Home / Sports / Judo Legend Riner Out of Worlds With Shoulder Injury
Judo Legend Riner Out of Worlds With Shoulder Injury
9 Sep
Summary
- Teddy Riner will miss the Baku World Championships due to a shoulder injury.
- A loose bone fragment in his shoulder requires time for recovery.
- Riner remains focused on a record sixth Olympic bid at LA 2028.
Teddy Riner, the most decorated judoka in Olympic history, has been forced to withdraw from the World Championships in Baku due to a shoulder injury. The injury involves a loose bone fragment that causes significant sensitivity, preventing him from participating in major competitions. His trainer indicated that while not serious, the condition requires time for healing.
This withdrawal marks Riner's second consecutive missed World Championships, as he previously recovered from elbow surgery. His primary focus is now on a record sixth Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Riner, who has already achieved five Olympic gold medals and seven total medals, aims to continue competing through 2029.
Having recently shared the honor of lighting the Paris Olympic cauldron and previously securing individual heavyweight titles in 2012, 2016, and 2024, Riner has expressed a relaxed approach to his future competitions. He views the lead-up to LA 2028 as an opportunity for pleasure rather than pressure, with the goal of potentially securing a fourth individual gold medal.
