“I’m fighting to achieve something big”: Teddy Riner in orbit six months before the Paris Games

“Ce qui me motive aujourd'hui c'est de vivre les Jeux à Paris”, déclare Teddy Riner. MAXPPP – Thierry Larret

La star du judo tricolore l'assure : il veut s'offrir une dernière méfaille aux JO, dans six mois à Paris.  

"I'm fighting to achieve something big": winner at the Paris tournament on Sunday, Teddy Riner reaffirmed his goal of a third Olympic heavyweight title after 2012 and 2016, six months from " Games at home, something magical.

How do you feel after your victory ?

That's it, we're off to a good start to the year, great feelings. Even if I signed up late, it was important for me to come to Paris, it requires a revision, because that will be like that on the big day. The public supported me well, now we have to stay with your feet on the ground, take stock of the situation, things are missing. That's good, but there are six months left. It was good to go to this tournament to continue working and see where we are internationally. It's done.

It's important to have this kind of booster shot ?

Yes it's important. That's why I joined this tournament. Better to go up early than late. There I have six months left to work on my judo, tactics against some that I took today, or others that I didn't have the chance to take but that I would perhaps take on the next competition. Today is preparation, that's not the main thing, I'd rather wallow here than wallow on the big day.

He wants to experience the Olympics at home

What is your physical condition ?

The condition was good, even if I am not in the best shape. There are six months left to really work on everything to work on technique, physique and of course judo. We don't put pressure on ourselves, we do things well, calmly, and I think that was reflected today.

I'm fighting for something great

What did you think of the competition ?

The competition is there, you can see it clearly. There is nothing easy, it has never been easy and even less so now. You have to pull out all the stops, and that's fair to say, to succeed.

After winning everything, what still motivates you ?

It's a good question that I ask myself every day. What motivates me today is experiencing the Games in Paris. Having the Olympic Games at home is something magical, it's a lot of emotions. It's going to be a lot of pressure but in the life of a top athlete it's something to do, and I'm fighting for that, I'm fighting to achieve something great.

Tomorrow, if it doesn't work, my life doesn't end there, I think I've already proven enough, but it really matters to me, so I I'm going to do whatever it takes to leave with this beautiful medal.