Judo: First medal for a French athlete at Paris 2024 as Shirine Boukli secures -48kg bronze 

The Champ de Mars Arena was electric as one of the host nation's beloved sports, judo, took to the tatami at Paris 2024. The Arena erupted when Shirine Boukli became the first medallist for France, earning a hard-fought bronze in the women's 48kg category on 27 July. French flags waving proudly, with the crowd reaching a deafening volume.

2024 Paris Grand Slam winner Boukli continued her success on home soil, this time making history by starting off the medal momentum for Team France on the first day of competition. French President Emmanuel Macron was in the Arena to congratulate the inaugural medalist.

"It's amazing. It's a magical day for France. C'est à Paris (It's in Paris)... So it was important to have the medal here, and this medal has a special flavour. The flavour is not just a bronze medal. It's a bronze in Paris. I wanted the gold because I like to win. So I'm here in Paris to go for gold. But it's OK. I have the first medal."

"Being the first medallist of Team France is very special," she added. "I don't realise it yet but it was something I've put in my head. I had to be a goal, not a stress, to be an Olympic medalist. And being the first for France, it's crazy."

This emotional victory marks a significant moment for Boukli, now an Olympic medallist, and for France, as they celebrate this achievement on their home stage.

Judo: -48kg podium

Gold: Tsunoda Natsumi, Japan

Silver: Baasankhuu Bavuudorj, Mongolia

Bronze: Shirine Boukli, France

Bronze: Tara Babulfath, Sweden