Paris 2024 Selections: Significant Changes in French and Ecuadorian Delegations
With the clock ticking down to Paris 2024, the final selections for the participating athletes are slowly coming to light. Recent announcements have stirred both the French and Ecuadorian sports communities, highlighting significant substitutions of key athletes.
In a surprising move, Alexandre Bardenet, ranked 15th in the world and the third-best Frenchman in activity, has been replaced by Paul Allègre as the reserve for the French fencing team. This decision was unveiled by the CNOSF this Wednesday, replacing Bardenet in the starting trio with Luidgi Midelton, who lags behind him in the world hierarchy. Bardenet was notably part of the trio that clinched the silver medal at the Challenge Monal in mid-May. Amidst ongoing internal conflicts, including disputes involving former general manager Hugues Obry and his management tactics, this decision adds to the current disarray within French fencing leadership.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Ecuador has seen a similar shake-up in its cycling delegation. Despite being the reigning Olympic road cycling champion, Richard Carapaz will not represent Ecuador at Paris 2024. The Ecuadorian Cycling Federation (FEC) has instead chosen Jhonatan Narvaez, citing his remarkable performance at the Giro. Carapaz, the country’s sole Olympic medalist in road cycling, criticized the selection rules as biased, arguing they did not adhere to principles of justice and sporting equity. Nevertheless, he extended his best wishes to Narvaez, expressing hope that his fellow countryman will bring honor to Ecuador at these prestigious games.
Both decisions underscore the volatility and intense competition inherent in elite sports. As Paris 2024 draws near, the coming months will be critical as athletes prepare to demonstrate their prowess on one of the world’s biggest stages.
- This restructuring in French fencing comes against a backdrop of broader conflicts. In particular, the rift between the senior members of the team and Hugues Obry, the former general manager. Reports suggest that Obry’s harsh management style has led to ongoing disputes since the 2023 World Championships in Milan.
- The Ecuadorian selection saga had Carapaz lamenting over the sudden rule changes which he deemed unfair. The new regulations considered points accumulated from January, despite being published only in March, thereby disadvantaging some athletes.
- Both the French fencing team and Ecuadorian cycling team are expected to strategically adapt to these changes, with the hope that the new selections will prove fruitful at Paris 2024.
