On Saturday 18th November, Judo. Canada's Antoine Bouchard announced his retirement in the most perfect way, by winning gold at his home tournament, the Montréal Continental Open.
Bouchard's final competition. Photo courtesy of Judo Canada.
The 29 year old Canadian has spent more than a decade on the national senior team, competing at numerous world championships, World Judo Masters, grand slam and grand prix events all over the world. In Rio De Janeiro he just missed out on an Olympic medal, in 2016, placing 5th after an incredible day of judo.
Bouchard has 3 continental titles, 2 Grand Prix medals and is a local hero among the Canadian judo community.
Montreal Grand Prix bronze, 2019.
His exit from competitive judo was met with one final national anthem, one last gold medal and a standing ovation from the spectators in the Pierre Charbonneau Centre.
Photo courtesy of Judo Canada.