Meet Teddy Riner, the Decorated Olympian Running for French President
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the news of Riner's bid, praising him as a "tremendous athlete."
Paris, France—French judoka Teddy Riner has announced his intention to run for the presidency in April 2027. The 37-year-old Olympian, who has won five Olympic gold medals, argued that he is "mad" and "completely mad" for not being part of the establishment, and that it's time to "step up and take responsibility." Riner criticized the ongoing protests and unrest in France, which began with student blockades over an underfunded education system, and turned into nationwide demonstrations demanding reforms.
President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence but pledged to restore calm. Riner, however, believes that France needs a common sense approach, firmness, justice, and a state that puts things right. To be eligible for the presidential race, Riner must obtain signatures from 500 elected representatives in at least 30 different departments or overseas territories. Despite his lack of political experience, Riner hopes to unite the country as a centrist candidate.
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