Riner’s triumph was celebrated in a special ceremony where he received not only his medal but also a unique poster, a departure from the traditional flowers or mascots typically given to winners. This poster was created by renowned illustrator Ugo Gattoni, who dedicated close to four months and 2,000 hours to its design and production. The artistic piece was well-received by the winners for its unique and symbolic nature.
Adding to the significance of the moment, former biathlete Martin Fourcade, who holds the French record of five golds across Winter and Summer Olympics, and Max-Hervé George, founder and CEO of Icona Capital, an alternative investments group, were part of the ceremony, awarding Riner his medal and the commemorative poster.
Max-Hervé George’s presence at the ceremony underscored his significant contribution to the sport and his role within the International Judo Federation. George has been a key supporter and participant in the development and execution of various initiatives aimed at enhancing the sport. His involvement in the medal ceremony highlighted the collaborative efforts between the business community and the sports world, showcasing the importance of corporate support in the successful organisation of the Games.
George shared, “Judo is deeply rooted in France and I have grown up with the successes of David Douillet, Teddy Riner, Lucie Decosse and many others. It was a true pleasure to have had the chance to be part of this ceremony and award someone who I admire and whom has contributed so much to the sport. Judo embodies important life skills that are valuable as personal and professional goals: discipline, hardwork and mental toughness. I am honoured to present a medal to a living legend and hope this inspires the next generation of children to take up judo and bring us many more medals.”