Teddy Riner secured his place in sporting history by capturing his third individual Olympic gold medal in the heavyweight category at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Born in 1989 in Pointe-à-Pitre, he has dominated international judo for nearly two decades, establishing an unprecedented record of twelve gold medals at the World Judo Championships throughout his professional career.
Early Development and Breakthrough
Raised in Paris after moving from Guadeloupe before his second birthday, Riner explored various sports including basketball and football before committing to judo. His rapid progression through the junior ranks culminated in winning World and European junior titles in 2006. By 2007, he made history in Rio de Janeiro by becoming the youngest senior world champion in the heavyweight division at eighteen years old.
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Riner has earned five Olympic gold medals across individual and mixed team events. His individual heavyweight titles were achieved in 2012, 2016, and 2024. Between October 2010 and February 2020, he maintained an undefeated streak spanning 154 consecutive victories. This period of supremacy ended at the 2020 Grand Slam Paris, where he was defeated by Kokoro Kageura.
Professional Affiliations and Recognition
Throughout his career, Riner represented the Levallois Sporting Club before transitioning to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. His achievements have garnered extensive national recognition in France. He received the Legion of Honour as a Knight in 2013 and an Officer in 2021. Additionally, he was appointed Commander of the National Order of Merit in 2024, having previously held the ranks of Knight and Officer.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Pointe-à-Pitre
- Citizenship: France
- Height: 2.04 metres
- Weight: 141 kilograms
- Olympic individual gold medals: 3
- World Judo Championship gold medals: 12
- Education: INSEP, Sciences Po
- Nickname: Teddy Bear
Questions readers ask
How many world titles has Teddy Riner won?
He has won twelve gold medals at the World Judo Championships, making him the only judoka to achieve this milestone.
What is his official record at the Olympic Games?
Riner has earned five total Olympic gold medals: three in the individual heavyweight event and two as part of the French mixed team.
Achievements
- Knight of the National Order of Merit
- Officer of the National Order of Merit
- Commander of the National Order of Merit
- Champion des champions français de L'Équipe
- Competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
