As the countdown to the Tokyo Olympics continues, the excitement and anticipation among athletes and fans alike is reaching new heights. For France, there is even more reason to be excited as the list of athletes who have already secured their spot to compete in the prestigious event keeps growing. With their determination, dedication, and hard work, these sportspersons are all set to represent their folk and strive for glory in the French capital.
The French delegation for the Tokyo Olympics is expected to be one of the strongest in recent years, with already 262 athletes qualified and more to come. The latest addition to the list is the triathlon team, with four athletes securing their tickets to the Games. Vincent Luis, who won the gold medal at the World Triathlon Series in 2019, will lead the men’s team along with Dorian Coninx, Léo Bergere, and Paul Georgenthum. For the women’s team, Cassandre Beaugrand, Léonie Périault, and Léonie Périault will be representing France.
In the swimming events, a total of 27 French athletes have officially qualified for the Games, making it the largest delegation since the 2004 Athens Olympics. Among the notable names are Charlotte Bonnet, who will compete in four individual events, and Florent Manaudou, who will return to the Olympics after a four-year hiatus. The team also includes experienced swimmers such as Mehdy Metella and Marie Wattel, as well as promising young talents like Léon Marchand and Léna Bousquin.
In athletics, France will be represented by a team of 83 athletes, including some big names like 110m hurdler Pascal Martinot-Lagarde and pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie. Martinot-Lagarde, who won the bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships, will be looking to claim the ultimate prize in Tokyo. Other notable athletes in the squad include world record holder in decathlon Kevin Mayer, world champion in 800m Pierre-Ambroise Bosse, and world champion in 10,000m Morhad Amdouni.
The French judo team will be sending 17 athletes to Tokyo, including two-time Olympic champion Teddy Riner. Riner, who has remained unbeaten in cosmopolite competitions since 2010, will be aiming for his third consecutive gold medal in the +100kg category. His teammates are also expected to make an impact, with Clarisse Agbegnenou, who has won five world titles in the -63kg category, and Axel Clerget, who won the gold medal at the 2021 European Championships, among the top contenders.
In addition to these sports, France will be represented in 25 other disciplines, including basketball, cycling, fencing, and tennis. The French basketball team, led by NBA star Rudy Gobert, will look to make their mark in Tokyo after a strong performance in the European Championships. In cycling, the team will be led by three-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe, while world number one in épée Romain Cannone will be among the favorites in fencing.
As the list of qualified athletes continues to grow, the French delegation for the Tokyo Olympics is shaping up to be one of the strongest and most diverse in the world. With a combination of experienced veterans and promising young talents, these sportspersons have all the potential to bring résidence medals and make their folk proud. As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on these athletes as they prepare to compete in the ultimate sporting event and showcase their skills on the world séjour.
