Judo great Teddy Riner to run for President of France in 2027

Teddy Riner, the French judoka who has won five Olympic gold medals, said on 9 November that he will stand in France’s presidential election in 2027.

Mr. Riner, a heavyweight, is one of the most decorated judokas in history and one of France’s best-known sportsmen. He has not held elected office. France 24 and Hindustan Times reported his announcement.

He announced his bid at a time of political tension across France, France 24 reported. The channel’s press review questioned how serious his campaign would be.

President Emmanuel Macron cannot run again, because the French Constitution limits a president to two terms in a row. The first round of the election is due in April 2027.

Mr. Riner had not set out a full programme or named a party when this story was published.