Nearly a third of France’s 64 Olympic medals were won by members of the French armed forces, with the military having become a major institution in supporting high-level athletes. As France looks to maintain – if not grow – its Olympic record, increasing support for athletes from the public sector, such as the military, is key.
The French armed services produced 21 medallists in judo, fencing and shooting, as well as in disciplines less connected to traditional military skills, like BMX or surfing.
