Althéa Laurin Makes History with First Olympic Gold for French Taekwondo
In a historic moment for French taekwondo, Althéa Laurin secured the 16th Olympic gold medal for France at the Paris 2024 Games. This monumental victory marks the first gold medal in the history of French taekwondo, a long-awaited achievement since the sport's introduction to the Olympics in 2000. Laurin's journey began early on Saturday morning at the Grand Palais, and after a grueling day of competition, she triumphed over Uzbek Svetlana Osipova in the +67 kg final, sealing her place in history.
A Day of Triumph and Anticipation for French Taekwondo
The atmosphere at the Grand Palais was electric as Laurin, 22, showcased her exceptional skills throughout the day. With a flawless performance, she eliminated formidable opponents, including reigning European champion Lorena Brandl and world champion Nafia Kus, on her way to the final. The day was filled with anticipation, as Laurin's previous bronze medal at the Tokyo 2021 Games had set the stage for this momentous occasion. Her victory not only fulfills a personal dream but also pays tribute to the trailblazers of French taekwondo who paved the way for her success.
Celebrating a New Era for French Taekwondo
In a dramatic final, Laurin faced Osipova, who had never met her in competition before. The fight was intense, with both athletes displaying their prowess. Laurin took an early lead with a head kick that electrified the crowd. The tension escalated when Osipova equalized in the waning seconds of the second round, but Laurin's resilience shone through as she landed another head kick, securing her victory. With this win, France not only celebrates Laurin's achievement but also marks a new era for French taekwondo on the Olympic stage.
