From the start of the Tokyo Games, Clarisse Agbégnénou had carried the colors of France high. This Tuesday, July 27, the judokate hoisted the tricolor to the top by winning her first Olympic title. This is the second gold charm for the French delegation, the sixth all-metal medal. A long awaited coronation! It was the last title that was missing from his record.
In the final, Agbégnénou jostled the Slovenian, reigning Olympic champion, Tina Trstenjak. The latter repeated attacks, often unnecessary, which earned him the first two penalties. In the golden score, a waza-ari allowed Agbégnénou to win, to kneel before crying instantly.
“THE” great revenge of 2016
A coronation for history after a grueling competition: “Finally… I have this medal, I do not believe it. It was the hardest day mentally. I was on a mission for this gold medal. I don’t even have the words. Opposite, she was an outstanding judokate “, said the flag bearer overwhelmed by emotion, before sending a message to her relatives:” Thank you for your support. I’ll be home soon to celebrate ”.
The five-time world champion has been mulling over her defeat for five years. She had lost against the same opponent in the final in Rio in 2016. Today, the queen of world judo was, finally, consecrated to the Games. The Frenchwoman becomes the thirteenth gold medal in judo for France at the Olympics (men and women combined). Among women, she joins Cécile Nowak, Cathy Fleury, Marie-Claire Restoux, Séverine Vandenhende, Lucie Décosse and Émilie Andéol as Olympic champion.