Judoka Teddy Riner announced his candidacy for the presidential election on Monday, November 9, catching observers off guard.
Following the five-time Olympic champion’s official entry into the race for the supreme state function, Sports Minister Marina Ferrari addressed the candidate and his political bid on Tuesday, November 10, at the Demain le sport event.
During her appearance, Ferrari described Riner as pas plus illégitime qu’un autre
and saluted the man’s career.
Addressing the mixed reactions and initial pushback, the minister stated that she heard the small trial of illegitimacy that is beginning to settle in.
She added that her stance aligns with her previous positions, noting that she has defended athletes engaging in politics for months because they are citizens like anyone else. So he has every right to get involved.
Regarding the possibility of balancing the campaign with his athletic career, Ferrari remarked that it seemed difficult to lead both,
while maintaining that it would be up to him to make choices.
Other sports figures weighed in on the five-time Olympic champion’s political ambitions. National Olympic and Sports Committee President Amélie Oudéa-Castera expressed support for his right to run, stating that his involvement in the campaign can help to carry this message of the importance of sport more, it’s a plus.
Paralympic and Sports Committee President Marie-Amélie Le Fur also welcomed the announcement, highlighting that athletes do not only wear the high-level sports costume but can also carry a voice through their background and representation in the nation. And we will be listening to what he can propose in the field of sport,
Le Fur added.
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