Olympic vice-champion Joan-Benjamin Gaba crowned judo world champion for the first time

This time, Joan-Benjamin Gaba had only gold on his mind, and the French judoka fulfilled his mission perfectly. After his resounding revelation at the Paris Olympic Games, accompanied by a promising silver medal, the 24-year-old champion won his -73kg category on Sunday, June 15, to claim his first world title in Budapest.

The native of Chesnay (Yvelines), who had to settle for third place at the last European Championships, completely controlled his day of competition, right up until the final, where he defeated Brazilian Daniel Cargnin. A dream run, which gave him his first individual medal at the World Championships, after winning silver four times in a row in the mixed team event.

His success is also national, as Joan-Benjamin Gaba brought France its first title in this highly competitive category. A hero at the Paris 2024 Games, during a memorable collective final, he recently confided in an interview with Le Monde his desire for gold on the world stage: "I train for this. I have it in mind every day. I fight for it and I also have the conviction to achieve it."

While the French contingent won its first title, during a World Championship that calls for others, French judoka Romain Valadier-Picard had already won silver on Friday, in the under 60 kg category.

Earlier this Sunday, Sarah-Léonie Cysique also added to the French medal tally, taking third place in the under 57 kg category. This was the 26-year-old judoka's first individual medal at the World Championships, and it was the same color she won a year ago in Paris.

The Judo World Championships, which began on June 13, will continue until Friday, with several French headliners expected. Among them are Romane Dicko (78 kg +) and reigning champion Margaux Pinot (70 kg -).