Teddy Riner among other GOATs at the Olympic Games

The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered for the remarkable achievements of legendary athletes, none more so than Teddy Riner, who solidified his status as the greatest judoka of all time. Competing in front of his home crowd, Riner claimed his third individual Olympic gold in the men’s +100kg category.

This victory marked Riner as the most decorated Olympic judoka in history, adding to his unmatched 11 world titles. Riner’s legacy began in 2007 when he became the youngest judo world champion at just 18, and his performance in Paris further cemented him as a French sporting icon.

Alongside Riner, other athletes also left their mark on the Games, becoming the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in their respective sports.

Mijain Lopez made history on the wrestling mat by securing his fifth consecutive Olympic gold in the 130kg Greco-Roman category, defeating Chile’s Yasmani Acosta Fernandez. Lopez’s dominance in wrestling, including five Pan American Games titles and five world championships, confirms him as one of the greatest wrestlers ever.

In tennis, Novak Djokovic completed his career Golden Slam by winning the men's singles gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz. With this victory, Djokovic became the first male tennis player to win Olympic medals, all Grand Slams, and all nine Masters 1000 events, further extending his GOAT status.

Armand Duplantis continued his reign in the pole vault with a stunning performance, clearing 6.25 meters to break his own world record and win gold. Duplantis now holds the top 9 vaults in men’s pole vault history, securing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Katie Ledecky added to her incredible Olympic career by winning gold in the women's 800m freestyle, becoming the most decorated American female swimmer with 14 Olympic medals. Her dominance in the pool, with 28 of the fastest times in the women’s 800m freestyle, places her alongside the greatest swimmers in history.

Simone Biles further established herself as the greatest gymnast of all time by adding more Olympic medals to her collection in Paris, bringing her total to 11, including seven golds. With 41 world and Olympic medals, Biles’ achievements are unmatched in gymnastics.

Sifan Hassan showcased her versatility and endurance by winning gold in the women’s marathon, setting a new Olympic record. Earlier in the Games, she had already claimed bronze medals in the 5000m and 10000m races. Hassan’s extraordinary performances make her one of the greatest long-distance runners in Olympic history.

Finally, Kim Woojin, the South Korean archer, secured his place as the greatest archer of all time by winning his fifth Olympic gold medal, including three in Paris. His thrilling shoot-off victory over Brady Ellison underscored his unparalleled dominance in the sport.

At the heart of these historic Games, Teddy Riner’s triumph stands out as a defining moment, embodying the spirit and excellence of the Paris 2024 Olympics.