Excitement Builds for Judo Team Event at Paris 2024 Olympics

As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue to captivate audiences, the judo mixed team event on Saturday promises to be one of the most thrilling spectacles of the Games. Following an intense week of individual judo competitions, the mixed team event will bring together some of the sport’s finest athletes, with Japan and France emerging as the teams to watch.

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. However, despite their silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, they 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, will be aiming 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.

Analysing the key weight categories: U57kg with Cysique and Funikubo both have equal chances but with the French crowd and reputation of Cysique at team events, she might have a key role. U70kg Gahie has something to take revenge for not looking too strong in her category, same for Niizoe. +70kg Dicko looks much better than Sone. However in the men’s division Hashimoto was unlucky at day three and Gaba amazing but Hashimoto should help the Japanese here. U90kg Murao will be essential for the team and they will need to to cover French fixed pointscorer Riner +90kg. Frankly speaking both countries have only a few guaranteed point catchers.

As the world watches, the mixed team event on Saturday is poised to be a highlight of the Paris 2024 Olympics, I can be the ultimate celebration of hist nation France, but analysing the teams,