originator of the sport.
France’s Romane Dicko receives congratulations from Emmanuel Macron after securing bronze. Photograph: Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty Images
In the women’s +78kg division, France’s Romane Dicko, 24 – a mathematics student who has expressed how she applies her analytical skills to the dynamic challenges on the tatami – earned a bronze medal. In an earlier qualifying match, she managed to defeat one opponent in less than 34 seconds. Brazilian Beatriz Souza claimed the gold in her weight class.
Riner faced a tumultuous series of matches leading to the final. During the elimination round, Georgian Gurum Tushishvili confronted Riner with aggressive behavior after his defeat, pushing and taunting him, which led to Tushishvili’s disqualification.
Having carried the flame to ignite the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony last week, Riner has emerged as one of the most sought-after public figures in France for over a decade. A survey conducted last year crowned him as the nation’s favorite athlete – surpassing even Kylian Mbappé and rugby icon Antoine Dupont. Another poll indicated that the French population believes Riner epitomizes the Olympic spirit in France more than any other athlete.
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Born on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, he was raised in Paris, where he began his judo journey and pursued his education. He has expressed that winning an Olympic gold medal on home soil is more significant than anything else.
At just 18, Riner became the youngest judo world champion, capturing the attention of France as a prodigious talent – similar to how Mbappé is viewed in football. He has transformed from a gifted youth into an unparalleled veteran with an extraordinary career: an 11-time world champion and now holder of six Olympic medals. Remarkably, he remained undefeated in global competitions for over nine years. Even now, at an age when most judo athletes see their success waning, he continues to secure victories, having adapted his techniques to outmaneuver younger challengers.
Riner has been a household name for so long that the public has followed his journey on television and through documentaries, including moments of him becoming a father at 25, sharing parental duties between competitions. His parents — his father an employee at the post office and his mother a caregiver for young children with the Paris city hall — were present in the audience on Friday night, alongside his children, aged six and ten. Riner’s partner, Luthna Plocus, noted that their children became so accustomed to hearing applause that when they attended a tennis match, upon hearing cheers, they would exclaim: “Go Teddy! Go Daddy!”
Riner’s mother has mentioned that since childhood, he has always shown a commitment to finishing what he started; whether it was completing a puzzle, he never hesitated until the very last piece was in place.
He understands better than anyone how judo is a dynamic sport where fortunes can shift in an instant. However, as he once shared with Le Monde, he despises losing – “even in board games.”
