Judo champion Teddy Riner has pulled out of the upcoming World Championships after suffering a shoulder injury. The French Judo Federation confirmed the decision on Saturday, explaining that the injury's progression makes it impossible for Riner to compete in the 2026 World Championships in Baku. This is not the first time Riner has had to withdraw due to injury; he previously pulled out of the Lima Grand Prix and the Lausanne Grand Slam earlier this year. Riner was aiming to win his twelfth world title in Azerbaijan, a goal that has been delayed multiple times since the Paris Olympics in 2024. His return to competition has been repeatedly postponed due to various injuries, including surgery on his elbow and ongoing issues with his shoulder, which was operated on back in 2013. Since the Paris Olympics, where he secured his third individual gold and a second team title, Riner has only participated in one match for his club Paris SG during the Champions League at the end of 2024. At 37 years old, Riner remains one of the most decorated judoka in history, having won three Olympic gold medals—two in London (2012) and Rio (2016), and the most recent in Paris (2024). Despite his age and the setbacks from injury, he continues to aim for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, which he considers the pinnacle of his career. Before then, he must earn a spot in the Olympics by performing well in upcoming competitions. Riner’s absence from the World Championships highlights the challenges of competing at the highest level as an athlete ages. His career has been marked by both incredible success and the physical toll of repeated injuries. As he prepares for the road ahead, fans and fellow athletes are watching closely to see how he will continue to compete at the top of his sport.