Teddy Riner, five-time Olympic champion and one of the most decorated judokas in history, has announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election. The 37-year-old made the surprise announcement in a video posted on social media on Monday, entering the race at a time of growing social and political tensions in France.
Addressing the French public, Riner said: “My name is Teddy Riner and today, I am telling you face to face: I am a candidate in the 2027 presidential election.” Expressing concern over deepening divisions in French society, he warned that the country risked moving from a society in which people live alongside one another to one in which different groups find themselves in confrontation.
Opposition to the growing influence of the far right was one of the central themes of Riner’s announcement. Having previously voiced his concerns about the movement’s rise, he said he did not want France to become trapped between two political extremes. His remarks come as Marine Le Pen, the leading figure of the far right, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical left, emerge as prominent contenders to succeed Emmanuel Macron in next year’s election.
The French judo champion also addressed economic difficulties, rising government debt and the financial pressures facing families. He criticised what he described as the weakening of state authority in the face of crime and administrative inefficiency. Referring to racial discrimination and unequal opportunities, Riner argued that a young person’s future should not depend on their social connections, family name or skin colour. He said he was unwilling to remain silent and watch the country’s problems unfold.
Teddy Riner, Olympic Games Paris 2024
Despite his widespread popularity in France, Riner faces the challenge of turning his sporting reputation into political support. While he has yet to build an established political organisation or present a detailed policy programme, his public profile and ability to connect with people could give his campaign a strong starting point. His next task will be to build a team, set out his political vision and secure the 500 endorsements from elected officials required to qualify for the presidential election.
He has said he intends to launch his campaign quickly, financing it through donations and his own funds. Riner describes himself as neither right-wing nor left-wing, saying his ambition is to bring French society together.
His presidential ambitions, however, do not mean the end of his sporting career. Riner has made clear that he still hopes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and has not ruled out taking part even if elected president, provided his presidential responsibilities and the French people’s approval allow him to do so.
Riner won individual Olympic gold in London in 2012, Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Paris in 2024. He also claimed mixed team gold with France at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. With 11 world titles to his name, his presidential bid adds an unexpected dimension to the career of one of France’s most celebrated athletes, while leaving open the possibility of another Olympic campaign in 2028.
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