French Judo Legend Teddy Riner Announces 2027 Presidential Bid

Five-time Olympic judo champion and 11-time world champion Teddy Riner has announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election. The French sports icon made the surprise announcement in a video posted on his social media accounts, entering a political landscape where far-right candidate Marine Le Pen leads the polls to succeed centrist President Emmanuel Macron.

In his announcement video, the 37-year-old Guadeloupe-born athlete appeared wearing a white shirt and dark jacket in front of a bookshelf. "My name is Teddy Riner, and today, looking you straight in the eye, I am announcing my candidacy for the presidential election in 2027," Riner stated, adding that fighting, falling, and rising again have always defined his life. Riner noted that remaining silent in the face of the country's mounting challenges would have been irresponsible.

The announcement follows a turbulent period that included French authorities opening an investigation in September into racist online abuse directed at Riner after he expressed concern over the rise of the far-right. Speaking on the sports program "Stade 2," Riner said he was shocked by the surge of extremism, specifically pointing to the far-right. He also addressed widespread social tensions and protests over the cost of living across Paris and other regions, emphasizing his desire to restore ambition and hope to the French people.

Despite launching a presidential bid, the active athlete confirmed he has not abandoned his athletic career. In September, Riner stated his intention to conclude his storied career by securing a fourth individual Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Reiterating that goal, Riner declared that if his presidential duties permit and the French people grant him their blessing, he intends to compete in Los Angeles as well.