French judoka Teddy Riner, holder of five Olympic gold medals, announced on Monday that he is a candidate for president, less than six months before the spring elections in France. He made the announcement in an interview with the French daily Le Parisien. There, he stressed that he is neither “left nor right,” but intends to be a candidate of unity.
In this way, Teddy Riner presents his presidential candidacy as an alternative to professional politics. In the race, the IFOP poll for broadcaster LCI, conducted from October 27 to 29, places Marine Le Pen of the National Rally in first place with 36 percent of voting intentions. Behind her is Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed, with about 17.6 percent.
In this context of the French elections, the judo legend appears as an unusual name in politics, but with a broad sporting base. Riner added that he does not intend to end his sporting career. He wants to take part in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, if the public allows him to.
Asked about expectations, the 37-year-old said he expects people to see him as “crazy,” since he has had no previous career in politics or “the right connections.” “If refusing to bow to pressure and refusing to accept chaos make me crazy, then yes, I am completely crazy,” he declared.
In a video published on the platform X, Riner said that France does not need a professional politician who gives lectures and argues all day. According to him, the country needs common sense, kindness, and a state that gets things done properly. He added that he will not be among those who stand with arms folded watching the country burn and looking for excuses.
“My life has not been spent behind a desk. Fighting has always been part of who I am. I know what it is to struggle, to fall down and to get back up again, time after time,” he said.