But above all, for the young 50-year-old, the Paris Games are his last as a coach, since after the event, he will start a new page in his professional life. So when he was asked to represent the coaches from all over the world at the opening ceremony, everything became even more special.
"I felt great pride to have been appointed to pronounce the coaches' oath at the opening ceremony. It's only a few words but they are loaded with meaning."
This oath is a text written by the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, pronounced for the first time on the occasion of the Antwerp Olympic Games in 1920 by Victor Boin, a Belgian fencer. This speech is a real promise made to the spectators to respect the rules and the spirit of the sport ‘without cheating and without any form of discrimination.’
Tony Estanguet, the President of the organising committee, called me about a week ago to ask me to take the oath. At first, I didn't really believe it, I thought it was a joke, but when I realised it was for real, I was filled with pride and was very moved.
The emotion was at its peak when I arrived on the podium. Being part of the ceremony from the inside and playing an important role symbolically was very strong. There was a mixture of pride, as I said, and recognition for the work I have been able to do for years. It's incredible to see your work rewarded in this way and to be chosen to represent the values of Olympism.
I had the feeling that suddenly, I had my whole country behind me, but also all the delegations from around the world. The atmosphere was really very warm. It was the same for the flag bearers."
For all this to be possible, Christophe's necessarily busy schedule, as he coaches the French team during the judo tournament here in Paris, had to be flexible enough. "I didn't really hesitate. After the Games, I'm ending my missions with the French team. It's a carefully considered and anticipated decision. For me, taking the coaches' oath was a bit like coming full circle. I began in 2005. It's now 2024 and now I'll be able to continue to devote myself to other missions."
While Christophe shares his pride, he is also aware of the great responsibility that falls to him and that he will embody throughout the Games. There is no doubt that these are values that he will continue to uphold regardless of his next roles.
Photos © Getty Images and courtesy Christophe Massina