France presidential hopeful Riner distances himself from Macron

Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner has rejected suggestions that President Emmanuel Macron’s praise makes him an ally of the outgoing president. As he campaigns for France’s 2027 presidential election, Riner called Macron’s endorsement a “poisoned chalice” and said he was not Macron’s representative or a Macron supporter.

Macron had said he was pleased Riner was entering the presidential debate after the judoka announced his candidacy on 9 November. Riner made his remarks on 14 November during a visit to the Made in France trade fair in Paris. He presents himself as neither left nor right and says he wants to bring people together.