In a ceremony that traded the sweat and roar of the volleyball court for the formal elegance of the Elysee Palace, France`s national men`s volleyball team was officially received and honoured by President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. The reception, coinciding with the inaugural World Volleyball Day on July 7th, served as a presidential tribute to the team`s remarkable achievements, including their recent Olympic gold medal success, and their significant contribution to French sport.
The formal recognition, which had been somewhat delayed due to the demanding international competitive schedule following their triumph, saw twelve players join coaching staff, family members, and officials from the French Volleyball Federation at the presidential palace. It marked a rare and significant occasion – the team`s first formal visit to the Elysee, underscoring the heightened status of volleyball within the nation.
During the reception, President Macron lauded the team`s journey and accomplishments. He specifically highlighted their success in ending a nearly seven-decade wait for major international titles, a feat culminating in their gold medal victory. Macron`s address wasn`t solely focused on the results, however exceptional; he also emphasized the collective spirit, loyalty, and the lasting positive impact the team has had on French sport, recognizing the vital roles played by former coach Laurent Tillie, current coach Andrea Giani, and federation president Eric Tanguy in fostering this era of success.
The core of the ceremony involved the presentation of prestigious national honours. Two key players, Theo Faure and Earvin Ngapeth, were appointed as Knights of the Legion of Honour, one of France`s highest decorations. A significant portion of the squad – Antoine Brizard, Kevin Tillie, Nicolas Le Goff, Jean Patry, Benjamin Toniutti, Barthelemy Chinenyeze, Jenia Grebennikov, and Yacine Louati – were named Officers of the National Order of Merit. Trevor Clevenot had reportedly received his honour in a separate ceremony previously.
“The recognition that the French Republic extends to you today… is not based solely on results, although they are exceptional… but on a collective journey, remarkable loyalty and a lasting impact on French sport,” Macron stated, speaking just a week before France`s National Day, drawing a clear link between sporting excellence and national pride.
This official seal of approval from the highest office serves not only as a retrospective celebration of past glories but also as a potent source of motivation. With the team currently navigating the complexities of the Volleyball Nations League and setting sights on the upcoming World Championship in the Philippines, the Elysee reception provided a timely reminder of the nation`s support and the high expectations that now accompany the French Blue jerseys.
The journey from outsider status to Olympic champions and recipients of state honours is a compelling narrative, reflecting not just athletic prowess but also resilience, strategic development, and perhaps a touch of that certain French flair. The Elysee carpets may be softer than a volleyball court, but the weight of the medals and the pride of national recognition clearly resonated with the champions.
Marcus Blakely