Three-time Olympic champion Teddy Riner (+100 kg) is postponing his return to the tatami.
İdman.biz reports that the legendary judoka has announced that he will not participate in the World Championships to be held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, from June 13-20.
The 11-time world champion, who was automatically selected for the World Cup along with other French Olympic medalists, cited health problems caused by a recent injury as the reason for his non-participation: "Even though it has been several months since the elbow surgery I underwent, I still don't feel 100% ready. To be at the highest level on the tatami, I have to prepare both physically and mentally."
Riner has not competed since the Paris Olympics, where he won a gold medal. He has resumed training in recent months and, although he participated in a training camp in Japan in April, he stated that his preparation was not enough to ensure a competitive return at the world level.
Riner also confirmed that his plans for the 2028 Olympics remain unchanged and that he intends to compete in Los Angeles.
İdman.biz