As the excitement builds for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, the defending men’s volleyball champions, France, are gearing up to keep the gold medal on home soil when the competition kicks off on July 27.
France’s historic victory at the Ariake Arena on August 7, 2021, in Tokyo, where they edged out the Russian Olympic Committee with a thrilling 3-2 win, marked their first-ever gold in men’s volleyball. Prior to this triumph, France had only qualified for the Olympics four times and had never advanced beyond the quarterfinals.
“It is true that having won already will put a target on our back from the start,” said Kevin Tillie, a key member of the French team. “It’s been three years since the other teams want to beat us because we are Olympic champions. We will play at home, and that makes it a double target. But we are really motivated. We know we’ve won already, but playing at home will be such a pleasure. I think the pressure will lift away fast with our public giving us their support. It will be an incredible moment.”
Tillie, who played a pivotal role in the 2021 victory, is set to fight alongside his teammates to retain the title in front of their home crowd. “We’ve grown older. We’ve seen each other aging. But it’s also good for the experience,” Tillie reflected. “It’s true that the core of the team remains the same, and there are younger players arriving. That is good for the team to have some renewal. What has changed? Nothing significant, really. We start with more experience. We must stay focused and arrive at a good moment at the right time. And that’s good for the Olympics.”
France finds itself in Pool A for the 2024 Olympic Games, alongside strong contenders Serbia, Slovenia, and Canada. The team is resolute in their aim to defend their title and deliver a memorable performance on home soil.
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France want to taste men's volleyball victory again at 2024 Olympics
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