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Teddy Riner makes history with 11th world judo gold
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French judo star Teddy Riner made history on Saturday (13 May) by winning his 11th individual world title at the 2,023 World Judo Championships in Doha, Qatar. The 34-year-old heavyweight defeated Russian Inal Tasoev in the +100kg final by waza ari after a thrilling golden score period that lasted more than three minutes. Riner, who became the youngest ever men’s world champion in 2007, extended his record as the most decorated judoka of all time, male or female. He also became the oldest world champion in history, surpassing Japan’s Yasuhiro Yamashita who won his fourth title at age 33 in 1,985. The three-time Olympic gold medallist, who missed the 2021 and 2,022 World Championships due to injury and pandemic-related issues, showed his resilience and determination by overcoming a tough draw that included world number one Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan in the semi-final. Riner needed just 28 seconds to dispatch Rakhimov by ippon, setting up a clash with Tasoev, who had beaten him in the final of the Paris Grand Slam in February. The final was a tense and tactical affair, with both judokas trying to gain an advantage over their opponent. Tasoev was aggressive and resilient, countering Riner’s attacks and almost scoring a waza ari himself, but the referee deemed it invalid. Riner kept his composure and patience, waiting for the right moment to strike. He finally found it after three minutes and 41 seconds of golden score time, when he executed a powerful uchi mata (inner thigh throw) that sent Tasoev to the mat and earned him the decisive waza ari. As the result was confirmed, Riner raised his arms in triumph and celebration, before rolling on the floor and lying on his back, exhausted but ecstatic. He then got up and hugged his coach Franck Chambily, who had been cheering him on throughout the match. He also acknowledged the raucous crowd who had been supporting him with chants of “Teddy! Teddy!”. Riner later said to Chane L’Equipe that he was proud of his achievement, given how difficult it was to get. “I won mentally. I had a sleepless night. People think it’s easy, but it’s hard,” he said. “[The 11th title] brings me pride, given how difficult it is to get. The work behind it… But when you work, it pays off. Even if it’s hard.” Riner’s historic victory also boosted his preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he will be aiming for a fourth individual gold medal on home soil. He said he was motivated by the challenge of competing in front of his fans and family. “It’s an extra motivation. It’s something that makes me dream,” he said. Riner’s remarkable career includes 11 world titles, three Olympic gold medals, five European titles, and a record-breaking unbeaten streak of 154 consecutive matches between 2,010 and 2,020. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest judokas and athletes of all time. • #theheadlinehour
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