Although judo has been over for more than a week already, we still have thousands of images and emotions that sail through our brains and give us goosebumps. Making an exhaustive list of all those memories is an impossible mission, as each day of competition offered us its share of exploits. During the closing ceremony held at the Stade de France, judo was still in the spotlight and several judoka were designated flag bearers for their delegation during the athletes' parade.
- Pedro Edmilson (ANG)
- Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella (CMR)
- Katryna Esposito (MLT)
- Gabriela Narvaez (PAR)
- Roldeney De Oliveira (STP)
- Serdar Rahimov (TKM)
- Hugo Cumbo (VAN)
- Ange Ciella Niragira (BDI)
- Patricia Sampaio (POR)
- Tara Babulfath (SWE)
- Demos Memneloum (CHA)
As IOC President Thomas Bach was about to close the Paris 2024 Games, Paris double gold medallist Teddy Riner was once again one of the key faces of the closing ceremony, bringing his breath, literally and figuratively, to extinguish the flame.
While the Paris 2024 Games are now behind us, judo continues its progression towards the future. In four years, we will meet in Los Angeles for the third time in the history of the Games. We have a little idea of what the stadium will look like and we are already looking forward to seeing you there.
But before that, there will be many events for our sport. From the end of August (28th August to 1st September), it will be the turn of the youngsters, with the Lima World Championships Cadets Individuals and Mixed Teams 2024, in Peru. In October (2nd to 6th) it will be the juniors who will compete in Dushanbe at the World Championships Juniors Individuals and Mixed Teams 2024, in Tajikistan.
In the meantime, the World Judo Tour will resume its rights at the Zagreb Grand Prix 2024 (13th to 15th September), then at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam (11th to 13th October) and the Tokyo Grand Slam (7th-8th December). All these events will set the tone for the new Olympic cycle that is beginning.
In November the judo family will gather together in the United States at the Las Vegas World Championships Veterans and Kata 2024. Before that, September will also mark an important stage in the sporting and festive calendar, since it will be time to honour the Paralympic athletes who will in turn be able to experience the fervour of the Games. We will be there, at their side. We look forward to immersing you in this crazy atmosphere again.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are over, the Paralympic Games are about to begin, and in the meantime, more than ever, judo is at the top of the bill.