French judoka Teddy Riner has officially withdrawn from the upcoming World Judo Championships scheduled to take place from October 4 to 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan, due to an ongoing shoulder injury sustained over the summer, according to announcements made by the French Judo Federation.
Shoulder Injury Sidelines Teddy Riner From Baku World Championships
The French Judo Federation confirmed the five-time Olympic champion’s withdrawal, stating in an official release that the evolution of his injury “will not allow him to participate” in the global tournament. Riner, who turns 37, had been preparing to target a historic twelfth world title in the over-100 kg category.
The setback marks another delay in the competitor’s return to individual tournament action. Riner has not competed in an individual bracket since the Paris Olympic Games in the summer of 2024, where he secured a third individual crown alongside a team gold medal. In the interim, his competitive appearances have been exceedingly sparse, limited to a single match during the Champions League at the end of 2024 with his club, Paris Saint-Germain.
A Cautious Path Forward Toward Los Angeles 2024
Following his triumphs at the Paris Games, the French heavyweight has faced a series of physical hurdles. Riner previously delayed his return due to an elbow operation, followed by the current shoulder issue stemming from an injury originally operated on back in 2013. Ahead of the Baku event, he gradually withdrew from several preliminary preparation milestones, including the Grand Prix in Lima and the Grand Slam in Lausanne.
Because he no longer sits high enough in the official international discipline rankings to secure automatic qualification for the world championships after a lengthy absence, Riner had intended to rely on a wildcard invitation from the International Judo Federation to compete in Azerbaijan. With those plans shelved, attention shifts to long-term preparation.
French Delegation Depth at the World Championships
While the French team will miss its heavyweight anchor in Baku, the national delegation travels to Azerbaijan with several marquee names. The roster also includes reigning world champions Joan-Benjamin Gaba in the -73 kg category and Romane Dicko in the +78 kg division.
The French Judo Federation has not yet announced a revised timeline for Riner’s return to the tatami, leaving fans awaiting further medical updates as the veteran athlete focuses entirely on rehabilitation.
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