Judo: Malonga and Tcheumeo both at the World Championships, the choice of the French team.

The duel between Madeleine Malonga and Audrey Choimeo is far from over. If the former secures her selection for the Olympic Games in Paris and therefore defends the colors of the French team in the -78 kg category in the capital this summer, the two judokas could meet each other again at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. (from May 19 to May 24).

Both French women are selected. As part of her full preparations for the Olympic Games, Madeleine Malonga wanted to take part in order to have one last major competition before the deadline. Audrey Tsheumeo earned her place by winning a gold medal at the European Championships in Zagreb on 27 April. Thus, a fight between the two judokas is quite possible, and a victory for Bondinoise will inevitably lead to renewed debate around the selection in this category.

Is Teddy Reiner missing?

Seven more French women will compete at this World Championships. After Yulia Tolofua’s refusal, Lea Fontaine will compete in the +78 kg category. In the up to 70 kg weight category, Margot Pineau and Marie-Iva Gaye will compete, while Clarissa Agbenenou will strive to win her seventh world title (up to 63 kg). Faiza Mokdar (-57 kg), Amandine Bouchard (-52 kg) and Blandine Pont (-48 kg), if she passes the medical examination, will also be present in Abu Dhabi.

Among men, eight judokas will compete at the World Championships. Luka Mkheidze (-60 kg), Walid Khyar (-66 kg), Joan-Benjamin Gaba (-73 kg), Alpha Djalo (-81 kg) and Maxim-Gael Ngayap Khambu (-90 kg) will rehearse their ranges before the tournament . Olympic Games, while Romain Valadier-Picart (-60 kg), Daiki Bouba (-66 kg) and Alexis Mathieu (-90 kg) will be aiming for a major international title this 2024. However, from Teddy Riner, who will bet on the Tajikistan Grand Slam tournament (May 3-5) to improve his preparation. The choice is not final yet.

Six more tricolors will join the French team in the mixed team competition. These are Priscilla Gneto (-57 kg), Florin Soula (-70 kg), Axel Clerger (-90 kg), Coralie Jaime (+70 kg), Khamzat Saparbaev and Mateo Achiana Mongo (+90 kg).