Teddy Riner, the French judo superstar who has claimed five Olympic gold medals, announced on Monday that he will run for the presidency of France, saying he hopes to bring people together.
Riner, who has dominated the heavyweight division for more than a decade, has become one of the most celebrated athletes in the country. His Olympic triumphs in 2012, 2016, 2021, 2023 and 2024 have earned him a reputation as a national hero and a symbol of sporting excellence.
In a statement released after the announcement, Riner said he was motivated by a desire to unite the nation and to use his experience on the world stage to promote cohesion among France’s diverse communities.
The move marks a rare transition from sports to politics, and it comes at a time when France’s political landscape is highly contested. Riner’s candidacy has attracted attention from supporters who see his popularity and leadership qualities as an asset for the upcoming election.
Riner’s campaign will run alongside other candidates in the forthcoming presidential race, but he has not yet disclosed a detailed platform or the political party he will represent.
<small>Source: ESPN — read the original story there.</small>