Why is France so robust in judo? | EUROtoday

Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.


Teddy Riner, Clarisse Agbégnénou, David Douillet, Lucie Décosse and so many different names: for a number of many years, French judo has monopolized the podiums in all classes. A hit on the tatami mats which is illustrated by the 24 medals obtained over the past 4 editions of the Olympic Games.

France is commonly neck and neck with Japan for the medal desk on this self-discipline. Before the Paris 2024 Olympics, the French judokas nonetheless characterize concrete possibilities of success at residence. A boon for a sport which brings collectively greater than 500,000 members in France.

First medals obtained in 1972 on the Olympic Games

If judo was born in Japan, with an introduction to the Olympic Games in 1964 in Tokyo, France knew how one can import its codes and make it its personal to develop its champions. On RMC Sport, David Douillet highlighted the profitable internationalization and appropriation by his nation. “Other forms of judo were born on all continents, each with its own style. In the same way, we knew how to seek out developments and the best elements who became executives, that is to say foreign national coaches, or who came for internships and exchanges. »

From adolescence, the French Judo Federation actively monitors potential on the tatami mats to detect them and then put them on the right track. The tournaments cover all age groups in the region and promising young people can distinguish themselves from the “cadet” competitions, between 14 and 16 years outdated. In parallel with their education, these budding judokas can be part of hopeful facilities with the ambition of becoming a member of the France middle, then Insep (the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance), which brings collectively the very best in every weight class.

Coaches, the important thing to success based on David Douillet

Insep is a serious asset for growing French judo coaching, with elite supervision. David Douillet is eager to spotlight the standard of educators for younger French judokas. “They were all competitors who made the European Championships, the World Championships, the Games. They know what they're talking about. They are not necessarily medalists or great champions but they have all competed at a very high level. Everyone can transmit technique to a greater or lesser extent. In handball, the teams are never 100% young. There are always elders who do the tiling. It’s the same principle,” concludes the double gold medalist in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney in 2000.

READ ALSO These Olympic Games occasions that we will watch totally freeThe instance of Teddy Riner clearly illustrates the flexibility of dojo supervisors to seek out the correct phrases and the correct strategies for apprentice judokas. Trained by Alain Perriot in Paris, younger Teddy had obtained invaluable recommendation to grow to be a formidable opponent. “It helped me take ownership of my body, to be comfortable, to move, to stay fluid. He has, among other things, the brilliant idea of ​​taking advantage of my Guadeloupean origins. “You know, judo is a kind of dance for strong people… So, move, little one, dance!” He provides me superb recommendation however above all he understands me and is aware of how one can make me love judo. It's a sport that requires method and self-discipline however which, he retains telling me, means that you can have numerous enjoyable. And I thrive on pleasure,” defined Riner to Eurosport.

With these good foundations, French judo hopes to have the ability to proceed after the retirement of the emblematic figures Clarisse Agbégnénou and Teddy Riner. The latter had just lately complained that France was not a sporting nation after receiving solely two locations for his household on the subsequent Games. If the authorities haven’t been as much as par for all disciplines, judo can depend on its achievements in France and be optimistic for the long run.


https://www.lepoint.fr/sport/jeux-olympiques-de-paris-2024-pourquoi-la-france-est-elle-si-forte-en-judo-05-05-2024-2559455_26.php