Emmanuel Macron congratulates French judoka Teddy Riner after winning an Olympic gold medal at the Champ-de-Mars arena in Paris on August 2, 2024. Macron wanted to feel the excitement of the Olympic games and share it with the French people. After opening the modern Olympics a week prior with emotions running high due to security concerns, he left his Mediterranean retreat at Fort de Brégançon in Var to support French athletes. He arrived in the Paris region around noon and later visited Versailles for equestrian events before attending beach volleyball and then watching judokas Romane Dicko win bronze and Teddy Riner win gold.
The day was filled with magical moments, French pride, and jubilation. Athletes like Florent Manaudou and Léon Marchand excelled in swimming, while BMX riders Joris Daudet, Sylvain André, and Romain Mahieu all stood on the podium in a Franco-French triumph. The night fell as Macron left, leaving behind the Olympic flame and its golden reflections. The Elysée Palace remarked on Macron’s amazement at the success and magic of the Olympics, referring to him as a “supporting president.” Macron had been following the games virtually from his vacation home in Bormes-les-Mimosas, commenting on French medals through WhatsApp and expressing pride in their achievements.
Macron’s absence from the capital was short-lived, as he could not stay away from a significant moment in his country’s history. Despite being known as a somewhat unpopular and worn-out leader, Macron balanced his appearances carefully. While he did not want to overshadow the sporting event with politics, he was unable to resist being present alongside the French people during the Olympics. His love for sports and support for the French national teams, seen during the 2018 World Cup, earned him the nickname of the “supporting president.” Macron’s team at the Elysée Palace emphasized that the President wanted to give the spotlight to the athletes and the French people who were celebrating the success of the Olympics.
By supporting French athletes and attending various Olympic events, Macron sought to be a part of the celebratory atmosphere and share in the pride of the nation as they achieved success on the international stage. His presence at the games, despite his initial hesitations, was a way for Macron to connect with the public and show his support for the athletes representing France. The French President’s involvement in the Olympics demonstrated his appreciation for sports and his willingness to engage with the country’s sporting achievements, highlighting the importance of unity and national pride during such events. Macron’s role as a “supporting president” allowed him to participate in the collective joy and excitement surrounding the Olympic games and celebrate the achievements of French athletes.
