Teddy Riner: 'It worries me to see the rise of the far right in France'

Concerns over France's political climate

French judo legend Teddy Riner, 37, a five-time Olympic champion, spoke openly on Wednesday in interviews with radio station RTL and television programme "Stade 2" about his concerns over the country's political direction. He admitted that even as a top-level athlete, he is troubled by how the situation in France is evolving. "What worries me is the direction the country is taking. It worries me, even me, a high-level athlete. It worries me to see the rise of the extremes, it scares me," Riner said. When a journalist asked whether he meant both political extremes, he was unambiguous: it was the far right specifically. "We have to call a spade a spade," he added.

A possible political future

Riner has for some time left open the possibility of moving into politics after retiring from competition. As RMC Sport reports, back in May 2025 on BFMTV he pushed back against the idea that an athlete entering politics should automatically become sports minister, and later told the AFP news agency that he considered the presidency the role best suited to him. On Wednesday, however, he said the 2027 presidential election is not yet the right moment: "I'd say now is not the time, but I'm not closing any doors. Patience is needed." He stressed that speaking out is every citizen's right and role in a democracy, adding that while politics is not exactly "in his blood", he rules nothing out.

Sporting plans through Los Angeles

For now, Riner's focus remains on sport. He recently extended his contract with Paris club PSG through 2028, with an eye on the Los Angeles Olympics, where he would aim for a fourth individual Olympic title. According to RMC Sport, he is currently recovering from a shoulder injury and has withdrawn from the World Championships in Azerbaijan, scheduled for October 4-11.