Once the party is over and the medals are put away, it’s already time to plan ahead. If the Games in Paris have brought together a number of sponsors usually less accustomed to sporting activity, the challenge now is to make them stay. On the occasion of the Étoiles du sport, several of them were wondering about the continuation of their project. “ What is complicated is that for Paris it was not “easy” to find money but almost, because the Games were in France, so the companies wanted to finance our projects, to make their contribution. to the building »summarizes Lauriane Nolot, silver medalist in kitefoil. Once the flame has gone out, it’s time to try to extend it all in preparation for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. “We are in a pivotal period. It’s hard to sell a project that lasts four years, even if a medal helps a little” admits the 25-year-old athlete.
Among the Paris 2024 athletes present in Tignes (Savoie) yesterday, uncertainty reigns. “ In terms of funding, I think many of us are in the dark.admits Angèle Hug, silver medalist in kayak-cross, a new direct confrontation race format introduced in Paris. It’s worrying because in France, Olympic athletes, even after a podium finish, have difficulty financing themselves. »
“A lot of people believe that as an athlete you earn thousands and cents, but that’s not true”
Lisa Barbelin, third in archery, has already started “to look into the subject”by creating with his companion Thomas Chirault – team silver medalist in the discipline – a company in order to receive image contracts. “Now we are waiting for signed commitments, it is not easy. Many people believe that as an athlete you earn thousands and cents, but that is not true. »
Indeed, to be a high-level athlete, “we are obliged to work with partners, this is essential funding”says Samir Aït Saïd, who finished just off the podium in the rings final this summer. Because of this fourth place, “some did not renew my contract, he regrets. If I had had this medal I don’t think they would have given up on me. This is also why I was received by Yann Cucherat (the high performance manager at the National Sports Agency) after the Games. To bring up the needs over the coming cycle, and not wait until the last year each time. » The 35-year-old gymnast hammers it home: “If we want a medal in 2028, now is the time to start preparing for it. »
**How do individual athletic disciplines, with varying levels of popularity and sponsorship appeal, navigate the challenges of securing funding post-Olympics? Does this disparity exacerbate existing inequalities within the sports world?**
## World-Today-News Interview:
**Title: Securing the Future: Athlete Funding Post-Paris 2024**
**Guests:**
* **Lauriane Nolot:** Silver medalist in kitefoil, Paris 2024
* **Samir Aït Saïd:** Fourth place in rings final, Paris 2024 & veteran Olympic gymnast
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we dive into the crucial topic of athlete funding in the aftermath of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We are joined by two exceptional athletes, Lauriane Nolot and Samir Aït Saïd, who will share their insights on navigating this complex landscape.
**Section 1: The Post-Games Funding Landscape**
**Interviewer:** Lauriane, the article mentions the unique influx of sponsors attracted by the Paris Games. Now that the spotlight has shifted, how do athletesplan to sustain this momentum and attract continued investment?
**Lauriane:** (Expanded answer focusing on her experience, strategies for attracting and retaining sponsors, and the potential challenges)
**Interviewer:** Samir, you’ve mentioned the importance of starting preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Games immediately. How do athletes balance the immediate need for financial support with the long-term planning required for success in the next Olympics?
**Samir:** (Expanded answer sharing his strategies, the role of the National Sports Agency, and any suggestions for improving the funding landscape)
**Section 2: The Reality of Athlete Funding**
**Interviewer:** Both of you have spoken about the misconceptions surrounding athlete earnings. Can you elaborate on the actual financial realities of being a high-level athlete, especially in the years between Olympic cycles?
**Lauriane:** (Expanded answer detailing her personal experience, the necessity of seeking alternative income streams, and the impact of this on training and performance)
**Samir:** (Expanded answer focusing on the specific challenges faced by veterans, the impact of sponsorship on individual disciplines, and suggestions for creating more sustainable funding models)
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: Building a Secure Future for Athletes**
**Interviewer:** Given the precarious funding situation many athletes face, what changes in the system would you like to see to ensure a more secure and sustainable future for aspiring and seasoned Olympians alike?
**Lauriane:** (Expanded answer advocating for specific changes, highlighting long-term solutions, and emphasizing the importance of government support)
**Samir:** (Expanded answer detailing his vision for the future of athlete funding, encouraging private sector involvement, and promoting the value of investing in athletic talent)
**Interviewer:**
Thank you both for your candid and insightful perspectives. Your voices are crucial in bringing national attention to the importance of supporting our athletes not just during the exhilarating moments of the Olympics, but throughout their entire journey toward sporting excellence.
**Closing:**
We hope this interview has shed light on the critical issue of athlete funding. It is vital that we continue the discussion and work towards creating a more supportive and sustainable environment for our athletes to thrive.
