Athletes Protest Cancellation of Sciences Po Paris Support Program
French athletes, led by Teddy Riner, protest the cancellation of a vital academic program for elite sportspeople at Sciences Po Paris.
Key Points
- • Teddy Riner and other athletes protest against the cancellation of a specialized program for high-level athletes at Sciences Po Paris.
- • The program, called the Certificate in High-Level Sports, was established in 2007 to accommodate the unique needs of elite athletes.
- • Over a hundred athletes signed a statement condemning the decision, highlighting the lack of support for their future after sports.
- • The statement included the phrase, 'Thank you for the medals, but your future is no longer our concern.'
On June 20, 2025, top French athletes, including judo champion Teddy Riner, publicly condemned the cancellation of the Certificate in High-Level Sports program at Sciences Po Paris. This specialized program, in place since 2007, was created to support elite athletes in balancing their rigorous sports commitments with academic pursuits.
In their collective statement, signed by over a hundred athletes, they expressed their discontent by stating, "Thank you for the medals, but your future is no longer our concern. We celebrate the medals, but dismantle the pathways." This protest highlights deep-seated concerns regarding the lack of institutional support for athletes as they transition into life after competitive sports.
Riner, along with athletes like Sarah Ourahmoune and Arnaud Assoumani, emphasized that the decision undermines the future of athletes who rely on such programs for their development. The cancellation calls for scrutiny of the broader support systems in place for athletes in France, underscoring a gap in preparing them for careers outside of sports. The athletes argue that such educational pathways are essential for ensuring a stable future beyond their sporting accomplishments.