Source: CCTV.com
03-28-2008 10:31
Special Report: 2008 Beijing Olympic GamesAs the new rising star of French judo, Teddy Riner is restoring a sparkle to the country's previously lacklustre record.
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| As the new rising star of French judo, Teddy Riner is restoring a sparkle to the country's previously lacklustre record. |
The 18-year-old star of the French team holds both European and World Championship titles. Now, he hopes to bring a medal back from the Olympics in Beijing. Riner, nicknamed "Teddy Bear" by his adoring female fans, ended a decade of disappointing losses by the French team in the +100 kg category when he beat Russian opponent Tamerlan Tmenov to take gold at the World Championship in Rio de Janeiro last year.
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| He has been frequently compared to French judo star David Douillet, a four-time world champion and a two-time Olympic champion. |
He has been frequently compared to French judo star David Douillet, a four-time world champion and a two-time Olympic champion. Douillet has even given the teenager several pointers to guide him to victory. But though the micro-computing student expressed his strong desire to win a medal at the Games, he did not promise anything.
Teddy Riner, French judo athlete, said, "I know that I can become the Olympic champion, or I can only make the first round or bring back a bronze medal or silver. Anything can happen, I don't know. What I do know is that I want to bring back a big medal from the Games for the people."
Editor:Zhao Yan
