For years, the French have rallied behind judo with the energetic chants of “Teddy Bam Bam.” In France, judo is not only one of the most popular sports but also one of the most decorated, with Teddy Riner as the central figure driving this enthusiasm.

Undoubtedly, Teddy Riner is one of France’s most beloved sports stars. For years, the French have admired his ability to swiftly throw opponents and pin them to the ground. On Friday, August 2nd, Riner, with his characteristic calmness and extraordinary physical prowess, secured his fourth Olympic gold medal in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. This victory has cemented his legendary status in the history of Olympic and world judo.

At 35 years old, Riner was one of the athletes who lit the Olympic cauldron at last week’s opening ceremony. He previously won individual gold medals in judo at the London and Rio Olympics and a team gold at the Tokyo Olympics. The +100 kg judo final in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. Fans leapt from their seats, shaking the stands of Champs de Mars Arena, as Riner executed a flawless Harai-gochi, scoring an ippon to decisively defeat his opponent, a reigning world champion.

With this victory, Teddy Riner joins Japan’s Tadahiro Nomura as the only judokas to have achieved three Olympic gold medals. However, Riner’s impressive record includes two additional Olympic medals and a mixed team title from the Tokyo 2021 Games, placing him in a league of his own. Furthermore, his 11 world titles solidify his unparalleled status in the sport.

Teddy hails from the village of Vieux-Habitants in Guadeloupe. His children, Eden and Yesis, along with his family and the people of Guadeloupe, celebrated Teddy’s victory with great joy.

Riner’s triumph not only adds to his personal legacy but also highlights the rich tradition of judo in France. His achievements continue to inspire the next generation of judokas, cementing his place as a true icon in the sport.