Teddy Riner Enters 2027 French Presidential Race

Teddy Riner announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election while targeting an Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, chosun.com reported.

Teddy Riner Declares Candidacy

The five-time Olympic judo champion released a social media video stating, “I am Teddy Riner. Today, I look you straight in the eyes and tell you: I am running for the 2027 presidential election,” as chosun.com reported.

Riner stated he refuses to watch the country burn while searching for excuses, according to chosun.com. He added that fighting has always been part of his life and that state authority has vanished from the streets.

The 37-year-old athlete was born in Guadeloupe and raised in mainland France. He secured his fifth individual Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games by defeating Kim Min-jong in the 100-kilogram division final, bringing his total Olympic medal count to seven.

Riner seeks to address a divided French society

In an interview with Le Parisian, Riner explained that France gave him the opportunity to dream big, but the country’s ambition and hope have disappeared, chosun.com reported. He noted that he sees a divided society across France and cannot accept young people struggling to imagine their future.

Riner first hinted at political ambitions last year, stating that he views himself primarily as a citizen rather than just an athlete, chosun.com reported. He noted that if he entered politics, it would be to effect change rather than to serve as a minister.

The 2027 French presidential election is scheduled for next April. Current President Emmanuel Macron is constitutionally barred from running for a third term, chosun.com reported.

Riner aims for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Despite launching a presidential campaign, Riner intends to continue his athletic career. He maintains his goal of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as he approaches his forties, chosun.com reported.

Riner stated that a presidential run and an Olympic campaign could coexist provided official duties permit it and the French public agrees, chosun.com reported.

The judo champion drew inspiration from the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he witnessed the entire nation unite, feel proud, and share happiness, chosun.com reported. He aims to recreate that level of national unity across the entire country.

Questions about the next French election and Teddy Riner

When is the next French presidential election?

The next French presidential election is scheduled for April 2027, according to chosun.com reports.

How many Olympic medals has Teddy Riner won?

Riner has won seven Olympic medals, including five individual gold medals in the 100-kilogram category, chosun.com reported.

Is Teddy Riner retiring from judo?

No, Riner has not retired and continues to target an appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games alongside his political campaign, chosun.com reported.