At the Paris Olympics on August 2, 2024, the French BMX racing team made history in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines by sweeping the podium, a feat not seen in a summer Olympic event by France since 1924.
Joris Daudet led the charge, followed closely by Sylvain André and Romain Mahieu, in a stunning display of skill and national pride.
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A century-old record matched
The last time France captured all three medals in a summer Olympics event was in gymnastics at the 1924 Games, making this BMX triumph not just a victory but a historical echo resonating through the decades. The event unfolded in a single, decisive round where Daudet, André, and Mahieu outperformed their global competitors with remarkable finesse.
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Joris Daudet: A man of the hour
Joris Daudet, a triple world champion and BMX legend at 33, added an Olympic gold to his illustrious career. His victory marks not only a personal milestone but also a significant achievement for France, bringing the nation’s gold medal count to eleven at these Games, surpassing the total from Tokyo 2020.
Ending a long wait
Despite years of dominance in the BMX scene, France had never before claimed an Olympic medal in men’s BMX racing, and no medals in women’s since the double win by Anne-Caroline Chausson and Laëtitia Le Corguillé in 2008. The victory in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines brought an end to this drought, turning the page from the disappointment faced by the same trio in Tokyo, where they reached the finals but left empty-handed.
#Paris2024 | 🇫🇷🤯 MAIS OUI ILS L'ONT FAIT : LE TRIPLÉ FRANÇAIS EN BMX RACING !
🥇🥈🥉 JORIS DAUDET, SYLVAIN ANDRÉ ET ROMAIN MAHIEU EN OR, ARGENT ET BRONZE, C'EST COMPLÈTEMENT DINGUE !
📺 Suivez les Jeux en direct : https://t.co/hHHwOiAOqk pic.twitter.com/oXNZNA0JGn
— francetvsport (@francetvsport) August 2, 2024
Dominant run to the podium
The French team’s road to the podium was marked by sheer dominance. Daudet, André, and Mahieu won every heat in the quarterfinals and semifinals, showcasing their prowess and setting the stage for their final showdown. The final race was not just a competition but a statement of superiority as they left their competitors far behind.
A broader impact
Beyond the trio, other French riders like Arthur Pilard, the 2023 European champion and world vice-champion, and Jérémy Rencurel, have contributed to France’s success in BMX racing. Their collective efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary, winning 17 of the last 31 World Cup races over four years—a testament to the depth and talent within French BMX racing.
Looking to the future
This monumental achievement at the Paris Olympics is not just a culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also a beacon for future generations of French BMX riders. The success here is likely to inspire a new wave of athletes who can look to Daudet, André, and Mahieu not just as champions, but as national heroes who have set a new benchmark in the sport.
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This article explores the remarkable success of the French BMX racing team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Joris Daudet, Sylvain André, and Romain Mahieu achieved a historic podium sweep. This victory not only marked a significant moment in Olympic history but also ended a longstanding medal drought for France in the sport, underscoring a dominant performance that was both thrilling and record-setting.
