It’s not every day you see a President gleaming with Olympic gold, but Emmanuel Macron had that distinct honour on a sunny Wednesday at the Elysée Palace.
Presented by Thomas Bach, the affable head honcho of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), this wasn’t just any medal. It was the Olympic Order in Gold, a tip of the hat to Macron’s relentless championing of the Olympic Games and his deep-rooted attachment to those lofty ideals penned long ago by Pierre de Coubertin.
Macron’s journey with the 2024 Paris Olympics has been nothing short of a full-throttle commitment from day one.
When he first stepped into office in 2017, he didn’t just jump on the bandwagon; he practically steered it towards Paris, passionately backing its bid to host these monumental games.
His first visit to the IOC in Lausanne wasn’t just a courtesy call; it was a masterclass in vision-sharing.
Macron didn’t just support the idea; he believed in the power of the Games to unify France and captivate the world.
Thomas Bach, who’s seen his fair share of leaders wax lyrical about the Games, found Macron’s enthusiasm and clarity refreshing.
“The first time we met, President Macron’s unique energy and vision for the project were palpable. He embraced the candidature with both hands and a heart full of zeal,” Bach reminisced.
Macron’s intimate knowledge of the Olympic dossier and his view of the Games as a catalyst for unity weren’t just talk.
They spurred real action. Amidst a political landscape often fragmented, his leadership was a beacon of unity, rallying every level of government to the cause without a whiff of partisanship.
The highlight? The Opening Ceremony—a spectacle staged right in the heart of Paris along the iconic River Seine.
Macron didn’t just approve the plan; he transformed it into a breathtaking reality, complete with historic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame as the backdrop.
For a night, Paris wasn’t just the City of Lights; it was the heart of the Olympic universe, pulsing with unity and peace.
“You were the linchpin, pulling together diverse political forces around this grand vision. Your relentless drive and the unifying power of sport turned this into a truly magical affair,” Bach declared at the ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony was a historical marvel, but Macron’s contributions stretched even further. He staunchly defended the Olympic peace mission, ensuring the Games remained a platform for peaceful competition amid global political tensions.
Upon receiving the Olympic Order, Macron reflected on the collective effort: “This honour is not just mine but France’s.
Together, we have crafted a spectacular success of the Games,” he said, extending his thanks to the IOC for their unwavering trust and partnership.
As the ceremony wrapped up, the applause resonating through the Elysée Palace was not just for Macron’s leadership but for a vision of the Olympics that promises to bring the world together in celebration of sport and unity come 2024.