Judo competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are scheduled to run from July 27 to August 3 at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. The 50th Paris Grand Slam, which took place from February 2-4 gave a foretaste as 621 competitors from 107 countries converged on the French capital.
OLYMPIC COMPETITORS A total of 372 judokas (186 men and 186 women) will compete in judo at Paris 2024 in search of the most coveted title in the world of sport. The Olympic qualification period for judo will end on June 23, 2024. Paris is already dressed for the occasion with numerous markers around the city; from the countdown clock sitting under the Eiffel Tower beside the river, the increasing signage and the various promotional campaigns on TV, radio and online.
Andreja Leski (SLO), double world medallist
“Already I felt a great atmosphere created by the French fans at the grand slam earlier this month and this is just a tiny bit of what to expect at the Olympic Games. To win a medal here is a dream, especially in Paris. I like the vibe of the city.”
When asked what it felt like to have Clarisse in the category, on her home ground? Leski said: “It's a positive thing! She’s among the best in the world and so to fight her and perhaps win an Olympic medal here is even more historic. I have already had two world finals with Clarisse and although I will hide my cards for now. I’m preparing to do my best to change the result. I think I won’t do more than 5 events before the Games now; finding the balance is tough, to care for myself but also be prepared.”
An Baul (KOR), world champion and double Olympic medallist
“I never came to the Eiffel Tower before and I hadn’t seen the clock before now, not face to face, only from far away before. This is exciting; there is really not much time left. I do like fighting in Paris and have 2 gold a silver and a bronze here from the grand slam. The atmosphere always makes me excited to compete and I hope to use that feeling again at the Olympic Games while fighting for my third Olympic medal.”
Chelsie Giles (GBR), world & Olympic medallist
“I’m enjoying the travel and training towards this Olympic goal. 100 days before the Tokyo Games I was training in Nekoda’s house with very limited training partners, due to Covid, so to be here in Paris at the camp is a big difference.
"It’s a great feeling to win my first Paris medal in the year of the Olympics. I think it’s going to be a crazy atmosphere this summer, especially when we compare it as we didn’t have a crowd in Tokyo. It’s more about excitement than pressure at this stage as I enjoy the build up, I enjoy improving. The lead-up is about getting the training and picking up the points needed to secure good seeding.
"There will be two Olympic champions in my group, Distria and Uta, and so we aren’t making it easy for ourselves but whoever I get on the day, I have to just go out there and do my best.”
Alina Boehm (GER), double European champion
“The countdown clock here counts the days but I don’t really have the days in my mind, I prefer to count in baby steps. Seeing it though, gives me the Olympic feeling that I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little girl. I hope to be here again this summer after just experiencing the feeling while fighting at the Bercy. I feel the passion for judo in Paris and so it’s special that the Games is there."
"Thinking back to winning the Europeans gives me goosebumps. I was overwhelmed with emotions but it gave me confidence in my judo. I think about this special medal a lot.
"Yes, we have a domestic rivalry in Germany at -78 kg and it’s a tough battle that will go all the way to the worlds. I try to be the best version of myself at each event and enjoy the ride though. I prefer not thinking in days, setting tiny goals and going from step to step, giving each moment my best and eventually the Games will be here as perhaps my last tiny step in this cycle.
"I would love to fight the French judoka in the final of the Games, an epic moment, and to win it would be incredible. I always tell myself that the cheering is for me even if it’s in France and clearly not aimed that way.”
