Tokyo Embassy Talk:
Strengthening Bonds through Sports: Paris and Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Connections
Learning from Tokyo 2020's Success
While it may seem unusual for a Political Counsellor to play such a key role in sports diplomacy, the political section at the French Embassy is also closely involved in sports cooperation activities. As a former judo practitioner of 15 years and passionate rugby player, this combination suits Romain Rideau perfectly.
The career diplomat arrived in Tokyo in 2021, just as the Paralympic Games began in Japan. Having been in France during the Olympics, he notes that the French public was impressed. "Despite all the safety restrictions that had to be put in place due to COVID-19, there was still lots of excitement about the games, and people were eagerly following and watching the competitions," he says. "There was a feeling of admiration for Japan, as in France we also fully experienced the difficulties caused by the pandemic, so people understood the hardships and efforts that went into making the Tokyo Games a success."
France has already hosted the Winter Games three times, and this will be the country's third time hosting the Summer Olympics. "The last time the Olympic Games were held in Paris was in 1924, so of course things have evolved quite a bit since then!" Rideau says with a laugh. "I always say that if the Paris Games are a success, it is absolutely partly thanks to Tokyo. These are not just pretty words, the exchanges have been essential to every part of planning this massive event."
The planning committees and administrative teams have been in close contact ever since the announcement of Paris winning the bid for the 2024 Games, with many sessions and exchanges about everything from infrastructure to cyber security. "The committees of consecutive Olympic and Paralympic Games are always in close contact, to learn from their predecessors' successes, get input about wide ranging needs such as digital communications and how to welcome the public," he notes. "And of course, the organization team in Paris gets to copy some of the best ideas from the Tokyo 2020 Games too!"
Supporting Japanese Athletes and Creating Connections
The French Embassy in Tokyo is at the forefront of assisting Japanese athletes and ensuring smooth travels, planning and training, which involve many different sections within the embassy and close cooperation with the Japan Sports Agency and other governmental bodies.
"Starting from the basics like issuing visas and dealing with customs to get the correct permits to transport Japanese athletes' equipment, to connecting Japan's sports associations with their French counterparts, helping them find regions in France to hold their summer training camps, and of course all the administrative cooperation — there are so many different moving parts we assist with,'' Rideau points out.
The embassy has also hosted and participated in a number of events in Japan to promote the Olympic Games, cultural exchange and important values like inclusivity. "For International Women's Day we held a judo exhibition at the ambassador's residence, featuring the Japanese and French women's judo teams," says Rideau. "When French athletes visit Japan for competitions we often set up opportunities for them to reach out to the younger generation, for instance via workshops at schools like the Lycée Français International de Tokyo."
A Truly Parisian Olympics and Paralympics
While the Paris team will be following best practices learned from Tokyo and other host cities, there is one thing that will be very different. "The Paris Games will break with tradition, as the opening ceremony will take place on the Seine River, instead of in the main stadium," Rideau points out. "This will be something new and unique in Olympic history, and should be a great experience. However, it does add a whole new level of important issues, such as security."
The organizers have also sought to use some of the country's most beautiful and iconic locations, to connect France's long history and rich culture with modern sports. "The triathlon course will include the Champs Elysees and Pont Alexandre III bridge, equestrian events will be held in the gardens at Versailles, fencing in the Grand Palais and surfing in Tahiti," Rideau mentions just a few of the venues visitors and viewers can look forward to seeing in person or via broadcast.
Rideau says that he is particularly excited to see sports that aren't shown as often, along with new ones like breaking, which was added to the Olympic roster this year. But of course, as a longtime judo fan he notes that, "one of my best memories of the 2020 Games was France's win in the team judo competition, and I know that the Japanese team will be looking to reclaim their title at this Olympiad! It should be a great series of matches."
Romain Rideau
