Defeated by Teddy Riner twice in the judo team competition at the Paris Olympics, judoka Tatsuru Saito regretted the result of the Japanese team, thanked the fans for their support and revealed that he does not know if he will return to Japan after the Olympics.
Through social networks, the Japanese published a text, which was translated by the French press, where he takes the blame for the team’s defeat in Paris.
“I am very disappointed to have stopped the team with such a pathetic result. Honestly, I feel like I can’t go back to Japan. I feel very pathetic and disappointed in myself,” Saito wrote.
For his good performance against super champion Teddy Riner, Tatsuru was applauded by the audience present at the Arena. In addition, he received many messages of support on social networks.
“I’m really grateful to you. I read all the messages of support and words of encouragement. I have nothing but gratitude,” he said.
After facing Riner in the team competition and losing, Saito returned to face him after the tiebreaker draw selected their category. Despite the good performance, he lost after the Frenchman managed to apply an ippon.
See below the photo gallery of Team Brazil judo winning the bronze medal for teams in Paris:
