These are the Olympic Games of all superlatives. While many were very apprehensive about the arrival of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it is clear that the event was a success from start to finish. With fifth place in the medal table and a record number of gold medals, the French delegation generally succeeded in its Games and many athletes stood out, starting with Léon Marchand. The young swimmer was absolutely phenomenal and leaves with 4 gold medals, a bronze medal and the undisputed status of new darlings of French sport.
While others have confirmed, like Teddy Riner, who is entering even more into the legend of the sport, some others have revealed themselves, like the canoe slalom specialist, Nicolas Gestin. The 24-year-old athlete was absolutely imperial in winning the gold medal in his event and leaves the Games with a sense of accomplishment. Having become one of the stars of the French delegation after his victory, the canoeist from Tréméven in Finistère saw his life change for a few days. “There were a lot of media obligations (…) I enjoyed a bit of calm until my return to Quimperlé on August 17, where I was given a completely crazy welcome”he says in an interview with The Teamthis Wednesday, September 18.
Nicolas Gestin tries to put things into perspective
A new status as Olympic champion that could have brought great opportunities to the young Breton athlete, but according to him, this is not the case at all. When asked if there was an “Olympic effect”, Nicolas Gestin is categorical and answers “No”while not excluding that this might happen later. “For now, there are no more proposals than thatbut the challenge is precisely to surround yourself in this area, to work with a person who has more of a network than me, because I don’t have didn’t have many opportunities For now”he says.
Despite the lack of interest in himself and his sport, Nicolas Gestin wants to put the situation into perspective. “I do canoeing, it’s a sport that remains relatively anonymous outside of the Games, so I didn’t expect it to ring everywhere at all.. It’s not a disappointment, you have to be patient, everything can’t happen in two minutes”he explains, before concluding: “I’m curious to see what awaits me, but it’s also up to me to organize myself to knock on the right doors.”
