French Judo superstar Teddy Riner says will run for president

Teddy Riner, France’s multiple Olympic judo champion, announced he will run in the 2027 presidential election, saying he is concerned about the rise of the far right. His surprise declaration introduces a prominent sporting figure into French politics and presents him as an option for voters wary of choosing between the far right and hard left.

The 37-year-old made the announcement on social media in a video lasting two minutes and 37 seconds. He said he feared France could become deeply divided; the article provides no further details about his political programme or campaign.