As the Paris 2024 Olympics captivate audiences worldwide, anticipation is building for the judo mixed team event on Saturday.
Following an intense week of individual judo competitions, this event promises to be one of the Games' most thrilling spectacles, featuring some of the sport’s finest athletes.
Japan and France are emerging as the teams to watch in this exciting contest.
Japan's Dominance and France's Gutsy Victory
Japan has been a dominant force in judo, capturing three gold medals in the individual events this week alone. The Japanese team’s prowess extends beyond individual performances; they have an unmatched record in the mixed team event. Japan has clinched the mixed team world title seven times, winning every world championship from 2017 through 2024. Despite their silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Japan will be looking to reclaim the top spot in Paris.
France, the host nation, has shown exceptional strength throughout the judo tournament, winning nine medals in the individual events. The French team, buoyed by the legendary Teddy Riner, who remains an icon in the sport, aims to repeat their triumph from Tokyo 2020. In that historic final, France defeated the heavily favored Japanese team to secure the gold medal. France also boasts a strong track record at the world championships, having been silver medallists six times, each loss coming against Japan.
Other Contenders
While Japan and France are the front-runners, the competition is fierce. Brazil is another strong contender, having won three world championship medals in this event, including a silver in 2017 and bronzes in 2019 and 2021. Georgia has also been impressive, earning bronze medals at the last two world championships in 2023 and 2024.
The mixed team event, which debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, brings together male and female judokas in a dynamic and strategic competition. The format has quickly become a fan favorite, adding a new layer of excitement to the sport.
The mixed team event is only in its second Olympic outing, but it has already made a significant impact. The inaugural event at Tokyo 2020 saw France claim gold, Japan take silver, and Germany and Israel share the bronze. This year's event in Paris promises to build on that legacy, showcasing judo’s blend of strength, skill, and strategy.
With Japan aiming to solidify their supremacy and France determined to defend their Olympic title on home soil, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown. The presence of Teddy Riner adds an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation, as fans eagerly await to see if he can lead his team to another historic victory.
Analyzing Key Weight Categories
In the U57kg category, France’s Sarah-Léonie Cysique and Japan’s Funikubo Haruka are equally matched. However, with the support of the French crowd and her reputation in team events, Cysique might play a crucial role. In the U70kg category, France’s Marie-Ève Gahié and Japan’s Niizoe Saki will face off, with both athletes seeking redemption after not looking their strongest in individual events. In the +70kg category, France’s Romane Dicko appears stronger than Japan’s Akira Sone.
In the men's division, Japan’s Hashimoto Soichi, who had a challenging third day, is expected to bounce back and be crucial for the team. France’s Gaba Guillaume has been outstanding, but Hashimoto should help the Japanese here. In the U90kg category, Japan’s Murao Sanshiro will be essential for the team, while France will rely heavily on their fixed point scorer, Teddy Riner, in the +90kg category. Both countries have only a few guaranteed point catchers, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the event.
With a blend of experienced champions and rising stars, the judo mixed team event at Paris 2024 is set to be a thrilling and unforgettable contest, highlighting the strategic depth and emotional intensity of judo.