Teddy Riner, Uncontested Emperor of Judo

Portrait of Teddy Riner in black and white

The judoka Teddy Riner, aged 35, is preparing to mark a new page in sports history at the Paris Olympic Games. A true icon of judo in France, Riner has dominated the global scene for over 15 years and still aspires to new conquests. Known for his imposing stature — 2.04 meters for about 140 kg — and his affectionate nickname "Teddy Bear", this colossus with a disarming smile is an essential figure in French sports. Let’s dive into the world of this extraordinary champion before his much-anticipated Olympic rendezvous.

A passion for judo since youth

Born on April 7, 1989, in Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, Teddy Riner moved to mainland France at the age of 5. It was in Paris that he was introduced to sports at the Aqua Boulevard complex. He tried climbing, golf, tennis, and swimming. Eventually, he turned to judo at the age of 13, finding his true calling.

Trained at Paris Judo and then at Judo Club Bolivar under the guidance of Alain Perriot, he joined the Rouen hope center at 14. Alongside Dominique Paolozzi, he perfected his art for a year before joining the French team at INSEP at 15. As a junior, he already established himself as the worthy heir to the legendary David Douillet. He dominated national, European, and world competitions.

Teddy Riner discovered judo at the age of 5 thanks to his older brother, who introduced him to the sport
Teddy Riner discovered judo at the age of 5 thanks to his older brother, who introduced him to the sport

A rare career and a record that commands respect

Teddy Riner began his international career in 2006 and won his first world title in 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, becoming the youngest male world judo champion at just 18 years old. Since then, he has continuously accumulated titles: ten-time world champion — 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2023 —, triple Olympic champion — in 2012 in London, in 2016 in Rio, and in 2021 in Tokyo as a team —, and five-time European champion.

Riner’s career is marked by an incredible series of 154 consecutive victories between 2010 and 2020, a streak interrupted only by the Japanese Kageura Kokoro in 2020. With his three Olympic gold medals and 10 world titles, he has redefined the standards of world judo.

A unique fighting style

Teddy Riner’s fighting style is a unique blend of raw power and refined technique. Exploiting his size and strength, he controls his opponents with surprising agility for a man of his build. His favorite techniques, the uchi-mata and the harai-goshi, are executed with deadly precision, allowing him to stand out clearly from his competitors.

Since the beginning of his senior career, Teddy Riner has only suffered five defeats in competition, which is remarkable for an athlete of his level
Since the beginning of his senior career, Teddy Riner has only suffered five defeats in competition, which is remarkable for an athlete of his level

Personal life and commitments

Outside the tatami, Teddy Riner is a family man. Married to Luthna Plocus, he is the father of two children, Eden, born in 2014, and Isis, born in 2018. He is also very involved in charitable works. Riner strives to promote the values of respect, honor, and discipline of judo. On his social networks, he willingly shares moments of his family life.

Teddy shares a close relationship with his family, which is very important to him
Teddy shares a close relationship with his family, which is very important to him

Already a sports legend

Teddy Riner’s impact goes far beyond his sporting successes. He has helped popularize judo in France and inspired a new generation of judokas. His exemplary career and charismatic personality continue to motivate many young people around the world.

Teddy Riner does not limit himself to training in France. He has participated in training camps in countries like Uzbekistan, seeking to improve himself with the best judokas in the world
Teddy Riner does not limit himself to training in France. He has participated in training camps in countries like Uzbekistan, seeking to improve himself with the best judokas in the world

A model of success, far beyond our borders

Despite his busy schedule, Teddy Riner managed to obtain his baccalaureate in 2009 and pursue higher education. In 2011, he took courses at Sciences Po. He was decorated with the Legion of Honor by François Hollande in 2009. Sought after by the world of advertising and cinema, he remains focused on his sporting goals. He is determined to continue seeking medals, especially gold in Paris.

Teddy Riner's imposing height — 2.03 meters — is accompanied by a weight that has varied greatly
Teddy Riner’s imposing height — 2.03 meters — is accompanied by a weight that has varied greatly

An exceptional athlete with an impressive record, Teddy Riner is a passionate ambassador of his sport. His career, marked by a succession of triumphs and a few rare defeats, leaves him with one last challenge to overcome: winning Olympic gold in Paris. His legacy in the world of judo is already immense, and his influence continues to shine far beyond the tatami.

Comments

Related Posts