Unusual scene during the champions’ parade. Like all the other Olympic and Paralympic medalists, the players of the French men’s rugby 7s team received a republican decoration in public. The insignia of knight of the Legion of Honor was presented to them by several personalities. Then at the end of this formal sequence, and before it was Teddy Riner’s turn to be decorated, the rugby players danced on the stage surrounding the Arc de Triomphe.
This is the same choreography that these players performed on the pitch at the Stade de France after their victory in the final against Fiji on July 27. An original dance that was performed with more or less rhythm, but which delighted the spectators and television viewers.
Dupont decorated by Macron
At the champions’ parade, Antoine Dupont received his badge from Emmanuel Macron. The new Prime Minister Michel Barnier, but also personalities from the world of sport such as Didier Deschamps, Thierry Omeyer, Jackson Richardson, Sarah Ourahmoune and Émilie Le Pennec were responsible for decorating the other players of coach Jérôme Daret’s team.
Surfer Kauli Vaast, triathletes Cassandre Beaugrand and Jules Ribstein and shooter Tanguy De La Forest were also named to the rank of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, the distinction awarded to athletes who win their first gold medal at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- RMC Sport
