On August 2nd 2024 Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili was disqualified from the 2024 Olympics for unsportsmanlike conduct against France’s Teddy Riner.
Teddy Riner, a prominent French athlete and one of the biggest stars of the Games, continues his pursuit of gold after Tushishvili’s disqualification marred their match. Riner, a three-time Olympic champion, was given the honor of lighting the Olympic cauldron alongside retired sprinter Marie-Jose Perec during the opening ceremony.
The 35-year-old judoka, who previously won gold in the men’s +100kg category in 2012 and 2016, as well as the mixed team event at the Tokyo Games in 2021, remains in contention for an individual title after his victory over Tushishvili. Riner secured his win by ippon, the highest score in judo.
The match ended in controversy when Tushishvili was disqualified for aggressive behavior. Following Riner’s winning move, Tushishvili reacted by putting his leg into Riner’s crotch, placing his hand on Riner’s face, and seemingly kicking out at his opponent during a scuffle. The officials issued a red card to Tushishvili for his actions, leading to his expulsion from the Games.
Dutch commentators for NOS expressed their shock at Tushishvili’s behavior, noting that judo’s strict respect rules make such conduct particularly unacceptable. “What is this aggressiveness? This is not okay; this will get Georgia disqualified,” one commentator remarked, while another added, “This is scandalous behavior. Disrespectful. He’s just throwing away an Olympic medal here.”
Although Tushishvili eventually calmed down and shook hands with Riner, he was confirmed as disqualified, meaning he is no longer eligible to compete for a bronze medal or participate in the team event. Riner advances to the semi-finals, which will take place on Friday afternoon.
By AlizeLaVie
