Amid the Olympic buzz in Paris, Antoine Dupont has emerged as a standout figure, earning the admiration of many.
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, chose to have lunch with Dupont in the athlete’s village.
It’s not just about the meal; it’s a strategic photo op, showcasing the nation’s rugby hero during these turbulent times in France.
With political unrest and pollution concerns making headlines, Dupont provides a much-needed positive image.
He’s seen as a natural winner and the ideal role model—the kind of figure every French parent would be proud to call their son-in-law.
Dupont’s face is everywhere in Paris, from magazine covers to advertisements.
Recently featured on the cover of Têtu, a magazine that supports the LGBTQ community, he made headlines with his commitment to standing against homophobia in rugby.
Back in 2022, he signed a letter urging voters to reject Marine Le Pen, though he didn’t take a loud public stance during the recent election.
Instead, he encouraged young people to vote in a more reserved manner.
Despite his reluctance to seek the spotlight, Dupont exemplifies many values that resonate with the French public: reliability and excellence in a time of instability.
Ask any Parisian about their top athletes of these games, and his name will come up alongside other stars like Victor Wembanyama and Leon Marchand.
Dupont’s prowess on the rugby field is renowned, and he’s now making waves in the sevens format as well.
His transition to this faster-paced version of the game has been nothing short of spectacular, with France winning two titles since his arrival in January.
The French sevens team’s preparation has been unique.
They recently spent a day with the Moulin Rouge cast, which might seem like a PR stunt, but it’s actually been part of their rigorous training regime.
Laure Bontaz, a cabaret performer and choreographer, has been working with the players to enhance their movement and rhythm, blending sport with art.
A Personal Connection to the Game
Dupont’s link to the sevens team goes way back.
He reminisces about playing with captain Paulin Riva’s older brother when he was a child. His earliest Olympic memory is watching Laure Manaudou win in Athens in 2004.
Though he’s smaller than his brother Clement, Dupont’s physicality and strength make him a formidable player.
His fitness is impressive, with a physique that’s been compared to an amateur bodybuilder.
The Road Ahead
On Wednesday, all eyes will be on Stade de France as France kicks off their campaign against Team USA.
The Americans have arrived in Paris and are being coached by Englishman Mike Friday, who views Dupont as a key player in the upcoming matches.
Friday believes Dupont could become the best sevens player within 18 months, thanks to his exceptional conditioning and rugby IQ.
Stars to Watch
As the Olympics approach, several other players are drawing attention:
– Marcos Moneta (Argentina): Known for his incredible speed, Moneta is making a comeback from a broken ankle and could be pivotal for Argentina’s gold hopes.
– Hugo Keenan (Ireland): A promising rookie, Keenan is transitioning from XVs to sevens and will be one to watch alongside established players like Terry Kennedy.
– Jerry Tuwai (Fiji): At 35, Tuwai is a sevens veteran, returning to add his magic to Fiji’s dynamic style of play.
– Aaron Grandidier (France): Born in London and now playing for Brive, Grandidier is another French player making a mark in sevens before switching back to XVs next season.
As the Olympics officially kick off on Friday, Antoine Dupont is ready to take center stage and continue his remarkable journey.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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