From legendary sports stars to government and Paris 2024 officials, alongside thousands of fans, France rode the wave of home support to victory
- IOC President Thomas Bach came along to witness one of the hottest tickets of the final Olympic weekend
- Home support was in full force with French sporting legends showing their support, including Zinedine Zidane, Teddy Riner, Martin Fourcade and Jackson Richardson
- Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet and CEO Etienne Thobois cheered from the stands as France took gold
- French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and President of the regional council of Ile-de-France Valérie Pécresse were also among a sea of tricolore support at the South Paris Arena
- Polish support was also in town as President of Poland Andrzej Duda, Polish Sport Minister Sławomir Nitras and the founder of Polsat, Zigmund Solorz watched on
- The Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Henri, was also in town for the unforgettable final
The men’s volleyball gold medal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 was one of the hottest tickets of the games, and the energy was amplified by a dazzling array of distinguished guests who came to witness France defend their Olympic crown.
Among the esteemed spectators was IOC President Thomas Bach, who not only enjoyed the fierce action on the court but also received a special gift – a volleyball signed by the players of the French national team, a token of the sport’s camaraderie and global spirit.
FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F° and IOC President Thomas Bach enjoy the spectacular volleyball final
In addition, Zigmund Solorz, the founder of Polsat, one of Poland’s biggest and most watched television stations, was also among the honoured guests at the South Paris Arena.
Zigmund Solorz alongside the FIVB President and NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz
Home support was in full force with legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane and the most decorated judoka of all time Teddy Riner in the crowd as chants of “Allez Les Bleus” filled the air. He was joined by Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet, alongside CEO Etienne Thobois, both of whom have been instrumental in bringing the Games to life in the French capital.
Smiles all around from Zinedine Zidane, Tony Estanguet and Teddy Riner
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and President of the regional council of Ile-de-France Valérie Pécresse were also among a sea of tricolore support at the South Paris Arena
From left to right: French Volleyball Federation President Eric Tanguy, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, President of the regional council of Ile-de-France Valérie Pécresse and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo cheer on Les Bleus
Martin Fourcade, a five-time Olympic biathlon champion, IOC Member and a member of the Paris 2024 Board of Directors, was also among the home support.
Martin Fourcade among Olympic legends supporting
French handball legend Jackson Richardson, widely regarded as one of the best of his era, was also among the home supporters.
Jackson Richardson waiting in anticipation for France’s Olympic title race to get underway
Not to be outdone, the Polish fans also turned up en masse alongside an array of high-level officials. Among them were the President of Poland Andrzej Duda and Polish Sport Minister Sławomir Nitras.
The President of Poland looks on as Poland face France
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