Remember. August 3, 2024. The famous “Roulette” of the tatamis. The weight categories parade on the giant screen and in an Arena of the incandescent Champ-de-Mars, chance designates the category of heavy goods vehicles for the decisive duel. Bingo! Teddy Riner catapults the Japanese colossus Tatsuru Saito and offers a second Olympic team by team to France. The public discovers that judo is no longer just an individual combat sport, but also a completely addictive collective show.
“Since last summer, judo has changed in a new dimension, Me explains Stéphane Nomis, the president of the French Federation. I did not think it would take so fast, but it is a concentrate of what judo can offer better, with a totally crazy dramaturgy that takes all spectators, including neophytes. »» Late harvest for a test launched for the first time in Paris in 1994, on the initiative of France. The beginnings are chaotic. Few teams committed, a random frequency, a mixed success.
It’s beneficial, judo has everything to gain there
Teddy Riner
Purists deny this test long considered a “Extra-bullet” For those who would have missed individually. In 2017, the mixed team format was adopted and officially entered the Olympic program in Tokyo in 2021. “It is a beneficial evolution, says Teddy Riner. Judo has everything to gain because it is a natural extension of our individual commitment, with new sensations and a unique opportunity to highlight all the values of judo. »» Like mutual aid, generosity or humility.
Team preparation to prepare the Worlds
Only seventh at the European Championships last April, the Blues collected a historic pound. Enough to stir up their thirst for revenge. All the medalists of the Paris Olympics are there, except Teddy Riner, forced to give up a month ago – “My sensations are not yet 100 %” -, and Clarisse Agbegnenou. The task will necessarily be more complicated. “” The global level progresses quickly and the margins are tightening, Adds Frédérique Jossinet, general manager of the French teams. Holding our rank remains an absolute priority and more than ever, our strength will have to be collective. »»
To optimize the chances, six judokas exclusively prepared for team fight made the trip. Judo is transformed. As proof, the launch next season in France of Judo Pro League, a professional mixed team championship which aims to enhance the training clubs, and which will now be qualifying for the Champions League.
An innovation that has angered a large part of the French team and 18 clubs, including the powerful Paris Saint-Germain. “It is an unjust and unconvolved decision for the signatories of the open letter. The addition of four to six new dates a year raises profound concerns, especially on the physical and mental health of athletes. »»
An assumed growth crisis. “I can’t only do depending on PSG, replies Stéphane Nomis. This is the meaning of history. You must not be selfish, but think of other clubs, the judokas which are in the anteroom of the high level and which will be able to live from judo thanks to this pro League. »» The leader hopes to quickly find common ground with the slingers. In the meantime, the Blues by team are expected at the turn on Friday on the tatamios of Budapest.
