Teddy Riner, the French judo star, announced on 9 November that he will run for president of France in 2027. The five-time Olympic champion and eleven-time world champion says he wants to unite the country from a position that is neither left nor right.
Europe's economy has grown slowly in recent years, while its industrial and technological advantages face mounting competition from Asia. Some European governments, critics say, have stressed political correctness and humanitarian ideals while failing to offer convincing answers on refugee policy, immigrant integration, religious extremism and public safety.
Sports stars moving into politics is not unusual. Japan's two-time Olympic champion Ryoko Tani, formerly Ryoko Tamura, was elected to the House of Councillors in 2010 and served six years in the Diet. Another judo legend, Yasuhiro Yamashita, worked for years in education and sports administration after retiring before leading first the All Japan Judo Federation and then the Japanese Olympic Committee.
Riner, by contrast, has no formal political or governmental experience. He has said he would not rule out competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics even if elected, provided "the role allows it and the French people permit it".
With the country facing questions over its finances, immigration and international standing, voters have good reason to ask candidates for concrete policies and evidence of how they would govern.
Riner spent years training to become a world judo champion. How much time has he spent learning to run a country?