From European gold to guiding Teddy Riner: the journey of Benoît Campargue

Benoît Campargue is one of those rare figures in French judo who left a strong imprint both as a fighter and as a coach. In a nation packed with champions, he stands out not just for his own medals, but for the athletes he later helped push to the very top.

European champion who helped build a judo dynasty

Campargue made his breakthrough on the European scene in the early 1990s. In 1992 he captured the European Championship title, the biggest result of his competitive career and a clear statement that he belonged among the elite of his generation. Two years later he returned to the continental podium with a bronze medal at the European Championships in Gdansk, confirming his staying power at the highest level.

The year 1994 became one of his standout seasons. He took silver at the highly regarded Tournoi de Paris, a tournament known for drawing the world’s best judoka. That run was backed up by wins at the Torneo Città di Roma in 1994 and earlier at the Dutch Open in ’s-Hertogenbosch in 1991, showcasing his ability to perform across major international events.

Campargue also made his mark in team competitions, a key stage for European judo. In 1994 he helped France secure the World Team Championship title, highlighting just how strong the French squad was during that period. At club level, he lifted the European Club Cup twice with Racing Club de France, in 1988 and 1993, underlining his role in European club success.

After hanging up his judogi as an athlete, Campargue switched smoothly into coaching. His tactical sense and experience turned him into an important mentor for the new wave of French judoka. The peak of his coaching career came at the London 2012 Olympic Games, when he coached Teddy Riner on his way to Olympic gold in the heavyweight category. Because of that unique double career, Campargue is remembered as both a 1992 European champion and a key architect of modern French judo.

Source: JudoInside