French judo champion Teddy Riner announces presidential bid

French judo champion Teddy Riner announced his candidacy for the French presidency on Monday, according to Euronews, Le Monde, Politico, ynetnews, Deadline, and France 24. The Independent also reported his bid, describing him as a three-time Olympic judo champion, while Euronews notes he holds five Olympic gold medals. The election will take place in the spring, less than six months away, Euronews reported. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

In an interview with French daily Le Parisien, Riner stated he was neither left nor right-wing, Euronews reported. Euronews noted that Riner described himself as a candidate of unity who sought to unite both sides. In a video posted on X, he stated that France does not need a professional politician who lectures and bickers all day, but instead needs common sense. [1]

Riner said he does not intend to stop his sporting career, according to Euronews. He explained that he seeks to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if the public allows him to do so. Riner was born on April 7, 1989, in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, and began practicing judo at five years old. He stands 2.03 meters tall, weighing between 135 and 140 kilograms. He is the first and only judoka in history to win twelve gold medals at the World Judo Championships. [1][11][12]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Riner recently attended the final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam tournament in October 2026. His announcement comes as France prepares for its upcoming presidential election cycle in the spring. [1][13]