Judo Champion Teddy Riner Enters France’s Presidential Race, Vowing Unity

WHO:

Variety - Teddy Riner has never held political office and is one of France’s most recognizable and popular sporting figures.

ABC News Politics - Teddy Riner is a judo star seeking to become France’s next president.

Deadline - Teddy Riner is a French judo world champion and heavyweight judoka.

Deadline - Riner is a nine-time world champion in the heavyweight category.

Deadline - Riner won Olympic gold medals in 2012, 2016 and 2024.

Deadline - The presidential race is to replace incumbent President Emmanuel Macron.

IJR - Riner is described as a five-time Olympic judo champion.

WHAT:

Variety - Riner announced his presidential bid in a speech posted on social media.

ABC News Politics - Riner announced a bid for the French presidency, pledging to bring people together.

Deadline - Riner announced his intention to run as a candidate in France’s presidential election.

IJR - Riner announced that he will run in France’s 2027 presidential election.

IJR - Riner said he wants to help “turn France around.”

WHERE:

Deadline - Riner’s candidacy is for France’s presidential election.

IJR - Riner said he wants to address conditions in France.

WHEN:

Deadline - The election Riner intends to contest is in 2027.

IJR - The presidential election is in 2027.

WHY:

IJR - Riner said he wants to counter public pessimism and has voiced concern about the far right’s rise.

IJR - Riner describes himself as neither left nor right.

HOW:

Variety - Riner delivered his announcement in a fiery speech.

(UPDATED November 10, 2026 02:58 UTC)

Judo champion Teddy Riner has announced a bid for France’s presidency in 2027. The nine-time world champion says he wants to unite people and turn France around. Never having held political office, Riner describes himself as neither left nor right.

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(UPDATED November 9, 2026 14:59 UTC)

Judo champion Teddy Riner has announced his candidacy for France’s 2027 presidential election. The nine-time world champion says he wants to unite people and turn France around. Riner says he is neither left nor right, and worries about far-right growth.