The French triathlon team faced disappointment in the mixed relay event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing in fourth place after a fall by their first relay runner, Pierre Le Corre. Despite being strong contenders due to their recent individual successes, the team, which included Olympic champion Cassandre Beaugrand and bronze medalist Léo Bergère, could not secure a medal. The mixed relay comprised four athletes: Le Corre, Emma Lombardi, Bergère, and Beaugrand. The race took place in the Seine, which had raised concerns about water quality, but the event proceeded as scheduled.
In athletics, French athletes performed well, with Clément Ducos and Wilfried Happio qualifying for the semi-finals of the men's 400m hurdles. Ducos achieved a remarkable time of 47.69 seconds, while Happio followed closely with 48.42 seconds. The semi-finals for the men's 400m hurdles are set to occur on Wednesday, August 7. Additionally, Shana Grebo led her heat in the women's 400m hurdles with a time of 54.91 seconds, also qualifying for the semi-finals scheduled for Tuesday, August 6.
Other notable performances from French athletes included Lolassonn Djouhan in the men's discus throw, who recorded a best throw of 61.93 meters but did not qualify for the final. The women's pole vault also saw participation from Marie-Julie Bonnin and Ninon Chapelle, adding depth to the French athletics team. Overall, the French delegation continues to compete strongly across various disciplines, with hopes for more medals as the Olympics progress.
- The mixed relay triathlon was a highly anticipated event, especially after the individual triathlon results where Beaugrand and Bergère showcased their talents. France's team composition was strategically chosen to maximize their chances for a medal, given the athletes' previous performances. The relay format demands not only individual excellence but also seamless teamwork, which was disrupted by the unfortunate fall of Le Corre.
- In the context of the Olympics, the French delegation is currently in third place in the medal standings, trailing behind the United States and China. With a total of 44 medals, including 12 golds, France is aiming to enhance its medal tally as more events unfold. The performances in athletics, particularly in the 400m hurdles, are seen as critical opportunities for France to secure additional medals in the coming days.
