Olympic Judo Legend Teddy Riner Announces Independent Bid for 2027 French Presidential Election

Teddy Riner Enters French Presidential Race

Teddy Riner announced a run for the 2027 French presidential election as an independent candidate.

The announcement came through a video published on social media by the five-time Olympic judo gold medalist, d.youth.cn reported.

Teddy Riner Announces 2027 Presidential Candidacy

I am Teddy Riner, the athlete said in his campaign video. Today, I want to tell you face-to-face: I am going to be a candidate in the 2027 presidential election. Giving up is not an option. Faced with the country’s difficulties, it is time to take responsibility.

Riner, 37, was born in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe and stands as one of the most decorated judoka in history with 11 world titles alongside his Olympic golds. He expressed deep concern over political polarization in France, stating that he fears waking up to a society driven by confrontation.

He criticized the current political and economic climate, pointing to excessive bureaucracy, heavy national debt, a decline in purchasing power for ordinary families, and a perceived erosion of state authority. To counter this, Riner stated his ambition to become a unifying president who refuses to bow to chaos.

Fighting has always been part of my life, Riner said. I know what it means to struggle, to fall, and how to get back up.

Riner Assembles Advisory Team to Shape Policy

Riner revealed that he has assembled a 20-person advisory team consisting of private citizens, civil servants, and former government ministers to shape policy on pension reform and income growth.

To secure a place on the official ballot, Riner must collect at least 500 signatures from elected officials across France. Riner stated that he plans to quickly launch campaign activities and raise the necessary funds to finance his bid.

Macron Welcomes Riner While Others Express Skepticism

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the unexpected announcement, stating that he was pleased to see a great champion enter the race to contribute his convictions, ideas, and talent for the benefit of the country, according to d.youth.cn.

Jean-François Lamour, a former French sports minister and Olympic fencing champion, cautioned Riner that presidential campaigns represent the most brutal and violent form of political competition, requiring immense resilience.

Commentators highlighted Riner’s lack of prior elected office, the absence of a formal political party backing him, and the current lack of a detailed governing program. Polling experts questioned whether his popularity as an athlete would translate into actual voter support, noting that his political credibility essentially starts from zero.

Balancing Elections and Athletic Goals

Despite launching a presidential campaign, Riner indicated that his athletic career is not necessarily over. He stated that if his political duties permit and the French public supports the idea, he intends to continue competing with the goal of participating in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.