Teddy Riner announces candidacy for French presidency in 2027 election

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French judoka Teddy Riner announced he will run in the presidential election in France scheduled for 2027. Riner, 37, won five Olympic medals, including three individual gold medals. In a statement he published, Riner wrote: "Given the challenges of our country, the time has come to take responsibility and enlist for the good of the nation." He said he sees the social rift cutting across the country and the hope that has disappeared.

Five months before the election, Riner surprised with a video on social media. "I know what it means to fight, to fall and always get back up," he said in the video. About two months ago, Riner expressed shock at the strengthening of the far right in the country. Right-wing parties responded to his positions, including his opposition to a ban on the hijab and his economic program.

Riner made clear that he intends to continue competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics even if elected president, "as long as the role and the people allow me to." former French president François Hollande welcomed the move and teased: "This is not the Olympic Games." Marine Le Pen leads in the polls. Riner said in an interview: "Politics? Taking blows is my profession."