What did the Games bring to France on the international scene?
Hosting the Olympic Games is often presented as a lever for soft power Concretely, what did the Games bring to France on the international scene?
THE soft power, It is this ability to gain influence and get a message across, without being constrained by wars, interference, etc. These Games have allowed us to refine our international cooperation. French ambassadors were involved in the process of organizing such an event. They were led to work with Olympic and Paralympic committees, sports ministers and influential players in the economic scene of the countries where they are established. All these contacts established will be useful to France in the future. And this type of event develops the attractiveness that our nation exerts in the world, which is also a form of influence.
Will France’s image emerge strengthened from this Olympic fortnight?
This is certain, especially since before the start of the Games, commentators were predicting a fiasco. But if we focus on the difficulties envisaged, such as the movement of locals and tourists in Paris, security or access to the sites, we see a lot of fluidity. This good performance contributes to making people dream of France and increases its attractiveness. For example, viewers will want to discover Versailles because they have seen equestrian events take place there.
There have been no attacks to report so far. Is this event a security showcase for France?
Organizing the Games in the heart of Paris required a strong security mobilization. We have collectively succeeded in meeting this challenge. This shows the world our ability to organize an event of this magnitude and to do so within a framework of international cooperation. We have received reinforcements from nearly 2,000 police officers from 44 countries. These relationships established will allow us to develop stronger ties with these partners.
French athletes have performed well. Such sporting success is also a way for a country to show its power…
We must not deny ourselves our pleasure: it is satisfying to have been neck and neck with great nations like Japan, China or the United States. These results are a form of recognition of the work of the athletes and their entourage. But we must remain humble. On the one hand, France is not in a logic of war and confrontation through sport. On the contrary, we want to promote international cooperation. And above all, the objective set by Emmanuel Macron is to integrate the top 5 sustainably, not just to shine once at home.
Is this a special diplomatic moment for the President of the Republic?
Like all international events, the Olympic Games offer diplomatic opportunities. Around a hundred heads of state and government visited France, which allowed for bilateral meetings, back-room exchanges in a sometimes less formal context or one-on-one discussions. The President of the Republic was very active on the sidelines of the competition.
Personally, what would you like the world to take away from this Olympiad?
I hope that France has been able to show that it is rich in diversity, creative and open to athletes from all over the world. Because the Games are above all a moment of gathering and celebration around the values of sport. On the international stage, they offer a moment of respite in a fragmented world.
What does your role as ambassador for sport involve?
The position of ambassador for sport was created in 2013. A year earlier, everyone had seen how much the Olympic Games allowed London to shine around the world. The Minister of Sports at the time decided to appoint an ambassador for sport. Our sports diplomacy follows three challenges: allowing France to shine through sport, relying on it to make it a tool for international cooperation and using it as an asset for the attractiveness of the country.
