**Sports as a Tool of “Soft Power” for Law Enforcement**
Anaïs Bourgoin, a 27-year-old police officer, captivated the France Stadium audience despite her failure to reach the women’s 800m finals on August 4. Balancing her role as a peacekeeper in Paris’s 18th arrondissement with training demands, she had to take a leave of absence to enhance her Olympic qualifications, ultimately succeeding at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. She narrowly secured her spot on the Ministry of Sports’ elite athletes list, necessary for competition entry.

The national police have seen success with five Olympic medals (1 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze) and hopeful Gabriel Tual, set to compete in the 800m final.

Previously, elite police athletes faced substantial barriers, including limited training flexibility due to mandated police academy schooling, which hindered their potential in international competitions. Paralympic athletes were outright excluded from applying as peacekeepers due to physical fitness criteria.

As of late 2022, a new initiative was launched, allowing athletes to be hired as contract officers with minimal training as reservists, marking a significant shift for the police sports program.

Rachel Costard, head of the police sports mission, states their goal is to provide optimal conditions for athletes, reducing financial instability and enhancing performance capabilities to win medals for France. In contrast, her deputy, Jean-François Briand, who previously competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, did not benefit from these new provisions, highlighting the evolution and improvement of support for law enforcement athletes today.

Overall, this initiative represents a strategic move to promote athleticism within the police force while bolstering its public image.