Judo champion Teddy Riner announces presidential bid in France

Olympic judo star Teddy Riner has declared his intention to run for the French presidency.

The 37‑year‑old, a multiple Olympic champion and 11‑time world champion, announced his candidacy on social media on Monday and confirmed his position in an interview with Le Parisien. Riner says he is “neither right‑wing nor left‑wing” and aims to be a president who “brings people together”.

He told the newspaper that remaining silent in the current climate would be “irresponsible”, adding that he hears the anger of young people and older generations who feel they have no future. Riner warned that France is suffering from “deep divisions” and that no existing candidate offers a credible, unifying vision.

Riner, who stands 2.04 m tall, said his Olympic ambitions remain intact, hoping to win a fourth individual gold at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, provided his presidential duties allow it. He also highlighted concerns about the rise of far‑right extremism in France.

To qualify, Riner must collect 500 sponsorship signatures from elected officials, as required by French law. Opinion polls currently show Marine Le Pen as the front‑runner, with Jean‑Luc Mélenchon and former prime ministers also in the race.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Markus Winkler / Pexels.