Teddy Riner, French judoka

Teddy Pierre-Marie Riner, born on April 7, 1989, is an iconic French judoka whose name has become synonymous with dominance and unparalleled success in the world of judo. Pronounced [tedi pjɛʁ maʁi ʁinœʁ] in French, Riner hails from France with roots tracing back to Guadeloupe, and his imposing physical presence, combined with exceptional skill, has cemented his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. Competing primarily in the heavyweight (+100 kg) category, Riner's career is a testament to sustained excellence and dedication.

A Legacy of Unmatched World Championship Dominance

Teddy Riner holds a truly unique and extraordinary record in judo: he is the first and only judoka, male or female, to have won ten World Championships gold medals. This incredible feat underscores his enduring supremacy in the sport's most prestigious annual competition, a testament to his consistent performance at the highest level over more than a decade. Each title represents not just a victory, but a sustained period of being the absolute best in his category, fending off challenges from the world's most formidable judokas.

Olympic Glory and Continental Triumphs

Beyond his unprecedented World Championship success, Riner has also etched his name into Olympic history with a remarkable collection of medals. He boasts three Olympic gold medals, two of which were individual triumphs in the heavyweight division at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, where his dominance was absolute. He further showcased his leadership and team spirit by securing a team gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), contributing to France's historic performance. Complementing these global accolades are his five gold medals at the European Championships, further solidifying his status as a perennial champion on the continental stage.

Club Affiliations and Professional Journey

Throughout his distinguished career, Teddy Riner has been associated with prominent French sports organizations. For a significant period, he was a key figure at the Levallois Sporting Club, a renowned institution known for its strong judo program. In a high-profile move in August 2017, Riner joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), becoming a flagship athlete for their judo section. This transition highlighted the increasing professionalization of judo and the growing involvement of major sports brands in Olympic disciplines, providing elite athletes with enhanced training and support structures.

FAQs About Teddy Riner

Who is Teddy Riner?
Teddy Riner is a legendary French judoka, widely considered one of the greatest of all time, celebrated for his unprecedented collection of World Championship titles and multiple Olympic gold medals.
How many World Championships has Teddy Riner won?
Teddy Riner has won an astonishing ten gold medals at the World Championships, a record unmatched by any other judoka, male or female, in the history of the sport.
How many Olympic gold medals does Teddy Riner possess?
He holds three Olympic gold medals: two individual golds from London 2012 and Rio 2016, and one team gold from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
What is Teddy Riner's weight category?
Teddy Riner competes in the heavyweight category, specifically the +100 kg division, where he has consistently dominated his opponents.
When was Teddy Riner born?
Teddy Riner was born on April 7, 1989.
Which clubs has Teddy Riner been affiliated with?
He was a prominent member of the Levallois Sporting Club before joining the judo section of Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017.
Is Teddy Riner still competing?
Yes, as of recent information, Teddy Riner continues to compete at the elite level, demonstrating his enduring passion and ambition in the sport of judo.