Judo legend Teddy Riner enters French presidential race seeking unity
Five-time Olympic gold medallist announces candidacy, says he seeks to unite left and right
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.