One Year After Paris 2024, Teddy Riner’s Eyes Are on the Future

Meet Teddy Riner, the 2.04m judo giant who continues to set his sights high, even a year after his triumphant victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In an exclusive interview with 247sports.news, Riner discusses his relentless pursuit of another Olympic title in 2028 and the steps he’s taking to prepare for life beyond judo.

Preparing for Life After Sport

Riner, who has already won five Olympic medals, knows all too well the reality of injuries that can abruptly end high-level sporting careers. “You always have to be careful,” he says, “and know what you want to do very early on, to be able to prepare for it.”

“When I won my first Olympic championship in 2012, my father told me to ‘go back to school, it’s important to continue the studies.’ I said to him, ‘Dad, I just made Olympic champion. Look around you.’ And there he congratulated me,” Riner recalls, a scene that has stayed with him.

Nutrition and Partnerships

To support his training and ambitions, Teddy Riner has become an ambassador for food supplement brand Bion3, a partnership that came naturally to him as a long-time user of their products. “These are products that I already used for me and my little family,” he says.
Learn more about the importance of balanced nutrition

In parallel with his training, Riner emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and adequate sleep: “Without that, you cannot recover, and you take the risk of injury.

Mental Health Awareness

A passionate advocate for mental health, Riner has been followed by a psychologist since the age of 14. “It allowed me to grow, to have all the cards at my disposal to be able to live better,” he says. Riner now supports the mental health cause in France and encourages young people to seek help when needed.
Learn more about mental health in France

“When you are young, there are things that we are not going to dare to talk to our parents or friends because we are afraid that the person does not understand what we are trying to say. And a psychologist is used for that,” he explains.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Throughout his career, Riner has developed various stress management techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises. These tools have helped him maintain a cool head and achieve his remarkable record.
Learn more about meditation

“When you have tasted it once, you want to reproduce this emotion that you feel during a victory again and again. I am very proud of my career because I know how difficult it was, and this famous sentence, ‘the work pays’ is true,” says Riner.

Did You Know?

Teddy Riner holds the record for the most consecutive victories in a World Judo Tour (130 wins), a testament to his consistency and dominance in the sport.

Pro Tip

Hydration is key for Teddy Riner, both on and off the judo mat. Staying properly hydrated can improve performance, aid recovery, and support overall health.

Teddy Riner’s Journey Continues

With his sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games and an unwavering commitment to mental health awareness, Teddy Riner continues to inspire and educate. As he prepares for his post-judo life, the five-time Olympic champion serves as a reminder that success is built on dedication, planning, and self-care.