Judo World Championships: Clarisse Agbégnénou in pursuit of a record-breaking seventh world title in Baku
The Judo World Championships begin on October 4, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan. According to RFI Sports, the French delegation arrives with high ambitions, aiming for four world titles to match its 2011 record. Despite the absence of Teddy Riner, who is suffering from a shoulder injury, the team is relying on established athletes such as Romane Dicko and Audrey Tcheuméo, as well as reigning world champion Joan-Benjamin Gaba.
Clarisse Agbégnénou, a triple Olympic medalist, is making her return to the international stage seven months after the birth of her second child. At 33 years old, the judoka won a bronze medal at the Lausanne Grand Slam on August 29, 2026. She approaches this competition with determination, seeking to win a seventh world title following her victories in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, which would allow her to equal the record held by Japan's Ryoko Tani.
For his part, reigning world champion Joan-Benjamin Gaba, competing in the -73 kg category, is present despite a bicycle accident that occurred last June. Although he was unable to participate in preparatory competitions due to an injury, he has managed to adapt his physical and technical training. This global event also serves as a crucial step for athletes in the race for quotas for the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The general manager of the French teams, Frédérique Jossinet, emphasizes the importance of this event for evaluating the progress of the judokas. Clarisse Agbégnénou, who intensified her work on strength and hand speed after her return in Lausanne, says she is ready to take on the challenge. The competition promises to be intense, with each athlete seeking to score decisive points for the remainder of their Olympic journey.
Our perspective
The journey of Clarisse Agbégnénou illustrates the strength and resilience of African women and the diaspora, capable of balancing motherhood and athletic excellence at the highest global level. Her ambition to break historic records inspires the youth of the continent, reminding us that African determination and talent are powerful engines of success, carrying dignity and pride for the entire Pan-African community.
This article was written in French with the help of artificial intelligence from the sources cited below, then translated from French automatically. Read the original.
