Teddy Riner, Olympic Judo Champion, Announces Candidacy for French Presidency

French judo champion Teddy Riner has announced that he will run for president in the 2027 election. The five-time Olympic gold medalist made this surprising announcement on social media.

Riner, who is 37 years old, shared his decision during an interview at the France Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka Expo on September 13, 2025. He stated, “My name is Teddy Riner and today, I am telling you face to face: I am a candidate in the 2027 presidential election.”

He enters the race at a time when far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is leading in the polls. Riner has expressed concern about the growing influence of far-right politics in France.

Throughout his career, Riner has achieved significant success in judo, winning gold medals at the 2012, 2016, and 2024 Olympics, along with mixed team golds at the 2020 and 2024 Games. He has also secured 11 world titles in the sport.

Riner is not the first athlete to venture into politics; fellow judoka David Douillet was elected to the French parliament in 2009 and later served as sports minister.