If the French delegation as a whole wants to achieve historic Olympics at home in a little less than a year, it knows that it will have to count on its pillars. For example, the French judo team, one of the biggest armadas in the world and a regular provider of medals (eight during the last Games in Tokyo). A few months before the deadline, the French judokas proved that they were still in great shape with nine podiums on the clock during the European Championships, which closed on Sunday in Montpellier.
On the last day, Romane Dicko held his place by winning the title in the over 78 kg category for the fourth time in his career (after 2018, 2020 and 2022). The Parisian defeated the Israeli Raz Hershko, world number 1 in the category, in the final in just 34 seconds on o-soto-gari. Great art, and the fifth title for France in the competition, after those of Shirine Boukli (-48 kg), Amandine Buchard (-52 kg), Marie-Eve Gahié (-70 kg) and Luka Mkheidze (-60 kg ).
The overall results are therefore excellent, knowing that Teddy Riner had missed out and that the mixed team event, in which the Blues are the reigning Olympic champions, was not on the program. Very encouraging, even if we obviously have to put it into perspective with an opposition by definition less dense than at world level and some notable failures which tarnished this beautiful week, such as those of Clarisse Agbegnenou, Madeleine Malonga and the returning Audrey Tcheuméo.
The coming months will be decisive for selection for the Olympics, with one place available per weight category. The list of lucky winners will be established by the Selection Committee of the French Federation, before being presented to the CNOSF, which will have the last word.