A traditional ceremony, but this year focused on the next goal, the Paris 2024 Games. Emmanuel Macron did not make it a secret: the outcome of the Olympic Games – 33 medals – is less impressive than hoped (France had won 42 medals at the Rio 2016 Games). In Tokyo, France ranked 8th in the Olympic Games medal standings, then 14th in the Paralympic Games.
Avoiding mentioning specific numbers, the Head of State announced that France must reach the top 5 worldwide in three years at home, and then establish itself in subsequent editions.
“There are three years left until the Paris 2024 Games. We must do not just as well but much better. The slogan ‘Higher, Faster, Stronger, Together’ must apply to our Games. France must sustainably join the Olympic and Paralympic top 5.”
Emmanuel Macron promised that the State would not fail to support French athletes. He also emphasized the current philosophy of “focusing our efforts on disciplines with high potential.”
