Teddy Riner enters French presidential race
Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announced his candidacy for the French presidency in an interview with the newspaper Le Parisien, today.
The 37-year-old athlete stated, “I have decided to commit myself alongside the French people and therefore to run for the office of President of the Republic.”
Riner stated that he does not want to be reduced solely to his athletic achievements. Standing on a winner’s podium and remaining silent on broader topics is no longer enough for him, according to the interview. He pointed to the widespread social protests and a general sense of anger and concern across France this autumn as the catalysts for his campaign.
Unfazed by political confrontation
Standing over two meters tall, the heavyweight champion emphasized that he does not fear a harsh political campaign. “Taking hits is my job,” Riner told Le Parisien, adding that he has no fear of it and that anyone who can take a blow also knows how to deliver one.
He positions himself outside traditional left-right party alignments, aiming instead to appeal to young voters, non-voters, and citizens who want to dream big.
Securing a spot on the ballot requires gathering 500 signatures from elected officials, along with submitting official asset and interest disclosures. Riner expressed confidence that meeting these requirements should pose no hurdle in a democracy.
He intends to compete at the 2028 Olympics
Despite his political ambitions, the 11-time world champion intends to pursue his athletic career even if he wins the presidency. He stated an intention to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, provided the duties of the office allow it and the French public permits him to do so.
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