Teddy Riner Dominates in Judo Semifinal at Paris 2024

In an exhilarating showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics, French judo star Teddy Riner triumphed over Tajikistani athlete Temur Rakhimov in the Men's +100 kg Semifinal of Table B. The match took place on August 2, 2024, at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena, where the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

Riner, a seasoned competitor and a seven-time world champion, showcased his exceptional skills and strategic prowess. The match began with both athletes demonstrating their strengths, but Riner quickly gained the upper hand. After an initial back-and-forth, he secured the first point with an impressive O-soto-gari technique at 1:43, earning an IPP victory.

Rakhimov, who weighed in at 122.5 kg and ranked third in the world, had previously shown promise at the Jerusalem Masters in 2022, where he finished in second place. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to overcome Riner's experience and technique in this critical matchup.

The semifinal match lasted a total of 1 minute and 43 seconds, concluding with Riner's decisive win by IPP. The contest witnessed a penalty against Riner at 0:46, but he quickly regained control, demonstrating resilience and focus.

This victory propels Riner into the finals, where he will compete for the gold medal, aiming to further cement his legacy in the world of judo. The match was officiated by Vyacheslav Pereteyko from Uzbekistan, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for both athletes.

As the Olympics continue, all eyes are on Riner as he seeks to add to his impressive medal tally and inspire the next generation of judokas.