After having “observed all the statistics which correspond to these two athletes, we arrived at a perfect equality” explained Christophe Massina, head of the French women’s team on Friday at a press conference. He added that the announcement was pushed back to the end of April.
The two judokates will have to decide between each other by participating in a competition during the year 2024: Audrey Tcheuméo will represent France at the Georgian Grand Slam from March 22 to 24, while Madeleine Malonga will go to the Antalya Grand Slam from March 29 to 31.
Shirine Boukli (-48 kg)
Boukli, 24, was selected for her second Olympic Games at the expense of Blandine Pont, revelation of the year 2023. Eliminated as soon as she entered the competition at the Tokyo Olympics, Boukli has relaunched by winning a world medal, in silver, in May in Doha and a third European title at the beginning of November in Montpellier.
Amandine Buchard (-52 kg)
Silver medalist in Tokyo, Buchard has just won her second European title, a few months after a gold medal at the Masters and a bronze medal at the Worlds.
“I had proven in the last competitions that I had my place at the Games but it always has a special flavor to hear it officially,” reacted the 28-year-old judoka. “Now it was just a step, my goal will be to be Olympic champion.”
Sarah-Léonie Cysique (-57 kg)
Having come very close to gold in Tokyo and often medaling in major events, Cysique, 25, finally won gold in an international competition this year by winning the Grand Slam in Astana.
“It’s less pressure,” she said of making her selection official. “I’ve been stressed for several days, but now I’m happy and I can’t wait for it to happen.”
Clarisse Agbégnénou (-63 kg)
Double titled in Japan, Agbégnénou will play her third Olympic Games at the age of 31. Since her return from maternity leave, the one who also has a silver medal at the Rio Games has offered herself a sixth world title and a bronze medal at the Masters.
She nevertheless had an off day at the Euro in Montpellier at the beginning of November. “It really tickled my pride as an athlete and a champion and I will give everything to have this Olympic gold medal,” she said.
Marie-Ève Gahié (-70 kg)
Not selected for the Tokyo Games in 2021, Gahié then thought about stopping judo. “I am coming back from far. I am not mixing the two Olympics but I tell myself that disappointments always lead to seeking victories,” declared Gahié, double reigning European champion, preferred to Margaux Pinot.
Also read: Marie-Eve Gahié: “Participating in the 2024 Olympics remains a special feeling for me”
Romane Dicko ( 78 kg)
Revealed by her bronze medal at the Tokyo Games, Dicko immediately confirmed it by winning the 2022 Worlds. But an accident at the World Championships in Doha in May and the rise of Julia Tolofua had made her selection more uncertain than expected.
“It’s a serenity to know that we are preparing for the Olympics. We will be able to make optimal preparation. I want to win the Games and I think I can do it. I’m not aiming for anything other than that.”
Luka Mkheidze (-60 kg)
A surprise bronze medalist in Tokyo, Mkheidze was then away from the tatamis for several months due to an injury. Returning at the start of 2023, he has since won four Grand Slam medals including two titles before being titled European champion.
“I expect a gold medal from these Games,” said Mkheidze, who was competing with Romain Valadier-Picard and Cédric Revol.
Walide Khyar (-66 kg)
Selected for the 2016 Olympics in -60 kg, Khyar was then overtaken by Mkheidze for those in Tokyo. Moving up to the higher category, in 2023 he won a world bronze medal and a European title.
“I’m relieved, I’ll need a little time to digest the news, but it’s a milestone,” he rejoiced.
Joan Benjamin Gaba (-73kg)
First games for the 23-year-old judoka, awarded a silver medal at the Worlds with the French team in the mixed team event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
“I am not in a state of euphoria, I hope to be in a dynamic of evolution,” he said.
Alpha Boy (-81 kg)
At 27, Djalo will take part in his first Games in Paris after failing to qualify for Tokyo. “It’s a bit of revenge, I held on and stayed the course,” he said.
“But I remain quite measured because it’s only the beginning,” added the recent European bronze medalist.
Maxime-Gaël Ngayap Hambou (-90kg)
After securing a mixed team silver medal at the 2023 World Judo Championships in Doha, the youngster will take part in his first games this summer.
He explains that he is “happy and ready to work to get a medal at these games”.
Aurélien Diesse (-100kg)
At 26, the judoka from Bondy will participate in his first games after being vice-world champion with the French team and bronze medalist at the 2019 European Games.
“I learn of this appointment with joy and emotion, particularly because of my career which has had its ups and downs. I will focus on my development to try to participate in this great celebration which will be held at home, in Paris” declared the athlete.
Teddy Riner ( 100 kg)
The 34-year-old colossus will be competing in his fifth Games. “It’s a great pride because we often tend to bury you, but I always show the tip of my nose,” reacted Riner, who already has two individual titles and two bronze medals. “Now, going to the Olympics is not just about showing off, it’s about performing and bringing home the most beautiful medals.”
Daikii Bouba (-60kg) and Alexis Mathieu (-90kg) were named to supplement this list.
