Teddy Riner, 10 x Judo world champion and 2 x Olympic gold medalist judo champion, voiced his concerns on the French TV show “Quelle époque,” hosted by Léa Salamé.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics looming, Riner, a celebrated triple Olympic champion, expressed his disappointment over the subdued enthusiasm for the Games in the French capital. He also addressed the struggles faced by world champions in France and highlighted the limited number of tickets available for athletes’ families.

Teddy Riner at the Paris Grand Slam.

Five months before the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Riner will be a prominent figure, he used his appearance on “Quelle époque” to discuss various issues, notably the role of sports in France and the treatment of elite athletes. He focused particularly on the lack of excitement for the Olympic Games, an event he describes as “the most beautiful in the world.”

“The Paris 2024 Olympics will be featured on Eurosport,” Riner remarked, emphasizing a general lack of awareness about the significance of the Olympics. “In the Olympics I’ve participated in before, there was always a buzz in the city, with advertising everywhere. Here, all we have are the Olympic rings in front of the Paris City Hall, and that’s about it,” he said with regret.

Related:

Judo Legend Teddy Riner Regularly Trains BJJ: ‘This Might Win Me the Gold at the Next Olympics’

Addressing comments made by swimmer Florent Manaudou on the same program last November, Riner agreed, stating, “Yes, France is not a sports country. Look at Brazil, where people are actively engaged in sports at all hours. It’s a vital part of their life. In France, we’re only starting to grasp this. Sports aren’t deeply rooted in our culture. We even struggle to give our athletes and champions the recognition they deserve.”

Sports significantly impact the daily routines of people globally, and the international sports market is projected to reach an impressive $599.9 billion by 2025. Whether you’re involved in sports for personal fitness or enjoy watching them for amusement, there is a variety of sports catering to all interests.

So, which countries are the most sports-oriented in the world? To answer this, Myprotein.com conducted a comprehensive study of the sports cultures in over 130 countries. Our analysis spanned 10 diverse criteria, encompassing both professional achievements in sports and individual involvement.