Martin Lange / Photo credits: SYLVAIN THOMAS / AFP
A few weeks before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, triple Olympic champion Teddy Riner went to Saint-Denis, north of Paris, where he was able to present the famous belt to young judokas, delighted to meet their idol.
D-48 with the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Athletes are fine-tuning their preparation and some even find time to meet their supporters. This is the case of judoka Teddy Riner, triple Olympic champion, who was visiting Saint-Denis, north of Paris.
“I want to know if I will leave with this medal”
Dozens of young fans cheer their idol, Teddy Riner. The three-time Olympic champion came to Saint-Denis to draw on this little extra energy less than 50 days before the Olympic Games. “It always makes me happy. I see myself when I was a kid, I remember when they gave me the belts… And then I hear the encouragement, so I use that to continue the preparation,” says he.
“We can’t wait because we’ve been waiting for three and a half years now! I want to know if I’m going to leave with this medal!” he adds. Sharp, the colossus has not put on his kimono, too risky so close to such a deadline, but he gives his voice for the warm-up. The famous belt presentation, a salute and thousands of autographs later… The apprentice judokas are delighted, like Louise, 13 years old. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to meet him, it’s incredible,” rejoices the young girl. And everyone assures us, they will be behind Teddy, on August 2, for his entry into the running.