Summer 2023: a mixed dress rehearsal for the Paris 2024 Olympics
One year before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the summer of 2023 should be an opportunity for French athletes to prepare and show their potential in various sporting disciplines. Unfortunately, between fiascos and disappointments, French sport experienced a mixed summer which calls into question the medal objectives for the 2024 edition.
French basketball, Olympic vice-champion in Tokyo, suffered humiliation during the World Cup in Indonesia. Two early defeats led to an early elimination and a questioning of the team.
French athletics, in decline for several years, also experienced difficulties during the world championships. With a medal haul lower than expectations, only a silver medal in the 4x400m relay was able to save the honor.
Fencing and cycling also did not live up to expectations. At the world fencing championships, France won fewer medals than the previous year, and at the world track cycling championships, no medals were won.
This worrying trend is being closely observed by those responsible for the French Olympic movement, who recognize the need for improvement. However, they remind us that we must not rush and that a revolution cannot occur in just one year.
Despite these disappointments, certain sports were able to do well. French swimming experienced an improvement with six medals during the world championships, including four gold, thanks to the exceptional performance of Léon Marchand.
With these mixed results, the stated objective of finishing in the top 5 for medals at the Paris 2024 Games seems to be fading away. Nevertheless, Olympic officials insist that one should not be discouraged and continue to work hard to achieve this goal.
In conclusion, the summer of 2023 was marked by lackluster performances for French sport, calling into question medal hopes for the Paris 2024 Games. However, it is vital to remain optimistic and continue to fight to achieve the set objectives. The coming months will be crucial to best prepare the athletes and hope for a good representation of France during this major event in world sport.