French sports legend announces presidential bid

French judo legend and five-time Olympic champion Teddy Riner has announced that he will run in the 2027 presidential election.

TodayPress TV reports that the 37-year-old athlete made the announcement in a post on his social media account.

“Accepting the difficulties our country is facing means giving up. I refuse to remain a mere spectator. I am announcing my candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. France needs responsibility, common sense and collective strength to overcome its challenges. We will not give up,” Riner said.

The first round of France’s presidential election is scheduled for April 18, 2027, with a second round, if necessary, to be held on May 2.

Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron will not be eligible to run in the next election, having already been elected twice.

It should be noted that Teddy Riner is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of judo. He is a five-time Olympic champion, a 12-time world champion and a five-time European champion.