Introduction
The Élysée has established a specific financial system to aid athletes in preparation for competitions, yet their medal haul remains moderate.
The 1960 Rome Olympics: A Fiasco
The 1960 Rome Olympics proved a disastrous affair for French sports. The French delegation returned with only 5 medals, none of which were gold, ranking 25th among the nations. In response, artist Jacques Faizant depicted General de Gaulle in a musical suit on the front page of Le Figaro, accompanied by the humorous headline, “In this country, if I don’t do everything myself….” This lighthearted caption was a veiled critique of De Gaulle’s omnipotence.
The Importance of Sporting Success
“A nation must be great by the quality of its youth and we cannot conceive of this youth without a sports model,” declared the mayor, echoing a widespread sentiment. In response, the government launched three plans to construct 4,000 gymnasiums, 1,500 swimming pools, and 8,000 sports fields. France was still recovering from the post-war era, with its economy growing at a rate of 5% to 6% annually.
Emmanuel Macron and the Pursuit of Glory
Emmanuel Macron’s current approach to sporting success remains unclear.