**Team Sports: An Abundance of Medals and French Expertise**
The discussion about France as a sports nation has gained traction due to the excitement surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics. French athletes have demonstrated their passion for sports, especially in team disciplines, securing seven medals, including two golds, during these Games.
### Highlights:
– **Medal Count:** France excelled in team sports, winning medals in football, handball, basketball, volleyball, rugby sevens, and 3×3 basketball.
– **Challenges:** Water polo and field hockey faced disappointing exits, with all teams eliminated in the group stage.
– **Notable Achievements:**
– Men’s football brought home a medal after 40 years.
– Rugby sevens achieved gold for the first time.
– Volleyball retained their title, marking a historic win.
– Handballwomen earned a silver, highlighting their elite status.
– Basketball teams enjoyed silver medals, showcasing depth in talent.
### Claude Onesta’s Impact:
– Former handball coach Claude Onesta attributes success to enhanced coaching and the support structure from the National Sports Agency.
– He initiated the “Coaches Plan” to boost ambition and confidence among coaches, emphasizing the coach-athlete dynamic for generating success.
### Future Sports and Challenges:
– Looking ahead, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will introduce new team sports like baseball, softball, cricket, lacrosse, and flag football. France has time to develop these disciplines, although they have not yet been dominant in them.
– **Ongoing Issues:** Despite successes, French team sports face governance challenges across various federations, necessitating reassessments and improvements in management.
### Conclusion:
While challenges exist, France’s recent medal tallies in team sports reflect a solid foundation and potential for future Olympic success.