Olympic Games | 9 Aug 2024

France Clinched Bronze Medal - Félix LEBRUN has made history

Photo: Courtesy ITTF

In a match for the ages, France have secured the bronze medal in the men’s team event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, defeating Japan 3-2. This is France’s first-ever medal in the Team event at the Olympics. Félix LEBRUN has made history, becoming the first French athlete to win two Olympic medals before the age of 18.

After a tough defeat in the semi-finals against the Chinese favorites, the French trio bounced back in the decisive fifth match against Japan, who were themselves bronze medalists in Tokyo 2020.

The final match between Felix LEBRUN and Hiroto SHINOZUKA was a heart-stopping encounter that will be remembered by many French fans. Felix LEBRUN, already a singles bronze medalist, was on the brink of victory, holding match point at 10-9 in the fifth game. However, SHINOZUKA, displaying incredible resilience, saved the point and extended the match to 12-12. In a dramatic climax, LEBRUN finally converted his fourth match point to seal the victory for France.

From the very start, the match delivered plenty of drama. The French duo of Simon GAUZY and Alexis LEBRUN got the Blues off to a strong start, winning their match 3-1. However, Félix LEBRUN, ranked 5th in the world, faced a challenging match against Japan's Tomokazu HARIMOTO, ranked just four places behind him. It took Félix five games and three match points to secure the victory, handing over a 2-0 lead to his brother.

Trouble began when Alexis LEBRUN struggled against Shunsuke TOGAMI, ultimately losing 1-3. His doubles partner, Simon GAUZY, faced similar difficulties against Tomokazu HARIMOTO, despite several comebacks, losing 1-3.

The fifth and final match was more complicated than expected for France. Félix LEBRUN faced Hiroto SHINOZUKA, ranked 42nd in the world, in a tense match. After dominating the first two games, Félix faltered in the third, but ultimately secured victory in the fourth set. At just 17 years old, Félix, the youngest member of the team, clinched the victory.

The French crowd erupted in jubilation as their team secured the bronze medal on home soil.