The 6ft 8in (2.04 metre) over 300 pound giant from Guadeloupe proved too strong for Harasawa in front of a fervent French crowd on the final day of judo action at the Carioca Arena.

Riner's win capped a great day for French judo as Emilie Andeol also claimed gold in the 78kg category.

There was no stopping Riner's route to a second Olympic gold medal to go along with the bronze he won in Beijing and seven world championship golds.

Despite not landing a knock-out ippon or half-point waza-ari, Riner was proclaimed the champion after Harasawa had two penalties to his one for defensive posture and false attack when time expired.

Or Sasson and Rafael Silva of Brazil bounced back from defeats to Riner earlier in the day to claim bronze medals.

Japan topped the judo medals table overall with three golds, one silver and eight bronzes.