Fouillet took gold at the inaugural European Championships in Genoa, Italy, in 1974 before she claimed the under 66 kilogrammes crown the following year in Munich.

She then went on to seal a hat-trick of gold medals at the 1976 event in the Austrian capital Vienna to continue her dominance of the weight category.

Following her retirement in 1980, the Frenchwoman became involved with the FFJ as a national coach, helping to support French judokas in their development.

Fouillet, who reached the level of 8th Dan within the sport, also served as a technical advisor within the organisation and the FFJ have passed on their condolences to the family.

“The French Judo Federation expresses its deepest condolences to his family and relatives,” a statement on their website read.

As well as her success at European level, Fouillet clinched two silvers at the World Championships in New York in 1980 and was considered a pioneer in French judo.

She also won the French national title on four occasions and was nicknamed the “Grand Dame” of judo.

A service in memory of Fouillet was held towards the end of last month close to her home in Avrille.

Condolences can be sent to [email protected].