For her major role in the organization and success of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the sports department of the RTL editorial team has chosen to honor Tony Estanguet, named RTL Sports Champion 2024. During the special broadcast, he looked back on the exceptional adventure he orchestrated, with a determined team and a bold vision to make these Games a unique edition.
“It reminds me of a few years ago,” rejoices Tony Estanguetit was already 12 years ago when I stopped my sporting career. It's nice to give me a champion's prize, it's my old life and it's nice.”
Former triple Olympic champion, Tony Estanguet has not only worn the colors of France in competitionhe embodied them in the organization of what will remain a landmark edition of the Games. With palpable emotion, he shared his memories: “These Games were a very daring bet, but France showed that it was capable of shining throughout the world. From the first minutes, the French felt that these Games would be different, that they would live them and wear them.”
He praised the involvement of French athletes, who offered historic performances, and that of the French, who showed unprecedented support. “It was magical to see this communion between the athletes and the publica true burst of national pride.”
We wanted French-style Games, with these little details that make the experience of spectators and television viewers unforgettable. These references to our heritage, our culture and our athletes made all the difference.
Tony Estanguet on RTL
The ambition of Tony Estanguet and his teams was clear: to make Paris 2024 a unique edition, combining sport and culture. The Torch Relay, which covered emblematic places such as Marseille or Guadeloupe, was designed to make an impression. The reference to the three moves of the theater to launch each competition also brought a unique cultural touch.
Referring to the challenges encountered, Estanguet did not minimize the scale of the task. Resisting political pressure, managing unforeseen events, notably a memorable rainy day, and imagining innovative solutions were at the heart of his daily life. But according to him, these events forged the success of the Games: “It was the tipping point, the one where France really took ownership of these Games. Feeling this national pride being born and growing is what struck me the most.”
Beyond sporting performances, Tony Estanguet hopes Paris 2024 will leave a lasting legacy. These Games proved that sport could be a vector of cohesion, pride and unity for a nation.
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