REVIEW Olympics-Judo-Riner shines even as Japanese judokas win gold record

TOKYO, Aug. 7 (Reuters) – Japan’s judokas put on a record-breaking gold medal run for the host nation of the Tokyo Games, but it was France’s Teddy Riner who ultimately stole the show at the judo stadium.

Of the 14 weight classes for men and women, Japan won nine gold, one silver and one bronze in the individual competitions in Tokyo – a record since judo became an Olympic event for for men in 1964 and for women in 1992.

However, the feeling of elation among the Japanese judokas quickly faded after they suffered a shock defeat to France 1-4 led by Riner in the mixed team event on the final day of the judo competition.

“This is the reality in the world. The world of judo is changing rapidly,” Kosei Inoue, head coach of the Japanese national judo team, told reporters.

“I’m really frustrated because we ended up in second place and couldn’t live up to expectations, even though I’m the happiest man in the world to have worked with such wonderful athletes.”

Japanese judokas have a big job to do if they want to surpass their results at the Tokyo Games in Paris 2024, he added.

Against Japan, there will probably be French judokas led by Riner, who plans to return to the mat for his fourth Games in his home country.

The 32-year-old French heavyweight legend had to settle for the bronze medal after failing to win a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the men’s + 100kg all-around against Tamerlan Bashaev of the Russian Olympic Committee.

A victory at the Tokyo Budokan, the arena built to host judo’s debut at the 1964 Games, would have equaled the record held by the great Japanese judoka Tadahiro Nomura.

Yet the French victory in the team event saw Riner win three gold and two bronze in his Olympic Games appearances. Riner said he was happy to win both bronze for the individual and gold for the team event.

“This is my third Olympic gold medal, my fifth Olympic gold medal. I think it’s very, very… important to win here in the land of judo during the Tokyo Olympics at the Budokan. is just amazing, ”Riner told reporters.

“It’s a dream, we win the final (against) the Japanese team. Wow.”

Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Editing by Lincoln Feast

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