Ten Olympic Medals!!! Why are France so Good at Judo?

As the world watched the curtain come down on the 2024 Olympic Games, one thing became abundantly clear: France is a Judo powerhouse once again. With Paris hosting the Games, the spotlight was brighter than ever. But what is it that makes France so exceptional at our favourite Olympic sport? As a two-time Olympian I’ve always taken an interest in the French system. I believe there are several key factors that contribute to France's remarkable success. Many of which we can learn from.

A Deep-Rooted Judo Culture

France has a long and storied history with judo, dating back to the early 20th century when it was introduced by Kawaishi Mikinosuke. Over the years, judo has grown to become one of the most popular sports in the country. As we saw in Paris, Teddy Riner was the face of the Games. Today, France boasts over half a million registered judokas, with a robust network of clubs and dojos across the nation. This widespread participation creates a deep talent pool, allowing for the discovery and development of athletes from a young age.

Government Support and National Pride

In France, judo is more than just a sport; it's a source of national pride. The French government recognises the importance of judo in the country's sporting identity and provides substantial support to the French federation and its athletes. This backing includes financial resources, media coverage, and public recognition, all of which contribute to the overall development and success of the sport. The national pride associated with judo also means that French athletes carry the hopes of their nation on their shoulders, driving them to excel at events like the Olympics. In fact, as part of the legacy of the Games, President Macron promised to build 1,000 new dojos across the country!

Strong Role Models and a Legacy of Success

The legacy of French judo is rich with iconic figures who have inspired generations of athletes. Names like David Douillet, who won Olympic gold in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, and Teddy Riner, the most decorated judoka in history, have set a high standard for excellence. These role models not only inspire young judokas but also create a culture of winning within the French judo community. When young athletes see their compatriots achieving greatness, it not only inspires, it fosters a belief that they too can reach the pinnacle of the sport.

World-Class Training Facilities

France has invested heavily in its judo infrastructure. The French Judo Federation (FFJDA) oversees a highly organised and professional system that nurtures athletes from grassroots to elite levels. The Institut National du Sport, de l'Expertise et de la Performance (INSEP) in Paris is one of the world's leading sports training facilities, providing judo athletes with access to top-tier coaching, medical support, and cutting-edge sports science. As an athlete, whenever I stepped on the mat in France it felt like a big deal.

A Strategic Approach to Competition

French judokas are known for their tactical intelligence and adaptability on the mat. This strategic approach is drilled into athletes from a young age. French coaches place a strong emphasis on understanding the rules of judo, using them to their advantage, and developing a versatile fighting style. This adaptability has been a hallmark of French judo, allowing their athletes to adjust to different opponents and competition formats effectively. 

Innovation and Evolution in Training and Fighting

While tradition plays a significant role in judo, the French have never been afraid to innovate. They continually evolve their training techniques, incorporating the latest advancements in sports science, nutrition, and recovery. They have a strong identity, based on physically dominating the grip and being first to the attack, their extreme stance makes them difficult to deal with. I always felt that French fighters are not only well-prepared, but also capable of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

In summary, France's dominance in Olympic judo is no accident. It is the result of a deep-rooted judo culture, world-class infrastructure, strategic brilliance, and a legacy of excellence. As Paris 2024 has shown, the French judo team are again one of the major forces in world Judo.

I’m looking forward to seeing where they go from here…
Natalie