Five-time Olympic champion decided to run for president of France
Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announced on November 9 his intention to run for president of France, writes Euronews. The elections for the head of state are scheduled for May next year.
In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, the 37-year-old athlete stated that he does not identify with either the left or the right and wants to become a candidate of "unity," capable of uniting a divided French society.
At the same time, Riner does not intend to end his sports career. On the contrary, he expects to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In a video address published on the social network X, the athlete stated that France does not need a professional politician who lectures others and argues all day long. In his opinion, the country needs common sense, kindness, and a state that properly fulfills its duties.
Riner admitted that many might consider him crazy due to his lack of political experience and necessary connections. However, he emphasized that he is not going to succumb to pressure or tolerate chaos.
"I will not be one of those who stands by and watches the country burn, looking for excuses. I have not spent my life at a desk. Fighting has always been a part of me. I know what it means to fight, to fall, and to get back up, time after time," the athlete declared.
Teddy Riner won gold medals at the Olympic Games in the over 100 kg category in London-2012, Rio de Janeiro-2016, Tokyo-2020, and Paris-2024. He also won another gold medal in the mixed team competition in 2024. In addition, he has 12 World Championship gold medals and 5 European Championship gold medals.
Meanwhile, less than six months before the presidential elections, a possible second round between Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right "National Rally" party, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of the far-left "La France Insoumise," is becoming increasingly clear.
According to an IFOP poll conducted for LCI television, Le Pen is supported by 36% of voters, and Mélenchon by 17.6%. Centrist Édouard Philippe, who is in third place, has a rating of 12%.
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