PARIS, France (Sep 3, 2022) – Cyrian Ravet, France’s new Taekwondo superstar, may have only just won his first-ever World Taekwondo Grand Prix yesterday, but he already has his sights firmly set on gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

 

Speaking on his debut onto a Grand Prix podium, in front of a home crowd no less, 19-year-old Cyrian was the picture of happiness.

 

“It was really good because it was in Paris and my family and team were there to support me. So I’m very happy.”

 

Despite the momentous occasion, Cyrian never doubted himself. Winning here in Paris, was always on the cards for the budding superstar.

 

“I was expecting a gold medal because when I go into a competition, I always want the gold medal. I felt good coming into the competition, tried my best and won gold,” he said.

 

It was not always smooth sailing for the young Frenchman.  Enroute to the final, he had to defeat the likes of Olympic bronze medallist Jang Jun, former European title winner Adrián Vicente Yunta and Olympic silver medallist Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi to claim the title.

 

His jaw-dropping semi-final display against Spain’s Adrián Vicente Yunta had the crowd locked in as he battled back from 9-2 down.

 

“Yeah, the first round was really hard for me. But I tried something in the final few seconds [and I didn't want to eat my kick] But I just wanted to make Adrián sweet [sweat] for the second and the third round.

 

“But when I kicked I scored the point. So I was very happy and I tried my best to win the first round and the match.”

 

It was clear from the roar of the French supporters and chants of “Let’s go Cyrian” during his fights that he was competing in front of a home crowd and his local Taekwondo Club.

 

“Yes, the crowd gave me so much energy it was really incredible. My Taekwondo club is only 10 minutes from the venue by car so they all came to support me. And I also celebrated with my family.”

 

Born and raised in Decines-Charpieu, Cyrian’s role model as a young Taekwondo athlete was Korean legend Daihoon Lee who won 11 Grand Prix golds and three World Championship titles. Now, Cyrian is well-placed to be a homegrown role-model for the next generation of French taekwondo stars.

 

What’s next? Paris 2024 of course.

 

“Because this competition was in Paris I can feel how it will be in 2024. So I’m really happy to win gold here and I hope I will go to Paris where it will be the same objective.”

 

No doubt, the crowd will be roaring even loader for Cyrian at Paris 2024 as he looks to become France’s first Olympic Taekwondo champion in history.