Clarisse Agbégnénou, a Star Not Ready to Fade

Portrait of Clarisse Agbégnénou, bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Clarisse Agbégnénou won the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming the first woman to win three individual Olympic medals in the history of French judo. Known for her determination, resilience, and exceptional talent, Clarisse embodies perseverance and success. A portrait of her impressive journey, from her difficult childhood to her Olympic podiums.

Childhood

Clarisse Agbégnénou was born on October 25, 1992, in Rennes. Born prematurely with her twin brother, she had a very difficult start in life. Clarisse spent four weeks in an incubator and then underwent surgery due to a kidney malformation. Following this intervention, Clarisse fell into a coma for seven days. Her mother, Pauline, recalls: "When she woke up, with a big breath, everyone present in her room applauded, and I remember the doctor saying that my daughter was a fighter."

Born prematurely in 1992 in Rennes, Clarisse Agbégnénou spent her first weeks in an incubator and survived a kidney operation followed by a seven-day coma
Born prematurely in 1992 in Rennes, Clarisse Agbégnénou spent her first weeks in an incubator and survived a kidney operation followed by a seven-day coma

Clarisse started judo at the age of 9 at the club des Arts Martiaux d’Asnières. Overflowing with energy, she discovered judo as a way to channel it. From a young age, she showed a strong character, determination, and a will of iron.

Her father, a Togolese scientist turned engineer, supported her in her sporting ambitions. He also insisted that she obtain her high school diploma despite her achievements on the tatami.

Supported by her father, Clarisse managed to balance her sports ambitions with her studies
Supported by her father, Clarisse managed to balance her sports ambitions with her studies

Junior Career

Clarisse’s dedication to her sport led her to join the France pole in Orléans at the age of 14. She then found herself far from her parents and her twin brother. In 2008, she became the European cadet champion and the French vice-champion in the under 57 kg category. Then, she was crowned French junior champion in the under 63 kg category in 2009.

In 2010, at just 17 years old, she joined INSEP. She trained there alongside athletes much stronger than her, at least initially. Clarisse won her first international medal at the Junior European Championships.

In 2010, Clarisse joined INSEP and won her first international medal at the Junior European Championships
In 2010, Clarisse joined INSEP and won her first international medal at the Junior European Championships

Entry into the Elite

Clarisse Agbégnénou quickly stood out on the international stage. In 2013, she won her first international gold medal by defeating the Russian Marta Labazina at the European Judo Championships. She continued her momentum in 2014 by becoming world champion in Chelyabinsk, Russia, by defeating the Israeli Yarden Gerbi by ippon.

In 2016, she won the silver medal at the Rio Olympic Games. She considers this painful experience her worst memory. However, she took her revenge in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympic Games. She won two gold medals, individually and in mixed teams.

Distinctions and Medals

Clarisse Agbégnénou has one of the most impressive records in French and international women’s judo. She has won six world championship titles in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, two world silver medals in 2013 and 2015, five European titles in 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2020, and several national titles. In 2018, she was named Champion of Champions by L’Équipe.

In 2014, she became world champion in Chelyabinsk, Russia, by defeating the Israeli Yarden Gerbi with an ippon
In 2014, she became world champion in Chelyabinsk, Russia, by defeating the Israeli Yarden Gerbi with an ippon

She has also won numerous titles at prestigious international competitions, including the Paris Grand Slam and the Judo Grand Prix.

Personal Life

Clarisse Agbégnénou is not just an athlete; she also holds the rank of gendarmerie sergeant and proudly wears their colors. In 2022, she announced that she was pregnant with her first child. On June 15, 2022, she gave birth to a baby girl named Athena. Clarisse took a break to welcome her first child. This decision, although natural, posed many challenges for a high-level athlete.

She faces the challenge of balancing her new life as a mother with her sporting aspirations with the same determination that characterizes her career. Clarisse Agbégnénou uses her champion’s aura to support many causes, notably as the godmother of the association SOS Préma, which supports families during premature births.

In addition to her career as a judoka, Clarisse is a gendarmerie sergeant and gave birth to a daughter, Athéna, on June 15, 2022
In addition to her career as a judoka, Clarisse is a gendarmerie sergeant and gave birth to a daughter, Athéna, on June 15, 2022

Return to Competition

Clarisse’s return to the tatami was marked by rigorous preparation and a steely mindset. Eleven months after the birth of her daughter, she won her sixth world title in May 2023 in Doha. Clarisse asserts that her role as a mother gives her a new source of strength and inspiration. She is driven to surpass herself even more. Upon her return, Clarisse proved that she had lost none of her talent by winning several international tournaments.

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Clarisse Agbégnénou won the bronze medal in the -63 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday, July 30, at the Arena Champ-de-Mars. She thus became the first woman to win three individual Olympic medals in the history of French judo. This achievement is remarkable, especially since she accomplished it only two years after becoming a mother.

The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist won this bronze medal after an intense semi-final where she was surprised by Andreja Leski 15 seconds before the end, with the latter scoring a decisive waza-ari. Encouraged by the thousands of supporters present, the 31-year-old judoka found the resources to defeat Lubjana Piovesana by ippon in the bronze medal match.

On July 30, 2024, Clarisse won a bronze medal in Paris, becoming the first woman to win three individual Olympic medals in French judo
On July 30, 2024, Clarisse won a bronze medal in Paris, becoming the first woman to win three individual Olympic medals in French judo

Clarisse Agbégnénou admitted to lacking patience: "I think I lacked patience. I was strong, but not tactical enough, and it cost me an Olympic final. I am very disappointed, but I still went for this medal which was not easy."

Before this semi-final, Clarisse had demonstrated her power, dominating her opponents. In her first match against Gili Sharir, ranked 9th in the world, she scored a waza-ari on an o-soto-gari after smothering her opponent. Then, she found the opening a few seconds before the end of the match against Ketleyn Quadros in the round of 16, scoring a waza-ari.

In the quarter-finals, she quickly scored an ippon against Laura Fazliu with a backward sacrifice technique. However, the semi-final against Andreja Leski, which has often been a medal match in their past confrontations, ended in defeat for Clarisse.

A Third Consecutive Podium

Despite this defeat, Clarisse Agbégnénou finished on the podium. Her loss to Andreja Leski, ranked 7th in the world, was a surprise to many, marking the Slovenian’s first victory in six confrontations.

On March 23, 2024, Clarisse Agbégnénou had the honor of inaugurating a sports complex that bears her name in Ollainville, in Essonne
On March 23, 2024, Clarisse Agbégnénou had the honor of inaugurating a sports complex that bears her name in Ollainville, in Essonne

Despite a mixed season, Clarisse Agbégnénou found the resources to win an Olympic bronze medal, adding another line to her exceptional record. Her victory symbolizes her status as a legend of French judo. With this historic record, she continues to represent France with pride, already hinting at a comeback at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Many continue to support her and follow her upcoming competitions, which always promise excitement.

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