Shock Announcement: Ilias Iliadis and Teddy Riner Announce Their Retirement from Judo
In a shocking turn of events, two of the greatest male judo athletes of all time, Ilias Iliadis and Teddy Riner, have announced their retirement from competitive judo, leaving fans and the judo community stunned. The news, which broke today, marks the end of illustrious careers for both athletes who have dominated the sport for over a
Ilias Iliadis, the Greek judoka widely regarded as one of the most talented and successful fighters in judo history, announced his decision to retire at the age of 36. Iliadis first rose to prominence in 2004, when he won the gold medal in the 66 kg weight category at the Athens Olympics, becoming the youngest judo Olympic champion at just 17 years old. Since then, Iliadis has built an extraordinary career, capturing multiple World Championship titles and adding several Olympic medals to his name. His technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and mental toughness have made him a respected figure within the sport. Iliadis has consistently inspired generations of judoka, and his decision to step away from the mat has been met with an outpouring of admiration and sadness from fans and fellow athletes alike.
On the other side of the globe, Teddy Riner, the French judoka who has been a dominating force in the sport for over a decade, also confirmed his retirement. Riner, who has reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion, has not only amassed an unprecedented number of World Championship titles—10 to be exact—but also remains an Olympic gold medalist, with two golds from Beijing 2008 and London 2012. At 35 years old, Riner’s decision to retire has caught many by surprise, as he has shown no signs of slowing down in recent years. His sheer dominance in the +100 kg division, where he has remained unbeaten for more than a decade, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest judokas of all time.
Riner’s decision to retire comes at a time when he has won nearly everything possible in judo. His combination of strength, agility, and judo technique has been nearly impossible to overcome, earning him admiration from not only his opponents but from people across the world who were captivated by his consistency and power. Despite rumors of a comeback for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Riner has chosen to end his career on his own terms, leaving the sport at its peak.
The retirements of Iliadis and Riner represent the end of an era in competitive judo. Both athletes have shaped the sport, set new records, and pushed the limits of what is possible on the judo mat. Their departures leave a massive void in the judo world, and while new talent will emerge, it’s clear that their legacy will be felt for many years to come.
Fans around the world are expressing their gratitude and admiration for the incredible careers of Ilias Iliadis and Teddy Riner, and their impact on judo will continue to inspire the next generation of athletes. Though they may no longer compete, their influence on the sport will never fade.
