On December 26, 2024, the renowned sports publication L'Équipe awarded its prestigious Champions des Champions titles to recognize the outstanding achievements of French athletes who shone throughout the year. This distinguished honor was received by swimmer Léon Marchand, para-cyclist Alexandre Leauté, triathlete Cassandre Beaugrand, and para-cyclist Marie Patouillet, reflecting their exceptional performances.
Léon Marchand was celebrated for his remarkable achievements, having been elected Champion des Champions for the second consecutive year. The young swimmer had a stellar outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he captured five medals, including four golds, solidifying his status as one of France's top athletes. His closest competitors for the title were judoka Teddy Riner and rugby star Antoine Dupont, but Marchand's performance was undeniable. According to L'Équipe, "Once again, Léon Marchand proved dominant with five medals at Paris 2024.'
Meanwhile, Cassandre Beaugrand made history as the first female triathlete to earn the title of Championne des Championnes France, acknowledging her double victory this year as both Olympic and World Champion. Reflecting on her award, Beaugrand expressed her surprise and humility, stating, "I didn’t think I was capable of this," underscoring the weight of her achievement and the dedication she has put forth throughout her career.
Beaugrand, who grew up immersed in athletics thanks to her athletic family background, found herself drawn to triathlon. Interestingly, she has hinted at the possibility of having pursued middle-distance running had she not chosen triathlon: "If I hadn’t done triathlon, I would have done the 1,500m!" This enthusiasm for sports undoubtedly played a role in her success, and her winning moment at the awards reflects her hard work and resilience.
Alexandre Leauté continued his legacy by winning the Champion des Champions para-sport title for the second time, cementing his status as one of the leading para-cyclists. He earned two gold medals and two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Games, which contributed to his selection as the top para-athlete. The competition was fierce, with para-triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant and cécifoot player Frédéric Villeroux also receiving significant recognition.
Marie Patouillet's remarkable achievement as the first para-cyclist to win gold at the Paralympics did not go unnoticed either, as she took home the title among the para-sport category. L'Équipe highlighted, "She has left her mark on Paris 2024," sending ripples of pride through the para-sport community.
The Champions des Champions awards, which date back to 1946 for French athletes and 1975 for global athletes, are dedicated to celebrating excellence across various sporting disciplines. Since 2012, L'Équipe has shifted to recognize one male and one female athlete as well as their para-sport counterparts, emphasizing the inclusivity and dynamism of sports today.
The culmination of the voting process saw journalists from L'Équipe casting their secret ballots, officially closing the voting on November 11, 2024. This year proved to be particularly competitive, with each athlete demonstrating amazing skill and sportsmanship throughout their respective seasons.
Through this prestigious recognition, not only are the winners celebrated, but they serve as beacons of inspiration, paving the way for future generations of athletes. Their grit, determination, and achievements remind us all of the possibilities sports offer, enhancing the thrill of competition and national pride.
With champions like Marchand, Beaugrand, Leauté, and Patouillet leading the charge, French sports enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing even greater feats of athletic performance, as these athletes continue to inspire and break records beyond 2024.
