As of June 26, 206 French athletes have been officially selected for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With just one month remaining before the opening ceremony, various disciplines have already finalized their participants, although the selection process has not been without its emotional challenges. The stakes are high, and for many athletes, the dream of a lifetime is at hand, while others face the disappointment of not making the cut. However, several spots remain open until July 8, when the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) will submit its final list.
French judo, aiming to replicate its success from Tokyo 2021 where it won eight medals, has already announced its team, featuring stars like Teddy Riner and Clarisse Agbégnénou. Similarly, racket sports, including table tennis, have finalized their selections, with Alexis Lebrun joining his brother as part of the team.
Meanwhile, on the American side, Noah Lyles secured his place for the Paris 2024 Games by winning the 100m at the U.S. selections in Eugene, Oregon. The 26-year-old world champion clocked a time of 9.83 seconds, matching his personal best. Lyles, who previously won a bronze medal in the 200m at the Tokyo Games, expressed strong confidence in his performance this year, attributing his success to an incredible 2023 season where he became a triple world champion.
Lyles outpaced Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley, both of whom also qualified for the 100m event in Paris. Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion, finished fourth and will only compete in the 4x100m relay. Lyles' energetic personality was on full display during the selections, with theatrical entries and pop culture references, including an appearance with rapper Snoop Dogg and a Yu-Gi-Oh card reveal.
Another standout performance came from 16-year-old Quincy Wilson, who set a new world record for under-18 athletes in the 400m semi-finals with a time of 44.59 seconds. Wilson, a high school student from Maryland, advanced to the final and will need to finish in the top three to qualify individually for the Olympics, or in the top six to secure a spot in the 4x400m relay.
- The final selection of the French athletes is a highly anticipated event, with many athletes still vying for their chance to compete on the world stage. The CNOSF's final list will be a culmination of intense preparation and competition, reflecting the best of French sportsmanship and talent.
- Noah Lyles' journey to the Paris Games has been marked by resilience and determination. His performance in Eugene is a testament to his hard work and dedication, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting showdown in Paris. Lyles' charismatic presence and showmanship add a unique flair to the competition, making him a fan favorite.
- Quincy Wilson's remarkable achievement at such a young age highlights the emerging talent in American athletics. His record-breaking performance in the 400m semi-finals showcases his potential and sets a promising tone for his future in the sport. The final race will be crucial for Wilson as he aims to secure his place in the Olympics.
