French Olympic and Paralympic medalists in Milan Cortina honored at the Elysée Palace

After standing on the podiums, the athletes were recognized by Emmanuel Macron in a ceremony at the Elysée Palace. Eighteen athletes received the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit insignia.

The French delegation at the 2026 Olympics won 23 medals, including eight golds, marking a winter games record. In the Paralympic events, France earned twelve medals, including four golds.

Emmanuel Macron praised the athletes’ determination, acknowledging their achievements and sacrifices. He honored figure skaters Laurence Fournier-Baudry and Guillaume Cizeron, among others, for their outstanding performances.

The biathlete Quentin Fillon Maillet was promoted to officer of the Legion of Honor, recognizing his achievements in the sport.

Macron also highlighted the French biathlon team’s success, awarding several members with the Knight’s honor, including Camille Bened, Ocèane Michelon, and Julia Simon.

In ski mountaineering, Thibault Anselmet and Emily Harrop received the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor for their Olympic victory.

Paralympic snowboarder Cécile Hernandez was elevated to the rank of Commander of the National Order of Merit, the second female athlete in France to receive this distinction.

Looking ahead to the next Winter Olympics in the French Alps, Macron reaffirmed France’s goal to be among the top 5 nations in sports, expressing confidence in overcoming the challenges faced by the organizers.