On His Way to the Olympic Games 2016, Teddy Riner Says that He Dreams of a New Gold Medal
The champion also reveals his admiration for the Japanese judo school and his passion for soccer.
European, World and Olympic champion, Teddy Riner has won everything a judoka can dream of. However, at 24, the French still dreams of new achievements. A new achievement in particular: the gold medal at the Olympic Games Rio 2016, his second one. Thus, in his opinin, he could be recognized as a great champion.
”If you\'re an Olympic champion, that’s great. It shows everyone that you are able to win, but the second time is different: . . . .it shows that you are the Champion. It is a challenge, a very difficult one, but doable. In sport everything is possible. \"said the champion.
In spite of being very young, he is already multi champion and owner of one of the best known names in sports world, Riner started practicing judo because of his brother. Born sportsman, however, the French also practiced other sports when younger, such as soccer, basketball, swimming, climbing, cycling, golf, athletics and squash. So why go with judo as a life choice?
\"I like to fight, judo is my life. I even find it hard to describe my emotions for the sport. I started it as a hobby, but from the moment I could enter competitions, it became more serious. I won, I won, and won again, and then it turned my life choice. Then I stopped with the other sports I practiced because I knew I wanted to be an Olympic judo champion.\"
His connection with Brazil is not only because of his achievements - Riner won his first World Championship in Rio in 2007 and won again in 2013. Big sports fan, the champion shares the passion of Brazilians for soccer. Supporter of the club where he trains, Paris Saint -Germain, the giant of 2.03 m is a friend of the club’s soccer players, the current French champions.
“I have many friends in the soccer of Paris Saint -Germain. I often go dinner with the team, talk about soccer and relax, \"said Riner, who also spoke of his appreciation for the Japanese judo school. \" When I was younger, my favorite judokas were Tadahiro Nomura and Kosei Inoue (whom he defeated in the final of the World 2007). I love the Japanese style, \"he added.
Recovering from a surgery on his left shoulder, Riner has not competed since the World Rio 2013. He should be back at the Grand Prix of Samsun, on March 30th.
