Judo: Beatriz Souza, a surprise gold and Teddy Rinner, an undisputed gold. GETTY IMAGES

Brazilian Beatriz Souza defeated the world's number 1 and 2 in the +78kg category. Silver went to Hershko and bronze to Romane Dicko and Hayung. Local hero Rinner claimed his third Olympic title by defeating South Korea's King Minjong in the North Arena at the Champ de Mars. Bronze went to Rakhimov and Susupov.

On Friday, medals were awarded in the women's - over 78 kg and men's - over 100 kg categories at the Paris 2024 judo competition. The Champ de Mars arena was packed with fans eager to see the best fighters in the world. The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, rang out as Teddy Rinner lived up to expectations and was crowned Olympic champion, giving his opponents no respite. 

Rinner defeated King Minjong (Korea) in the final and celebrated his gold medal with French President Emmanuel Macron. He confirmed his status as the best judoka in the over 100 kg category. His dominance is undisputed.

Contrary to predictions, the women's gold medal went to Brazil's Beatriz Souza, who defeated the world's number one and two, Hershko, and France's Dicko, who could not match her compatriot Rinner's success on the podium.



The women's competition began with the repechage rounds and there were several surprises. Kim Hayun (Korea) missed out on the final. She had to fight for bronze against Turkey's Kayra Ozdemir. She won, as did Romane Dicko against Milica Zabic (Serbia). The Champ de Mars then eagerly awaited the clash between the Brazilian Souza and the favourite, the Israeli judoka. In a stunning upset, the gold deservedly went to Brazil.

There were no surprises in the men's division. Rinner raised his opponent Kim Minjong's arm in the judges' decision. But the victory was undisputed, proving that he is the king of world judo. #

Bronze in the men's competition went to Yuspov of Uzbekistan, who defeated Saito Tatsuru of Japan to leave the host nation without a judo medal. Bronze also went to Temur Rahkimov (TJK) who defeated Andy Granda (Cuba).

During the ceremony, Rinner received a rousing ovation from his countrymen. The French national anthem was finally played, something the fans had been waiting for.

Beatriz Souza took the gold, delivering a surprise. GETTY IMAGES
Beatriz Souza took the gold, delivering a surprise. GETTY IMAGES

Frenchman Teddy Rinner, the most decorated judoka in history, added his third individual Olympic gold medal in judo in Paris. Only Japan's Tadahiro Nomura, who won gold in 1996, 2000 and 2004 (-60kg), has achieved this feat.

The 35-year-old Rinner landed a 'Harai-Goshi' throw on the South Korean with just 16 seconds to go. The move, which experts described as "perfect" caused the Champ de Mars to erupt in celebration. French President Emmanuel Macron broke with protocol to congratulate the champion. After bronze at Beijing 2008, gold at London 2012, gold at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2021, he added another mixed team gold at Tokyo.