Teddy Riner is considered by many to be the greatest judoka in history. The French legend boasts an unprecedented 11 world titles - the most by any judoka in history - and three Olympic gold medals.
Born on April 7, 1989, in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, Riner began his athletic journey at a multisport club in Aquaboulevard, Paris, when he was five. During his early years, he tried out different sports, such as climbing, golf, tennis, and swimming, but eventually found his passion in judo.
At 15, he joined the French national team at INSEP and began his professional career two years later. Riner reigned supreme on the tatami, winning national, European, and world titles at junior level, establishing himself as the heir to the French judo legend David Douillet.
In 2007, Riner became the youngest judo world champion at 18, winning the gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro World Championship a year after securing the junior title.
Athlete Olympic Results Content
You may like