A French Olympic judo champion has posted a photo of her shocking facial injuries allegedly inflicted by her judo coach partner who was then freed on bail.

Olympic judoka Margaux Pinot, 27, won Olympic gold with France in the team competition in Tokyo last summer. She also took several European titles in the category up to 70 kilograms, and said her self-defence skills possibly saved her life, adding “my thoughts are with those who cannot say the same”.

She posted the image of her injuries on her Instagram account for her 30,000 followers with the message: “During Saturday night and Sunday morning, I was the victim of an assault at my home by my partner and trainer.”

She claimed she was “insulted, punched, had my head hit against the ground several times, and finally strangled”.

Pinot said: “I thought I was going to die, I managed to escape and take refuge with my neighbours who immediately called the police.

“I have several injuries including a broken nose. . . . . “

Local media said the incident in which the 2020 European Judo Championships winner accused her partner and former judo champion Alain Schmitt of beating her has shocked the French sports world.

However, after being quizzed by the cops, he was released on 30th November and Pinot sarcastically questioned what he should have done worse to remain in custody instead of being released.

In her Instagram post, she wrote: “Today, justice has decided to release him.

“What is their slanderous defence worth compared to my wounds and the blood splattered across the floor of my apartment?”

She added: “What was missing? Death at the end, I suppose?”

The suspect denied the allegations, and is quoted as saying: “I did not punch or slap her. The marks were caused by bumping into something during the row.“

He also admitted that they “often clashed”.

According to the latest reports, the public prosecutor’s office in the town of Bobigny has decided to appeal against the suspect’s release.

The investigation continues.