Judoka Clarisse Agbégnénou's bid for a sixth European title ends disappointingly as she is disqualified in the championship final.
Judo Champion Clarisse Agbegnenou Nets a Gritty Silver in Podgorica
On April 24th in Montenegro, judo powerhouse Clarisse Agbegnenou came up short in her pursuit of her sixth European title, ultimately claiming a silver medal. The 32-year-old Frenchwoman, a dominant force in the sport, nearly pulled off the feat but was disqualified due to an overzealous move against the young Czech defending champion, Renata Zachova.
Agbegnenou: Aports Obstacle Course Record Holder
A dozen years have passed since Agbegnenou's first of five continental titles, highlighting her impressive career longevity. Agbegnenou's resume speaks volumes – she boasts six individual world titles, three Olympic medals, and two team wins to her name[1].
A Shortened Season Awaits Agbegnenou
Agbegnenou won't be adding to her individual record this year, as she announced she won't participate in the World Championships in June[5]. But she has a shot at securing a mixed team European title on the competition's final day, April 27. Agbegnenou has opted for a shorter season focused on personal endeavors, specifically her desire to welcome her second child.
First Silver Medal in a Crowded Trophy Case
This silvers marks a first in Agbegnenou's extensive European Championship career, where she has only gone home empty-handed on two occasions, in 2017 and 2023. Apart from her five golden victories, she's also earned bronze medals in 2012 and 2015[6].
Agbegnenou Denied Historical Sixth Gold
Though Agbegnenou won't become the first French judoka to take home six European golds this year, her teammate Audrey Tcheumeo might change that on Saturday, competing in the -78 kg category.
Semifinal triumph and a Look to the Future
On her competition day in the semi-finals, Agbegnenou established her authority in France against her compatriot Manon Deketer after dominating the preliminary rounds. Although Deketer, the absentees' champion at the 2022 World Championships, displayed her seemingly superior strength – claiming victories at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in late 2024 and finishing as a finalist in both Paris and Tbilisi in 2025 – she couldn't outsmart Agbegnenou's wisdom[5].
Bound for Indispensability at LA 2028
Determined to remain "indispensable" for 2028, the forthcoming Los Angeles Olympics, Agbegnenou's ambition is unwavering[7]. Despite still being several years away, her performance in Montenegro gives her reason to be optimistic.
Strong Showings by Team France
On Thursday, Agbegnenou put up the highest result of the second day of the European Championships, following Shirine Boukli and Daikii Bouba's victorious Wednesday appearances. Agbegnenou wasn't the only medalist, either; 22-year-old Martha Fawaz claimed bronze in the -57 kg division, her first significant achievement in a major senior championship[6].
Additional judoka to watch include Marie-Eve Gahié (-70 kg), Alexis Mathieu, and Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou (-90 kg), as they vye for glory on Friday[6].
Stay Tuned
Sign up for our sports newsletter for the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox each Saturday[8]. In the meantime, keep an eye on Agbegnenou's remaining competitions and her Judo Master Class events for a chance to witness her expertise firsthand.
[1] Clarisse Agbegnenou's Judo Masterclass - Mastering the Technical Side
[3] Paris 2024: Agbegnenou Wins Historic Judo Victory and Secures Spot on French Team
[4] Agbegnenou Claims Fifth European Gold Medal
[5] World Judo Championships: Clarisse Agbegnenou Set to Hold Out this Year
[6] European Judo Championships: Agbegnenou Wins Silver, Fawaz Takes Bronze in -57kg
[7] Agbegnenou: "I Want to be Indispensable for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles"
[8] Subscribe Now
- Judoka Mathieu could aim for a spot on the European Championship team in 2025, looking to emulate the success of his compatriot Clarisse Agbegnenou.
- Eve, a sports fan, may find Agbegnenou's particular struggle in securing her sixth European gold medal in Podgorica in 2023 an interesting story to follow.
- In 2025, the sports world might witness a resurgence of outstanding performances from French judokas, with Mathieu, Agbegnenou, and other talented athletes eyeing major titles.









































