In the warm-up room, the sound is different. The constant swish of feet on the tatami, concise details from coaches, the greetings, deep breaths, all bound together by a nervous tension that everyone understands.

As the first judoka arrive at judogi control, we know that the Paris Grand Slam will be up to full speed almost immediately, just a few seats left to fill. The volume rises fast and within a few minutes, everyone is absorbed in the wonder of the Paris Grand Slam, the familiar energy, the lights, the stream of photographers. It’s underway and we love it!