Paris 2024: A collective victory, Macron’s vision for the future

I n a candid interview with French sports daily L'Équipe at the Élysée Palace, President Emmanuel Macron reflected on the remarkable success of the Paris 2024 Olympics, affirming the state’s commitment to sustaining investment in sport beyond the Games. Macron’s words come at a crucial moment, with the Games reigniting national pride and showcasing France’s ability to excel on the global stage.

A Collective Victory

Macron began by expressing his immense pride in the French people, declaring that the only loser in these Games was the “spirit of defeat.” Critics had long doubted France’s ability to host the Olympics, warning of security risks, potential financial pitfalls, and logistical challenges. Yet, against all odds, France delivered a spectacular event, highlighted by the audacious and now-celebrated opening ceremony on the Seine. Macron attributed this success to the collective effort of the state, local authorities, sports federations, and the countless individuals who worked tirelessly to make the event a reality.

“The ceremony on the Seine was a moment of audacity, a true expression of the French spirit,” the French president said. “What could have been a disaster — given the attacks on the SNCF that morning and the looming rain — was instead transformed into something sublime. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”