Five-time Olympic champion in judo, the French Teddy Rainer intends to run for the presidency of France in 2027.
The athlete admitted that he has no experience in politics, but emphasized that France is "bending more and more under the weight of the debt" and "the streets are at the mercy of the hooligans".
Reiner noted that he always struggles and knows what it means to fall and get up again, and he also knows the reality of life for ordinary French people.
"France does not need a professional politician who lectures and sits all day. It needs common sense, firmness, justice and a state that restores order," he emphasized.
In an interview with the Parisian newspaper, Reiner stated that the main problem for him is the desperation of young people who cannot plan their future due to the difficult economic and social situation in the country. He recognized the deep divisions in society and expressed a desire to unite his members, while following a center path without extreme left or extreme right ideas. One of the main topics in his plan, which is still being developed, will be the fight against racism, which he says he himself fell victim to.
At the same time, the athlete said almost nothing about his priorities in the international agenda. In response to the journalist's corresponding question, he only stated that he would work with the republic's allies and make sure to respect them.
The role of the athlete in the political life of the country was actively discussed back in 2024, when he celebrated his victory at the Olympic Games with the flag of supporters of the independence of Guadeloupe, which is now an overseas territory of France.
The possibility of Riner's participation in the presidential race was considered in 2025 - when the LOpinion newspaper published data from June from a survey by Harris Interactive, 18% of respondents said they were willing to potentially support his appointment.