Agbegnenou trains at the National Institute for Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP) in Paris. She represents the Red Star Club in Champigny-sur-Marne. Her national coach is Larbi Benboudaoud.

Injuries and Setbacks

Throughout her career, Agbegnenou has faced several injuries. In 2019, she sprained her shoulder during the final bout of the Grand Slam event in Paris. An injured left index finger forced her to withdraw from the 2016 European Championships. She also dislocated her left elbow in April 2011 and injured her left shoulder in December 2010.

Awards and Honours

Agbegnenou has received numerous accolades. In 2019, she won the Alexis Vastine Award from the French Army. She was named Champion of Champions by L'Equipe for two consecutive years and received several other honours from French media outlets like RTL, BFM, RMC, 'Tout le Sport', and 'Canal Sport Plus'. In 2018, she was named Athlete of the Year by Rennes city and Champion of the Year by Ouest-France.

Milestones

In 2019, Agbegnenou became the first French female judoka to win an individual world championship title for the fourth time. She claimed gold in the -63kg category at the World Championships in Tokyo.

Personal Background

Agbegnenou's father is Victor Agbegnenou, a Togo-born French scientist and inventor. Her parents are from Togo, and she holds dual French and Togolese citizenship. Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe personally congratulated her after she won the world title in 2014.

Early Life

Born two months premature alongside her twin brother Aurelien, Agbegnenou faced early health challenges. She was born not breathing and had to be reanimated. After birth, she underwent kidney surgery and was in a coma for seven days. She is now an ambassador for a French organisation that supports premature babies and their parents.

Occupation

Besides being an athlete, Agbegnenou serves as a police officer with the National Gendarmerie in France. This national police force is also a branch of the French Armed Forces.

Sporting Philosophy

Agbegnenou lives by the motto "Impossible is nothing." This philosophy has driven her to achieve great success in judo.

Ambitions

Looking ahead, Agbegnenou aims to work as a life coach after retiring from judo. She hopes to support athletes, employees, and children who need guidance.

Hobbies

In her free time, Agbegnenou enjoys listening to music and participating in various sports activities.

Rio Redemption

The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro left Agbegnenou with mixed feelings as she won a silver medal but had aimed for gold. She uses this disappointment as motivation to strive for gold at future events.

Clarisse Agbegnenou continues to inspire many with her dedication and achievements both on and off the judo mat.