A truly magical finale at the Judo Grand Slam 2023 in Paris: Megastar and 10-time world champion Teddy Riner is back. And the judo family had even more to celebrate: IJF President Marius Vizer and Kazakhstan Judo Federation President Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev agreed on a Grand Slam in Astana and Almaty.
Today, we signed a new grand slam for the WJT calendar! It is a great pleasure for the IJF to be back in Kazakhstan, a country of Judo! This is a big step towards increasing the judo’s popularity in the region. Kazakhstan is a 3rd Central Asian country to host a WJT event. pic.twitter.com/61vdXEWjp1
– Marius Vizer (@MariusVizer) February 5, 2023
The Battles
With an elegant counter Tato Grigalashvili takes his first gold in Paris and shows: he is the man to beat in 2023. The medals -81 kg were presented by IJF Vice President Siteny Randrianasolonaiko.
Day 2 medallists at JudoParis part 1 pic.twitter.com/phJt0cGX8V
– Judo (@Judo) February 5, 2023
Under 70kg Ai Tsunoda defeated former world champion Marie-Ève Gahié to claim her first Grand Slam victory. IOC member Aïcha Garad Ali presented the medals.
Dutchman Noel Van T End put in a spirited performance to win the Paris title for the seventh time in the up to 90kg class, receiving his medal from IOC member Filomena Fortes.
Day 2 medallists at JudoParis part 2 pic.twitter.com/yEwAzIRZLD
– Judo (@Judo) February 5, 2023
Under 78kg, France’s Audrey Tcheumeo claimed an incredible sixth Paris Grand Slam gold, giving the home crowd reason to celebrate. The medals were presented by IJF Vice President Dr Laszlo Toth.
“I am very happy to inspire people. I think that is a goal for all people in the world. Inspiring people is my first priority.”
Audrey Tcheumeo
The second gold for the Netherlands came in the 100kg category thanks to Michael Korrel, who took his second Paris title. The medals in the -100kg weight category were presented by Israeli actor and newly minted IFJ ambassador Lior Raz.
In the over 78kg weight category, Korea’s Kim Hayun took her first gold; Saudi NOK vice-president Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi presented her with gold.
Riner – a true inspiration for the whole judo family! The king is back
Follow the action at https://t. co/Gupw19ZNvy JudoParis Judo France Sport Olympics RoadToParis2024 Judo OlympicQualifiers pic. twitter.com/kg11FOEiU0
– Judo (@Judo) February 5, 2023
Teddy Riner is back
Then came the King. Riner, who was ruled out of Tokyo last year due to injury, was in impressive form, dominating the field and ultimately the heavyweight final. Riner picked up a tactical victory, Max-Hervé George of Icona Capital presenting Riner with gold for his efforts.
_”You fight for these people, for your country. It’s been a long time since my last fight here, wow…. It’s great… The feeling is good.”
_
Teddy Riner
So ends the Paris Grand Slam 2023, but as we all know, after the Grand Slam is before the Grand Slam.