Three-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner (+100 kg) has announced a delay in his return to competition.
The legendary judoka will not compete at the World Championships scheduled for June 13–20 in Budapest, Hungary, Idman.biz reports.
Despite being automatically selected for the event alongside other French Olympic medalists, the 11-time world champion cited ongoing health issues related to a recent injury as the reason for his withdrawal:
"Although several months have passed since my elbow surgery, I still don't feel 100% ready. To perform at the highest level on the tatami, I need to be fully prepared both physically and mentally."
Riner has not competed since winning gold at the Paris Olympics. While he resumed training in recent months and even participated in a training camp in Japan this April, he admitted that his current form is not yet sufficient for a world-class comeback.
The French superstar also confirmed that his long-term goal remains unchanged—he still plans to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Idman.biz
