Korean men win again but France, Türkiye completes historic podium

“For us, it’s an honour to offer that medal to France. Especially here at home. Because it’s our sport, it’s our passion, it’s our pleasure,” said Jean-Charles Valladont, who was individual runner-up at Rio 2016.

“I know what it is to be an individual but now we’re a team. So it’s wonderful to share this success with my friends.”

The man trusted to anchor the French team to the podium? The youngest athlete of the entire delegation in Paris, Baptiste Addis. He performed.

“We gave everything. That gave us huge satisfaction, especially me. We can be proud of what we did,” he said.

The 6804-strong arena crowd had its fair share of Korean fans – they always show out in force – but they were drowned out by the home support. The cheers for the new vice-Olympic champions (vice-champions olympiques) were almost as loud as those for the repeating victors.

As were they for Türkiye.

Led by defending individual Olympic Champion Mete Gazoz, they proved that their path continues on the right track. An almost-win to France in the semis (it was a millimetre on one arrow) and a solid four-set, 6-2, bronze medal match result over China.

The teamwork showed up, the quality showed up – and the country’s leader showed up.

“This morning I was immortal Mete, now I am relaxed Mete.”

Three days of early eliminations up next at Invalides – before finals resume with the mixed team on 2 August.