It was an image that shocked many spectators: on August 9, after the final of the Olympic tournament lost against Spain at the Parc des Princes (3-5, ap), the Bleuets climbed onto the podium to recover their silver medal. With, at their side, an unrewarded Thierry Henry. The IOC regulations do not actually provide for a charm for staff members and the coach, regardless of the sport.
Enough to leave the coach of the U23 tricolors, although proud of the career of his players, with a bitter taste. “To be honest, I think it goes against the Olympic spirit, he blurted out in an interview with the magazine
GQ. Why did the coaches of Léon Marchand and Teddy Riner not receive medals either? » The question indeed arises, even if rewarding an entire staff would undoubtedly pose logistical problems.
An immense frustration for Thierry Henry
“It is the reward of a group with its players, but also that of their physical trainer, their assistant, their doctor and their physiotherapists, who went to bed at 4 a.m. then got up at 8 a.m. continues the former international striker. They don’t have the same salaries as the players and also deserve a medal. Since the start of the competition, we kept telling ourselves: ‘we are together’, and in the end we weren’t. » An immense frustration for “Titi”.
Despite everything, the 1998 world champion will keep unforgettable memories of these 2024 Olympics. “Personally, the Olympics surpass everything for the simple reason that my children were present in the standshe said. Although they had seen videos and images from 1998 and 2000, I had not been able to share such emotions with them and with my country. After the final whistle against Spain, the competitor in me was disgusted not to bring gold back to Team France, but seeing my children happy in the stands, I realized that it was beautiful. that we had done. »
