Many personalities had announced their desire to come and attend the judo competition. Judo is a sport that attracts crowds, judo enthusiasts from both France and around the world.
Among all the economic, sports and political leaders who were present, we will remember the visit of the President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, who on the first day of the judo competition spent a long time with IJF President Marius Vizer to support the judoka engaged in this first final block. He was accompanied by the President of the organising committee, Tony Estanguet.
President Macron was thus able to encourage and applaud the first French medal of these Games, with the bronze of Shrine Boukli and a little later it was Luka Mkheidze's turn to add one more medal for France.
This first day was exciting, full of confirmations, but there was also a return to form as we saw with Smetov. There were surprises of course, beautiful ones, some disappointments also for those who did not manage to transcend themselves today. Above all, there was an incredible commitment from everyone, a desire to perform and to be at their best level. The judo produced was spectacular and exciting. The Paris 2024 Games is the place where you have to be in shape and that was indeed the case, without exception.
All this took place in front of an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience. French judoka obviously have the advantage of competing at home, but today all athletes from all nations were supported and encouraged. This beautiful unity, in the spirit of judo and Olympism, was refreshing. It bodes well for the days to come.
Tomorrow we will meet again at 10:00 am for two new categories: -52kg and -66kg.