France Surpasses Medal Expectations at Paris 2024 Olympics
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games progress, Team France is making headlines with its impressive medal count, surpassing its achievements in recent Games. By the 10th day of competition, France has already secured 45 medals, outpacing its total from Tokyo (33), Rio (42), London (35), and Beijing (43). This remarkable feat marks the highest medal count since the Paris Games of 1900, when France won 102 medals.
Aiming for Gold
France’s 12 gold medals currently place it just behind China, the United States, and Australia. With almost a week of competition remaining, France is close to equaling its gold medal count of 15 from the Atlanta Games in 1996, a target that has remained unmatched since then. The French delegation is determined to finish these home Olympics among the top five medal winners, which will likely require at least 20 golds.
Strong Performances in Key Sports
France’s success has been driven by outstanding performances in swimming, judo, and fencing, which have collectively contributed 24 medals and seven golds. Notably, swimmer Léon Marchand has been a standout performer, capturing four gold medals in the first week alone.
Challenges on the Track
The second week of the Games began with a setback for France in the mixed team triathlon, where they placed fourth despite having two individual medalists. However, Angèle Hug’s silver in the women’s kayak cross added to France’s medal count.
As athletics events take center stage, France is looking to improve on its track and field performance, where it won only one silver medal at the Tokyo Games. Hopes are pinned on athletes like Alice Finot and Alexis Miellet in the 3,000m steeplechase, as well as Rénelle Lamote in the 800m, Mélina Robert-Michon in the discus, and Marie-Julie Bonnin and Ninon Chapelle in the pole vault.
Team Sports and Other Disciplines
France’s medal hopes now rest on team sports, with French teams advancing to the knockout stages in handball, basketball, volleyball, and football. Track cyclists aim to build on the medals already won in BMX, mountain biking, and road racing. Additionally, France boasts top competitors in taekwondo, while its boxers are guaranteed medals, with Sofiane Oumiha and Billal Bennama reaching the finals in their respective categories and Djamili-Dini Aboudou Moindze securing at least a bronze.
A Broad Strategy for Success
Since winning the Olympic bid in 2017, France has been honing its sports strategy, involving grassroots clubs in talent scouting and development. Unlike other host nations, France has adopted a broad approach, focusing on a wide range of sports rather than just a few. According to Claude Onesta, France’s high-level performance manager, 85 athletes have been identified as potential medal winners. As of Sunday, approximately half had competed, earning 37 medals, with another 40 hopefuls yet to compete.
Unpredictable Outcomes
While some athletes tipped for success have fallen short, others have surprised experts, keeping the field open for unexpected outcomes in the remaining days of the Games. Before the Olympics began, sports data specialists at Nielsen predicted France would win a record 60 medals, including 27 golds, across 28 sports. The surprises so far highlight the unpredictability of the Games and the potential for more exciting developments.
With a strategic approach and strong performances across multiple disciplines, Team France is on track to achieve historic success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As the competition continues, the nation remains hopeful for more victories and a memorable finish on home soil. Just Now New.Press
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