Olympic Judo Champion Teddy Riner Announces 2027 Presidential Bid

French judoka Teddy Riner announced a 2027 presidential bid on Monday, November 9, citing deep concern over the rise of the far right. es-us.noticias.yahoo.com reported.

Teddy Riner Enters Presidential Race

The five-time Olympic judo champion released a two-minute and thirty-seven-second video on social media to declare his candidacy. “Me llamo Teddy Riner y hoy, cara a cara, les digo que soy candidato en las elecciones presidenciales de 2027,” said the 37-year-old athlete.

Riner stated in his announcement that he fears France could face deep division. He positioned himself as an alternative for voters unwilling to choose between the far right and the radical left. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen currently leads polls to succeed centrist President Emmanuel Macron, while radical left-wing figure Jean-Luc Mélenchon holds second place.

“Hoy convivimos,” said Riner, who originates from the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe. “Me temo que mañana viviremos enfrentados.”

Riner Critica La Deuda Y La Inseguridad Estatal

Riner criticized what he described as a state collapsing under debt burdens. He pointed to citizens struggling at grocery store checkouts and argued that state authority has vanished in the presence of criminal elements.

As a Black athlete, Riner also targeted bureaucratic inefficiencies and a system where a young person’s future might suffer due to a lack of proper networks, names, or skin color.

“No estaré entre los que ven arder el país mientras ponen excusas,” he said while wearing a white shirt and dark jacket in front of a bookshelf. “Luchar siempre ha sido parte de mi esencia. Sé lo que significa luchar, caer y siempre levantarse.”

Macron Celebra El Anuncio Mientras Analistas Dudan De Su Viabilidad

Riner acknowledged that critics would question his lack of political background. “Sé lo que la gente va a decir de mí: ‘Está loco. No pertenece al sistema. No conoce las normas. Nunca se ha dedicado a la política’,” he added.

President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the surprise announcement. Macron stated that he was pleased a major champion decided to join the presidential debate to contribute convictions, ideas, and talent.

Analyst Dani Podgoretskaya of Eurasia Group noted that Riner addressed relevant public pain points but doubted his viability as a serious contender. Podgoretskaya pointed out that Riner lacks elected experience, a political party, and a detailed policy platform.

Erwan Lestrohan of polling firm Odoxa echoed similar skepticism regarding electoral support. Lestrohan stated that the athlete starts from zero in terms of political credibility.

Riner Planea Competir En Los Ángeles 2028 Y Financiar Su Campaña

Riner intends to continue his athletic career alongside his political ambitions. In an interview with Le Parisien, he confirmed plans to compete at the Los Ángeles 2028 Olympic Games if the presidency and the French people permit it.

The judoka plans to finance his campaign through donations and personal funds. His athletic resume includes heavyweight gold medals at the 2012, 2016, and 2024 Olympic Games, plus mixed team gold medals in 2020 and 2024, alongside eleven world titles.