History of Teddy Riner in Timeline

Teddy Riner is a highly decorated French judoka with an unprecedented eleven World Championship gold medals. He also holds four Olympic gold medals and five European Championship gold medals. Riner was previously affiliated with Levallois Sporting Club before transitioning to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

April 1989: Early Life and Upbringing

Born in April 1989, Riner was raised in Paris, France. Encouraged by his parents, he explored various sports, including football, tennis, and basketball, before ultimately dedicating himself to Judo.

April 1989: Birth of Teddy Riner

Teddy Pierre-Marie Riner was born in April 1989 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, France.

2006: Early Career Defeats

In 2006, early in his career, Riner experienced defeats against Brayson and Tölzer.

2006: Junior World and European Champion

Teddy Riner claimed both the World and European junior titles in Judo in 2006 while training at the Levallois Sporting Club under Christian Chaumont and Benoît Campargue.

2007: Losses to Bianchessi and Rybak

During 2007, Riner faced setbacks with losses to Bianchessi and Rybak.

2007: European and World Championship Wins

In 2007, at just eighteen years old, Riner triumphed at the European Judo Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. Later that year, he became the youngest ever senior world champion by winning the heavyweight (+100 kg) event at the World Judo Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, even defeating the 2000 Olympic gold medalist, Kosei Inoue.

December 2008: Second World Championship Gold Medal

In December 2008, Riner secured his second World Championship gold medal in the Open weight Championships in Levallois-Perret, France. He defeated Alexander Mikhaylin from Russia in the final.

2008: Defeats against Muneta and Grim Vuijsters

In 2008, Riner was defeated by Muneta and Grim Vuijsters in competition.

2009: Third World Championship Title

Riner continued his winning streak in 2009 by securing his third world title at the World Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He bested Oscar Bryson in the final to earn the gold medal.

September 2010: Defeat at the World Championships

Riner's long winning streak ended in September 2010 at the World Judo Championships in Tokyo when he lost the openweight title to Daiki Kamikawa.

2010: World Championships in Tokyo

At the 2010 World Championships in Tokyo, Riner won gold in the +100 kg competition. However, he experienced a controversial loss to Daiki Kamikawa in the open weight class final, leading to a 2-1 judge's decision that Riner contested.

2011: European and World Championship Victories

Riner's dominance continued in 2011. He won his second European gold medal at the Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. He then went on to win the gold medal at the 2011 World Judo Championships in Paris in the men's +100 kg division, making him the first male Judoka to win five world titles. He didn't stop there, also winning his sixth World Championship gold medal as part of the French team.

2012: Olympic Gold Medalist

Riner competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England, in the men's heavyweight event. He emerged victorious, defeating Russia's Alexander Mikhaylin in the final to claim the Olympic gold medal.

2014: Birth of Son, Eden

Teddy Riner and his partner, Luthna Plocus, welcomed their son, Eden, in 2014.

2016: Successful Olympic Title Defense

At the 2016 Olympics, Riner solidified his dominance by defending his Olympic heavyweight title, overcoming Hisayoshi Harasawa in the final match.

August 2017: Teddy Riner Joins Paris Saint-Germain

In August 2017, Teddy Riner joined the renowned sports club Paris Saint-Germain, after being a member of Levallois Sporting Club.

2018: Birth of Daughter, Ysis

In 2018, Riner's family expanded with the birth of his daughter, Ysis, with partner Luthna Plocus.

2020: Bronze and Gold at the Tokyo Olympics

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Riner earned a bronze medal in the over 100-kilogram class after a loss to Tamerlan Bashaev. However, he rallied to secure the gold medal in the mixed team event, showcasing his enduring talent and sportsmanship.

2021: Gold Medal at the Judo World Masters

Riner demonstrated his resilience and skill by winning the gold medal in his event at the 2021 Judo World Masters held in Doha, Qatar.

2024: Cauldron Lighter at 2024 Olympics

Teddy Riner was chosen as one of two individuals, the other being Marie-José Pérec, to light the cauldron at the 2024 Summer Olympics. He is also set to compete in the Games.