The French public has made its choice clear: Léon Marchand, the star swimmer, and Clarisse Agbégnénou, the esteemed judoka, have been crowned as the top athletes of 2024 according to the annual Odoxa survey, conducted for RTL and Winamax.
Marchand's dominance during the 2024 Paris Olympics played a pivotal role in this recognition, where he secured four gold medals and one bronze, affirming his status as one of the foremost athletes of his generation. Garnering 44% of the votes from the surveyed 1,005 participants, Marchand’s exceptional performance captivated the nation. His remarkable achievements overshadowed other celebrated athletes, such as rugby player Antoine Dupont, who received 12% of the votes, and judo icon Teddy Riner, who also captured 12% of the public’s attention.
On the women's side, Agbégnénou maintained her title as the leading female athlete with 20% of the votes. Although she earned a bronze medal individually (-63 kg category) at the Games, it was her triumphant contribution to the team’s gold medal win in judo which solidified her popularity. This recognition is particularly significant as Agbégnénou triumphed as the most popular female athlete for two consecutive years, showing consistent support from the French public.
The survey results reveal contrasting fortunes among other notable contenders. Cassandre Beaugrand, who excelled winning gold in triathlon, claimed 16% of the votes, just edging out Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the mountain biking champion, with 15%. Their performances contributed to the compelling narrative of French sporting success at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the survey, 72% of respondents deemed the Paris Olympics as the standout sporting event of the year, with the Paris 2024 Paralympics following closely at 38%. This shows not just the impact of these events on individual athletes, but the broader engagement they inspired within the French populace.
The results of the survey reflect the trendy surge in popularity of Olympic sports and the athletes who have witnessed unexpected support. Kylian Mbappé, who finished second last year, saw his appeal diminish as he only managed to muster 4% of the votes this time, highlighting the Olympic-centric moment this past summer has etched upon French hearts.
Agbégnénou's achievement is particularly noteworthy as it underlined the shift from individual recognition to team success, as she anchored the French squad to victory. The summer's Olympic games not only showcased athletic prowess but also forged connections with fans across the nation.
The findings from Odoxa’s poll suggest the Olympics significantly influenced public sentiment around sporting excellence, with the rise of younger athletes challenging established legends. The emphasis on these promising athletes symbolizes the future of French sports, as they engage the attention of both general fans and seasoned sports aficionados.
Beyond the medals, this year's accolades reflect the collective aspirations of the nation, where excitement and hope were synonymous with each athlete’s quest for glory. For 2024, the undeniable impact of the Olympic Games resonates deeply as indicated by the overwhelming support shown by the public for Marchand and Agbégnénou.
Overall, this survey indicates the enduring legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics on French sporting culture and its athletes. Marchand and Agbégnénou not only lead the polls but highlight the refreshing narrative of national pride witnessed across various disciplines.
