In a powerful episode of JudoPod, the six-time world champion opens up about motherhood, loss, resilience and why she still believes her greatest challenge may lie ahead, at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Agbegnenou’s fighting spirit, she says, began before her career was even thought about. Born prematurely and placed in a coma, she survived against medical expectations, a moment she now sees as the origin of the mentality that has defined her entire life. That same intensity carried her from childhood battles with her brothers to becoming one of the most dominant figures in modern judo.
But perhaps the most remarkable evolution of her career came away from the tatami. Just 11 months after giving birth to her daughter Athéna, Agbegnenou returned to win another world title.
Now back in the throes of early motherhood, having given birth to her baby son just two months ago, she continues to train daily through adapted sessions including yoga, swimming and strength work. Rather than slowing her down, motherhood has given her what she describes as “extra energy” and a deeper sense of purpose. “I want my kids to see how hard it is and to remember this.”
The interview also reveals the emotional side of elite rivalry. Agbegnenou reflects warmly on her iconic battles with Tina Trstenjak (SLO), explaining how their embrace after the Tokyo Olympic final became a defining image for women’s judo, proof that fierce competition and genuine respect can co-exist. She also shares lighter memories of rival Yarden Gerbi (ISR), including the surreal moment Gerbi invited her into a pink limousine just hours after choking her out in a world final.
Her Paris 2024 experience, however, was far more painful. Agbegnenou describes feeling emotionally “lost” after her individual defeat, only reconnecting with that moment when she heard the desperation of the home crowd and saw her coach fighting to pull her back mentally. The Games also brought one of the most demanding moments of her life: carrying the Olympic torch at the Eiffel Tower while balancing competition, media pressure and life as a breastfeeding mother.
Yet, retirement is nowhere in sight. Agbegnenou is already targeting Los Angeles 2028 and adapting once again. She added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sessions to her schedule some time ago but is now seeing it sharpening her groundwork, necessary against the sport’s new generation.
This is no longer just the story of a champion defending titles. It’s the story of an athlete who continuously redefines what elite performance can look like - for women, for mothers and for sport itself.
Watch the full interview to hear Clarisse Agbegnenou reflect on survival, sacrifice, motherhood and her relentless pursuit of personal excellence.
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