French judo star Teddy Riner, a five-time Olympic gold medallist, declared his candidacy for the presidency on Monday, describing himself as neither left nor right and aspiring to be a candidate of unity. In an interview with Le Parisien and a video posted on X, the 37-year-old said France needs common sense, firmness and justice instead of professional politicians who bicker. Riner's entry comes with less than six months until the spring election, amid a crowded field. An IFOP poll put far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen at 36%, followed by hard-left France Unbowed candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon at an estimated 17.6% of voting intentions.
Riner told Le Parisien that the unity and pride France showed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he lit the cauldron and won two gold medals, helped lay the foundation for his presidential ambition. “I saw an entire country come together, proud and happy. Then it fell apart a few weeks later,” he said. “I told myself: If we could do that for fifteen days, we must be able to do it for the country.”
He said he expects to be seen as crazy for entering politics without a prior career in politics or the right connections. “If refusing to bow to pressure and refusing to accept chaos makes me crazy, then yes, I am completely crazy,” Riner said.
The heavyweight judoka said he does not intend to end his sporting career and could compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if his position allows and the French people permit it. He joked about meeting US President Donald Trump, saying, “A lot of people around me have been telling me about their first handshake with Donald Trump. We'll see who has the firmer handshake.”
Born on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, Riner has won five Olympic gold medals, heavyweight gold in 2012, 2016 and 2024, and mixed team gold in 2020 and 2024, along with 11 world titles. Another French judoka, David Douillet, previously made the transition to politics, serving as sports minister from 2011 to 2012.
Riner had hinted at a possible presidential run last year, and his entry has the potential to upend the contest given he is one of France's most recognizable and popular athletes.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Riner's candidacy could reshape the presidential contest by appealing to voters who feel alienated from both left and right.
- His popularity as an Olympic hero may draw support from younger and moderate voters, potentially forcing Le Pen and Mélenchon to adjust their campaigns.
- The race now includes a high-profile non-politician, reflecting growing discontent with traditional parties in France and across Europe.
Background
The French presidential election will be held in spring 2027, with a two-round system if no candidate wins over 50% in the first round.
Riner, 37, is one of France's most celebrated athletes, with a career spanning four Olympic Games and multiple world championships.
According to recent polls, the election is on track for a showdown between far-right candidate Marine Le Pen of the National Rally and hard-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed, with moderate candidates trailing.
What to Watch
- The impact of Riner's candidacy on opinion polls in the coming months.
- Whether he can effectively campaign while pursuing his judo career and Olympic ambitions in 2028.
- Potential debates and interactions between Riner and established political figures.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 3 sources: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedRiner has entered the French presidential race seeking unity.World news | The Guardian: “Teddy Riner has announced plans to run in next year’s presidential election, describing himself as someone neither leftwing nor rightwing but who would seek to “bring people together””
- SupportedRiner is a five-time Olympic gold medallist.Euronews: “French judo star Teddy Riner, the winner of five Olympic gold medals”
- SupportedRiner declared his presidential candidacy on Monday.Euronews: “French judo star Teddy Riner, the winner of five Olympic gold medals, declared on Monday that he was a presidential candidate”
- SupportedRiner described himself as neither left nor right and aspired to be a candidate of unity.Euronews: “Riner said he was neither "left nor right-wing" but aspired to be a candidate of unity.”
- SupportedRiner said France needs common sense, firmness and justice instead of professional politicians who bicker.Politico Europe: ““France doesn’t need a professional politician who recites talking points and spends all day bickering. It needs common sense, firmness, justice and a government that sets things right.””
- SupportedAn IFOP poll put Marine Le Pen at 36% and Jean-Luc Mélenchon at an estimated 17.6% of voting intentions.Euronews: “the far-right National Rally party's Marine Le Pen is leading the polls with 36%, according to an IFOP poll for broadcaster LCI conducted from 27 to 29 October. She is followed by the hard-left France Unbowed's Jean-Luc Mélenchon, with an estimated 17.6% of voting intentions.”
- SupportedRiner said, “I saw an entire country come together, proud and happy. Then it fell apart a few weeks later. I told myself: If we could do that for fifteen days, we must be able to do it for the country.”Politico Europe: ““I saw an entire country come together, proud and happy. Then it fell apart a few weeks later. I told myself: If we could do that for fifteen days, we must be able to do it for the country,” Riner said.”
- SupportedRiner said, “If refusing to bow to pressure and refusing to accept chaos makes me crazy, then yes, I am completely crazy.”Euronews: ““if refusing to bow to pressure and refusing to accept chaos makes me crazy, then yes, I am completely crazy.””
- SupportedRiner said he could compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if his position allows and the French people permit it.Politico Europe: “Riner said that his entry into politics would not spell the end of his judo career, even opening the door to competing in Los Angeles in 2028 while also serving as president “if my position allows it and if the French people give me permission.””
- SupportedRiner joked, “A lot of people around me have been telling me about their first handshake with Donald Trump. We'll see who has the firmer handshake.”Politico Europe: ““A lot of people around me have been telling me about their first handshake with Donald Trump. We’ll see who has the firmer handshake,” Riner said.”
- SupportedRiner won heavyweight Olympic gold in 2012, 2016 and 2024, and mixed-team gold in 2020 and 2024.Euronews: “Riner won the heavyweight division at the 2012, 2016 and 2024 Olympics and mixed team gold at the 2020 and 2024 Games.”
- SupportedRiner has won 11 world titles.Euronews: “He has also won 11 world titles.”