DPA
Paris
National icon Teddy Riner claimed a record extending fifth career Olympic judo gold when he completed a French fightback against Japan in the mixed team final at the Paris Games on Saturday.
Japan were leading 2-0 when Riner had his first contest against Tatsuru Saito, which he won with an ippon. The Japanese team extended their lead to 3-1 in the following contest, but France levelled, leaving their gold medal hopes in Riner’s hand. And he again delivered an ippon against Saito to complete a 4-3 comeback win for the Olympics hosts.
South Korea and Brazil took the two bronze medals after defeating Germany and Italy respectively.
Riner had the previous day won a third gold in the 100 kilogram event where he has also earned two bronze. He had also lit the Olympic cauldron together with former sprinter Marie-José Pérec during last week’s opening ceremony.