Teddy Riner Withdraws from Paris Grand Slam for Elbow Surgery
Teddy Riner, the celebrated five-time Olympic champion, has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Judo Grand Slam scheduled for February 1-2, 2024. This decision comes after his recent victory in the Champions League with PSG Judo, where he competed against Red Star Belgrade. Riner revealed that he will undergo elbow surgery in the coming weeks, a procedure he has been postponing for several years due to persistent pain and injuries. "I'm not doing Paris. Because I'm not ready, it's not the goal of the season, and because at the start of the year, in two or three weeks, I'm heading to the operating room for some injuries that I should have sorted out before," he stated during a press conference in Montpellier.
Riner's Ongoing Struggle with Elbow Injuries
The 35-year-old judoka has been dealing with elbow issues for over seven years, having previously undergone surgery in 2015 before the Rio Olympics. Despite his attempts to manage the injury through physiotherapy and strapping techniques, Riner acknowledged that the pain has become unbearable. "I can't do it anymore, it hurts too much," he expressed, emphasizing the need for a definitive solution. His medical team advised him to prioritize his health if he hopes to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Riner's absence from the tatamis is expected to last two to three months as he recovers from the surgery.
Future Plans and Competitive Aspirations
Following his recovery, Riner plans to gradually return to training and competition, aiming for a sustainable approach to his career. He mentioned, "When I resume, it will be at a rate of one outing every three or four months." Despite the setback, Riner remains optimistic about his future in judo, focusing on long-term goals rather than immediate competitions. His recent success with PSG Judo has provided a morale boost, and he looks forward to returning to the sport he loves once he has fully healed.
