Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announced on Monday that he will run for the French presidency in the upcoming election scheduled for April and May, surprising observers who anticipated his continued athletic career.
Riner stated that his new objective is to “lift France” out of what he described as a sunken state, asserting that the country requires common sense, firmness, and justice rather than professional politicians.
The candidacy arrives unexpectedly because Riner had previously stated his intention to compete for a sixth Olympic medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games following his gold-medal performance at the Paris Olympics. His entry into politics shifts his timeline ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Riner Rejects Traditional Labels and Focuses on Debt and Safety
Rejecting traditional political labels, Riner maintained that he does not align with either the left or the right side of the political spectrum. He acknowledged that the political establishment will likely reject him since he does not originate from their circles.
According to Prensa Abierta, Riner emphasized that his platform will focus on reducing national debt, preventing economic decline, and restoring state authority in public spaces to ensure safety for families and shoppers.
The judoka questioned the fairness of a system where citizens who wake up early, start businesses, and follow rules continue to carry an unfair financial burden. He also pledged to protect the future of young people regardless of their background, social connections, or skin color.
Prosecutor Investigates Racist Insults Against Riner
Riner has frequently encountered racist commentary from right-wing media outlets and political figures. In September, the public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into targeted insults against the athlete after he expressed public concern over the rising popularity of the far-right in national polling.
According to Sport, polls currently position Marine Le Pen as the favorite in the presidential race, adding significant political tension to Riner’s decision to enter the electoral contest.
Riner declared in his campaign video that he refuses to watch the country burn while searching for excuses, framing his run as a necessary fight for national stability and unity.
France's five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announced on Monday that he would run in the country's high-stakes presidential election next year. "My name is Teddy Riner and today, I am telling you face to face: I am a candidate in the 2027 presidential election," the… pic.twitter.com/oSXEj0nHAa
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