judo ceo chris bayliss recently addressed rumors surrounding the possible resignation of star judoka teddy riner, a ten-time world champion and two-time olympic gold medalist. during a press conference, bayliss highlighted riner’s invaluable influence on the sport and the inspiration he brings to fans worldwide, especially as he prepares for the upcoming paris 2024 olympics. he expressed confidence that riner is fully committed to his training, despite circulating speculation about his future.
bayliss further emphasized that riner remains focused on his preparations for the games, aiming to achieve a third olympic gold. he reassured fans and the media of the importance of supporting riner rather than adding pressure through rumors. bayliss also underlined judo’s commitment to prioritizing athletes’ mental and physical well-being, acknowledging the challenges elite athletes face in maintaining top performance levels. he requested that fans honor riner’s dedication and refrain from spreading unverified stories, noting the judoka’s substantial legacy regardless of his future decisions.
riner’s journey towards another olympic goal, if successful, would reinforce his standing as a historic figure in judo. as the 2024 olympics approach, bayliss expressed that the focus should be on riner’s exceptional career contributions, as the judo community awaits his next move with high hopes for his continued involvement in the sport.
