Credits: Nicolas Richoffer / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0.
Judoka Teddy Riner, 35, is preparing to write a new chapter in sports history at the Paris Olympic Games. A true judo icon in France, Riner has dominated the world stage for more than 15 years and still aspires to new conquests. Known for his imposing stature — 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 309 pounds — and his affectionate nickname, "Teddy Bear," this giant with a disarming smile is a fixture of French sports. Let’s dive into the world of this extraordinary champion ahead of his long-awaited Olympic showdown.
A Passion For Judo Since Youth
Born on April 7, 1989, in Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, Teddy Riner moved to metropolitan France at age 5. It was in Paris that he first got into sports at the Aqua Boulevard complex. He tried climbing, golf, tennis, and swimming. In the end, he turned to judo at age 13, finding his true calling.
Trained at Paris Judo and then at Judo Club Bolivar under Alain Perriot, he joined the Rouen prospects center at 14. Alongside Dominique Paolozzi, he refined his craft for a year before joining the French team at INSEP at 15. As a junior, he was already establishing himself as the worthy heir to the legendary David Douillet. He dominated national, European, and world competitions.
A Rare Career And An Impressive Record
Teddy Riner began his international career in 2006 and won his first world title in 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, becoming the youngest men’s judo world champion at just 18 years old. Since then, he has kept piling up titles: ten-time world champion — 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2023 —, three-time Olympic champion — in 2012 in London, in 2016 in Rio, and in 2021 in Tokyo as part of the team —, and five-time European champion.
Riner’s career is marked by an incredible streak of 154 consecutive wins between 2010 and 2020, a run broken only by 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 mix of raw power and refined technique. Making use of his size and strength, he controls his opponents with surprising agility for a man of his build. His favorite techniques, uchi-mata and harai-goshi, are executed with daunting precision, allowing him to stand out clearly from his competitors.
Personal Life And Commitments
Off the mats, 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 deeply involved in charitable work. Riner makes an effort to promote the values of respect, honor, and discipline that define judo. On his social media accounts, he gladly shares moments from his family life.
Already A Myth In Sports
Teddy Riner’s impact goes far beyond his athletic success. He has helped popularize judo in France and inspire a new generation of judoka. His exemplary path and charismatic personality continue to motivate many young people around the world.
A Model Of Success, Far Beyond Our Borders
Despite his busy schedule, Teddy Riner managed to earn his baccalaureate in 2009 and continues to pursue higher education. In 2011, he took classes at Sciences Po. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by François Hollande in 2009. Sought after by the worlds of advertising and film, he remains focused on his sporting goals. He is determined to keep chasing medals, especially gold in Paris.
An exceptional athlete with an impressive record, Teddy Riner is a passionate ambassador for his sport. His career, marked by a string of triumphs and a few rare defeats, leaves him one final challenge to meet: winning Olympic gold in Paris. His legacy in the world of judo is already immense, and his influence continues to shine far beyond the mats.