Team France athletes were today met by large crowds in Paris as they returned from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where they brought home a record 42 medals, including 10 Gold, across a range of sports. A total of 396 French athletes competed in Rio de Janeiro – another record for Team France.
The French team arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport to continue the party this morning where they were greeted by fans and media. Throughout the Games, Team France athletes embraced the Rio experience contributing to an amazing and ground-breaking festival of sport with inspirational performances and outstanding dedication to their sport and the spirit of Olympism.
The high number of fans who joined the celebrations at Charles de Gaulle airport highlights the love and passion French people have for Olympic sport, supporting the strong public desire to see the Games come to Paris in 2024.
French athletes also showed their support for the Paris 2024 bid at Club France – the hospitality house of the French NOC (CNOSF). Club France was one of the success stories of the Games with #Pariocas bringing to life the Paris-Rio connection and the fusion of two unique cultures. More than 100,000 visitors from all over the world visited Club France to watch the Games, enjoy the amazing cuisine and party at night at the onsite night club, Le Club.
The Paris 2024 booth was also highly popular with visitors of all ages participating in the virtual reality experience and enjoying a glimpse of Paris 2024’s vision to place sport in the heart of the city.
Local children also had the unique opportunity to take part in daily Olympic sports activities alongside famous French Olympians at Club France. Following the Games, the equipment used including, table tennis tables, volleyball nets and badminton and pétanque equipment will be donated to underprivileged communities in the heart of Rio.
Paris 2024 Co-Chairman, Tony Estanguet, said:
"Rio 2016 has been an amazing experience for Paris 2024 and I would like to congratulate the IOC and the Local Organising Committee on the delivery of a successful and ground-breaking Games. The Paris 2024 Bid Committee has learnt a great deal during the Observer Programme and it has been a privilege to listen, learn and gain invaluable insight during a live Games-time scenario.
"I would like to congratulate Team France on their record breaking Games and all other athletes who have competed with dignity and respect in the true spirit of Olympism. The Olympians are the heartbeat of the Games and they can look back with honour and pride at their amazing achievements. We now look forward to returning in September to celebrate and support the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games."
Paris 2024 Athletes’ Committee Co-Chair and Double Olympic Champion, Teddy Riner, said:
"Rio 2016 has been a wonderful celebration of sport and an unforgettable experience for the athletes. I would like to thank Rio 2016 and the IOC for making us feel so welcome.
"Competing for your country on the greatest sporting stage is a magical feeling and the whole of Team France is totally committed to helping to bring the Games to Paris in 2024 – giving the stars of tomorrow the incredible opportunity of fulfilling their dreams by competing in an Olympic Games on home soil."
President of CNOSF, Denis Masseglia, said:
"Our athletes have made the whole country proud with their record breaking performance and their outstanding dedication and commitment to sport and the spirit of Olympism. Rio 2016 – the first in South America – has been an historic and inspiring Olympic Games.
"We have had a wonderful experience here in Rio where we have seen incredible performances in the stadiums and arenas. It has also been fantastic to see the celebrations at Club France and the coming together of two cultures to create an amazing fusion of Parioca spirit. It was a wonderful sight to see local children playing sport with French Olympians bringing the true Olympic spirit to the heart of Rio. We will continue to build this momentum as we aim to bring the Games to Paris in 2024 and replicate the unique celebration of sport and Olympism in the heart of the city."
For more information, please contact:
Raphaël Leclerc
Paris 2024 Bid Committee
Email: rleclerc@paris2024.org
+33 6 73 16 88 06
Rob Fawdon
VERO Communications
Email: rfawdon@verocom.co.uk
+44 (0)7769 216 649
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