French judoka Teddy Riner has said he will continue to voice his opinions on political matters, even as he faces harassment after speaking out about the rise of the far right in France. During an appearance on the France 2 program "Stade 2" on September 16, Riner expressed his "angoisse" (a French word meaning anxiety or unease) over the growing influence of far-right groups, calling the situation something that "makes him flip out." Following his comments, he reported receiving numerous "racist messages" from individuals opposed to his views. Riner reiterated his stance during an appearance on France 5's "C à vous" on September 22. He emphasized that as a "citizen first," he feels he has "a word to say" on issues affecting his country. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming presidential election, warning that if current political trends continue, future generations may face serious challenges. He also recalled a time in France when people were "united in difficulty" during tough times, expressing disappointment at the current efforts to divide the nation. Riner's comments have drawn criticism from far-right media and online platforms. On the social media platform X, user Julien Odoul responded with a dismissive remark: "Poor biquet. Everything will be fine, Teddy!" The term "biquet" is a colloquial French expression that can be interpreted as "poor thing" or "child," often used in a condescending manner. A five-time Olympic champion, Riner has hinted at a potential future in politics after retiring from judo. He has stated he would not close any doors to political involvement, signaling that he may one day seek a role in public service. His comments reflect a growing trend among athletes and public figures who are using their platforms to address social and political issues in France.