The Paris Grand Slam ended in apotheosis this Sunday, with the return to competition of Teddy Riner, ten times world champion.
Before that, an agreement between the president of the International Judo Federation, Marius Vizer, and the president of the Kazakh Judo Federation, Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev, was signed for the organization of tournaments in Astana and Almaty.
In -81 kg, the Georgian world champion Tito Grigalashvili won the final against the German Timo Cavelius. The medals were presented by IJF Vice President Siteny Randriana-soloniaiko.
In -70 kg, the French Marie-Eve Gahié lost in the final against the Spaniard Ai Tsunoda who won her first gold medal in Grand Slam. Aïcha Garad Ali, IOC member, presented the medals.
In -90 kg, the Dutch Noël van ‘t End beat the Azerbaijani Murad Fatiyev in the final. The medals were presented by IOC member Filomena Fortes.
In -78 kg, Audrey Tcheuméo won a 100% French final against Chloé Buttigieg, winning in Paris for the sixth time in her career. IJF Vice President Laszlo Toth presented the medals.
“I am very happy to inspire people, said Audrey Tcheuméo. I think it’s a goal for everyone, but for me it’s the most beautiful thing.”
In -100 kg, Michael Korrel offered a second gold medal to the Netherlands by winning the final against the Emirati Dzhafar Kostoev. The medals were presented by the new IJF Ambassador, Israeli actor and producer Lior Raz.
In +78 kg, the South Korean Hayun Kim won her first Grand Slam thanks to her victory in the final against the Japanese Maya Akiba. Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia, Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi, presented the medals.
Finally, the king of judo Teddy Riner, set the Accor Arena on fire by achieving a perfect day for his return to competition. The Frenchman won the +100 kg final against the Japanese Hyoga Ota, thus winning his seventh victory in Paris, the first for ten years. The medals were presented by the CEO of Icona Capital, Max-Hervé George.
“You are fighting for these people, for your country, said Teddy Riner. It is a great pleasure. It’s been a long time since I fought here. It’s great, the sensations are really good.”
