PARIS - Judo great Teddy Riner on Monday announced his intention to run in next spring's French presidential election, billing himself as a candidate from neither the left nor right wing who can "bring people together."
The 37-year-old is the most decorated judoka in Olympic history with seven total medals and won his record third Olympic men's heavyweight title at the 2024 Paris Games.
In a video posted to social media, Riner expressed concern about social unrest and divisions between the extreme right and left in France, vowing to "fight" to rebuild the country.
"Fighting has always been part of who I am," said Riner, who hails from the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe. "I know what it means to struggle, to fall, to always get back up."
While he is one of France's most popular athletes, it is uncertain whether his popularity can translate to support at the ballot box amid a crowded field of candidates.
Marine Le Pen of the far-right party National Rally is currently leading by a wide margin in opinion polls ahead of the April-May vote to replace Emmanuel Macron.
