This thrilling win, sealed by Riner, marked a significant chapter in Olympic judo history.
On a dramatic Saturday evening at the Paris Olympics, the French judo team, led by the legendary Teddy Riner, turned a challenging start into a historic victory in the mixed team event, defeating a formidable Japanese team.
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A rocky start
The final showdown started under intense pressure for the French team. Early matches saw France’s younger judokas, like Maxime-Gaël Ngayap Hambou, struggle against the seasoned Japanese competitors. Despite the supportive home crowd at the Arena Champ-de-Mars, the French team found themselves trailing 2-0 after early bouts, setting a tense stage for a potential comeback.
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The turning point
As the matches progressed, the French team’s resilience began to show. Clarisse Agbégnénou, replacing Marie-Eve Gahié in the -70 kg category, was a strategic move that paid off. Her fresh energy and tactical prowess helped turn the tide. Yet, it was Joan-Benjamin Gaba’s unexpected victory over the double Olympic champion Hifumi Abe that truly reignited the French team’s hope. Gaba’s win, after an exhausting battle that extended into golden score, was a crucial moment that brought the teams level, setting the stage for the final battles.
Riner’s decisive victory
Teddy Riner, stepping onto the mat for the heavyweight bout, carried the weight of the nation’s expectations. Known for his unparalleled success in judo, Riner did not disappoint. His match against Tatsuru Saito was a strategic masterpiece, with Riner using his experience and strength to secure the victory, propelling the French team ahead.
One of the greatest sporting events of all time! The greatest final we've ever seen. France and Japan produced 90 minutes of Judo that will never be forgotten. And when they needed him the most, the GOAT stepped up. Teddy Riner was called upon not once, but twice to keep the… pic.twitter.com/ndpSDk4X6s
— Judo (@Judo) August 3, 2024
Agbégnénou’s redemption
Following Riner’s lead, Clarisse Agbégnénou took to the mat with determination. Earlier in the week, Agbégnénou had expressed disappointment in her performances, but in this crucial moment, she delivered. Scoring a waza-ari, she not only won her bout but also cemented the team’s comeback, tying the score and setting the stage for the final matches.
Historic conclusion
The event culminated in an atmosphere charged with excitement and national pride. As Riner and his teammates clinched the final point, the Arena Champ-de-Mars erupted in celebration. The victory was not just a win in the match but a statement of resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of French judo.
Celebrations and legacy
The victory was celebrated with unrestrained joy, as fans and teammates alike joined the judokas on the mat. The French judo team’s victory at Paris 2024 will be remembered not just for the gold medals but for the dramatic manner in which they were won, overcoming early setbacks to triumph on the world’s biggest stage.
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This article explores the remarkable journey of the French judo team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting how strategic plays, individual brilliance, and collective resilience led to one of the most memorable victories in Olympic history. Teddy Riner’s leadership and Joan-Benjamin Gaba’s pivotal win were instrumental in turning around a perilous situation, ultimately leading to a gold medal that solidified their legacy in Olympic judo.