Paris, France – Teddy Riner, the legendary French judoka widely known as the ‘Judo Emperor,’ has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming French presidential election. This surprising declaration, made public on Monday, November 9th, marks a significant shift for the athlete who holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals by a male judo competitor.
Riner, a 37-year-old sports icon with an impressive five Olympic gold medals, has consistently been ranked among France’s most beloved public figures. His decision to enter the political arena was initially conveyed through his social media platforms, followed by an in-depth interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien. In his statements, Riner articulated a liberal economic philosophy, explicitly positioning himself as a candidate who transcends traditional right-wing and left-wing political divides. His stated aspiration is to unite the nation, bringing people together across the political spectrum.
The French presidential election is scheduled for April of next year and is set to take place amidst a period of considerable social tension across the country. For several weeks, Paris and other major cities have experienced widespread protests, with citizens demonstrating for wage increases and supporting various student movements. These ongoing social unrests are exerting additional pressure on the current government. Riner acknowledged these societal challenges, expressing his profound dismay at the difficulty many young people and older generations are experiencing in envisioning a hopeful and secure future for themselves.
Despite his ambitious political venture, Riner has affirmed his commitment to his illustrious judo career. He had previously stated his desire to culminate his athletic journey with another Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, United States. When questioned by Le Parisien about whether his presidential candidacy would necessitate abandoning his Olympic dreams, the 2.04-meter (6-foot-8) heavyweight unequivocally stated that it would not.
Teddy Riner embarked on his professional judo career in 2006, quickly rising to prominence on both national and international stages. Throughout his remarkable career, he has accumulated an almost unparalleled collection of national and world titles. His five Olympic appearances have yielded an impressive seven medals in total: five gold and two bronze, solidifying his status as a true giant in the sport’s history.
