France successfully defended their Olympic title in judo by winning the mixed team gold at the Tokyo Games. The victory was a result of a remarkable comeback, with the team overcoming a 3-1 deficit to secure the top spot on the podium.
Leading the charge was Teddy Riner, who added another gold to his impressive collection, making it his second gold of these Games and a record fifth overall in judo. Riner's exceptional performance further solidified his place in the history books of the sport.
The French team's triumph was a collective effort, with crucial wins from Joan-Benjamin Gaba and Clarisse Agbégnénou in their respective bouts. However, it was Riner who delivered the decisive victory in the final contest against Tatsuru Saito, clinching the gold medal for France amidst the cheers of the enthusiastic home crowd.
Riner's exceptional display throughout the competition, coupled with his symbolic role of lighting the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony, has elevated his status to legendary proportions at the Tokyo Games. His contributions to the team's success and his individual achievements have left an indelible mark on the judo competition at this year's Olympics.
