Teddy Riner Makes Winning Return at Budapest Judo Grand Slam

French judoka Teddy Riner has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Grand Slam of Lausanne due to a shoulder injury, according to reports from Ouest-France and Eurosport. The judoka, who sustained the setback during training, has been advised by his medical team to undergo a strict three-week reinforcement program for his shoulder, which was previously operated on in 2013.

Shoulder Injury Forces Lausanne Withdrawal

The latest medical evaluation requires Riner to hit pause on his competition schedule just two months ahead of the world championships, as reported by Ouest-France. Riner took to social media to explain the decision to his supporters, stating via Instagram that following examinations on his shoulder, his medical team recommended a three-week reinforcement block to ensure he can resume training safely without taking unnecessary risks.

This withdrawal marks the second tournament Riner has dropped out of within a single week. Eurosport confirmed that the judoka had already pulled out of the mid-August tournament in Lima, Peru, which was initially mapped out as his first competitive outing since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Preparation Adjustments Ahead of World Championships

The tournament in Peru and the subsequent Grand Slam in Lausanne were designed as stepping stones for Riner to gauge his form against international competition before heading to the global championships in October. Ouest-France noted that Riner has not yet clarified whether his participation at the World Championships in Baku remains in jeopardy following these withdrawals.

“Evidemment déçu ne pas pouvoir retrouver la compétition comme prévu, je reste pleinement concentré sur la préparation et la suite,” Riner stated on his Instagram account, as cited by Eurosport.

Riner has not participated in individual brackets since the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024, where he captured a third individual gold medal alongside a second team title. His only competitive appearance since the Games was a single match during the Champions League late last year while representing his club, Paris Saint-Germain, according to Ouest-France.

Next Steps for the French Heavyweight

With his medical team mandating a strict three-week rehabilitation and reinforcement routine, Riner’s immediate focus shifts toward physical recovery and training longevity. Fans and officials will look toward Riner’s social channels for further updates regarding his exact timeline and his availability for the October world championships.