<h1>Judo Icon Teddy Riner Extends Career to 2029, Inspires Young Fans in Switzerland – Breaking News</h1>
<p><b>GLAND, SWITZERLAND –</b> In a stunning announcement that will delight judo fans worldwide, French sporting legend Teddy Riner has confirmed he will continue his illustrious career beyond the 2028 Olympic Games, with a planned farewell competition in 2029. The news broke following a heartwarming visit to the Mont-Olivet School in Gland, Switzerland, where Riner spent time with approximately 300 enthusiastic children. This is a developing story, optimized for <a href="https://news.google.com/">Google News</a> indexing.</p>
<h2>Sharing Wisdom and a Future on the Tatami</h2>
<p>Riner, 36, spoke candidly with RTSsport after his engagement with the students at the Grand-Champ sports hall. The visit wasn’t just a photo opportunity; it was a genuine exchange, with Riner emphasizing the profound life lessons embedded within the discipline of judo. “Judo is truly the school of life,” he explained, highlighting the sport’s ability to cultivate resilience, courage, and strong interpersonal skills. He spoke of how judo teaches individuals to navigate life’s challenges – to rise after falling, to build friendships, and to develop character.</p>
<p>Interestingly, Riner revealed he didn’t have similar opportunities for athlete interaction during his own schooling. “I was lucky enough to be in a big club and I benefited from these moments where we could share,” he said. “I was able to gain access to some champions. So I know what that can do in a young person's head. It can put a smile on a child's face, because you never know what they're going through.” He acknowledged the potential for such encounters to offer support to children facing difficulties at home or experiencing bullying.</p>
<h2>Beyond 2028: A Legacy Continues</h2>
<p>While the joy of inspiring the next generation is clearly a driving force for Riner, his passion for competition remains undiminished. He made it clear that retirement isn’t on the immediate horizon. “He will continue to shine until the 2028 Olympic Games and…even one more year, until 2029, to say goodbye,” Riner stated with a smile. “I love what I do. As long as there is this pleasure, I don't see why stop.”</p>
<p><b>Evergreen Judo Insight:</b> Judo, originating in Japan in 1882, isn’t just a sport; it’s a modern martial art and combat sport created by Jigoro Kano. Its core principles – *seiryoku zenyo* (maximum efficiency, minimum effort) and *jita kyoei* (mutual welfare and benefit) – extend far beyond the dojo, influencing personal development and societal harmony. The sport’s emphasis on respect, discipline, and self-control makes it a powerful tool for character building, particularly for young people. For those interested in learning more, the <a href="https://www.ijf.org/">International Judo Federation</a> website offers comprehensive resources.</p>
<h2>The Power of Athlete Role Models & SEO Considerations</h2>
<p>Riner’s commitment to engaging with young people underscores the vital role athletes play as positive role models. His willingness to share his experiences and values can have a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring athletes and individuals facing personal challenges. This visit, and his subsequent announcement, are prime examples of how athletes can leverage their platform for good. </p>
<p>From an <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/seo">SEO</a> perspective, this breaking news story benefits from high search volume keywords like "Teddy Riner," "Judo," and "Olympics." The inclusion of location-specific terms ("Switzerland," "Gland") further enhances its relevance for local searches. The rapid dissemination of this information through platforms like archyde.com and <a href="https://news.google.com/">Google News</a> ensures maximum visibility.</p>
<p>Teddy Riner’s decision to extend his career is a testament to his enduring love for the sport and his dedication to inspiring future generations. As he prepares for the 2028 Olympics and beyond, his legacy as one of the greatest judokas of all time continues to grow, and his commitment to sharing the values of judo will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world.</p>
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