Despite her elimination in the semi-final of the women’s 800m on Sunday, August 4, Anaïs Bourgoin received a standing ovation from the audience at the Stade de France. However, the 27-year-old police officer almost missed this exhilarating experience. Working full-time as a police officer in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, she had to take time off to train and improve her performances, which had previously hindered her selection for the Olympic Games (OG). At the European Athletics Championships in June in Rome, her strategy paid off, and her performance enabled her to qualify. In early July, she narrowly secured her spot by being added to the list of high-level athletes from the Ministry of Sports, a requirement that allowed her to compete.
With five Olympic medallists—gold for Kauli Vaast in surfing, silver for Anastasiia Kirpichnikova (1,500m freestyle) and Camille Jedrzejewski (25m pistol shooting), and bronze for Sébastien Patrice and Maxime Pianfetti (team sabre)—as well as a promising athlete, Gabriel Tual, who qualified for the 800m final on Friday, August 9, the national police are benefiting from a recent policy aimed at promoting sports within the police force and improving its public image.
For a long time, high-level police athletes were required to attend police school and only had limited facilities available throughout their careers, which hindered their ability to train at a level necessary for success in international competitions. This was essential not only for fostering internal cohesion and camaraderie but also for enhancing the institution’s image. Paralympic athletes were excluded from this system since the physical fitness criteria for police officer recruitment made it impossible for them to apply. At the end of 2022, the institution’s sports mission established a new program in collaboration with the National Sports Agency. Henceforth, athletes can be recruited as contract workers after receiving basic training as reserve police officers, which includes handling a service weapon—likely a mere formality for Camille Jedrzejewski, the silver medalist in the 25m pistol shooting who benefits from this system.
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How law enforcement seeks to enhance its image during the Olympics
“We aim to provide our champions with the best possible conditions to avoid the financial insecurity that many top athletes face and allow them to train effectively to win medals for France,” explains Divisional Commissioner Rachel Costard, head of the national police sports mission and a former athletics and volleyball competitor. Her deputy, Commander Jean-François Briand, did not have the same advantages as the sixty-six athletes of the national police team (and eight for the Paralympic Games) competing in 2024 across twenty-four disciplines: after participating in the kayaking events at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, he took the police officer exam while continuing to train without any specific support system.
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Anaïs Bourgoin: The Journey of a Police Officer to Olympic Stardom
KMSP AGENCY / KMSP VIA AFP
On August 4, 2024, the world witnessed an inspiring moment at the Stade de France as police officer Anaïs Bourgoin competed in the women’s 800m athletics event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Despite not advancing past the semi-final, her exceptional journey and dedication won her a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Path Less Traveled
Anaïs Bourgoin’s path to the Olympics has not been without its challenges. As a full-time police officer in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, balancing a demanding career with athletic aspirations proved to be a difficult task. She often needed to take time off from her policing duties to focus on training, a necessity driven by her desire to elevate her athletic performance after earlier missed selections.
In June, during the European Athletics Championships held in Rome, Anaïs’s hard work paid off, culminating in her qualification for the Olympics. With just days to spare, she secured her spot on the list of high-level athletes recognized by the Ministry of Sports, a vital step that enabled her to compete at this prestigious international event.
National Police and Olympic Success
The national police force has seen a notable presence at the Olympics, with five medalists among its ranks. Kauli Vaast captured gold in surfing, while silver medals were earned by Anastasiia Kirpichnikova in the 1,500m freestyle and Camille Jedrzejewski in 25m pistol shooting. Additionally, Sébastien Patrice and Maxime Pianfetti earned bronze in the team sabre event. Rising star Gabriel Tual is also set to compete in the 800m final on August 9, showcasing the depth of talent within the national police.
Policies Enhancing Athletic Opportunities
The increased success of police athletes can be attributed to a recent policy overhaul within the national police. Historically, high-level athletes faced significant challenges in balancing their law enforcement duties with their training needs, often having limited access to appropriate facilities. This situation was further complicated by the exclusion of Paralympic athletes from the traditional recruitment process.
In late 2022, a collaboration between the national police and the National Sports Agency resulted in a new recruitment system. Under this initiative, athletes can now be hired as contract workers, provided they undergo a short training as reserve police officers. This modern approach enables more athletes, including Paralympians, to pursue their Olympic dreams while serving their communities.
Supporting Athlete Success
Divisional Commissioner Rachel Costard, who leads the national police sports mission, emphasizes the importance of improving conditions for athletes within the police force. She states, “We want to give our champions the best possible conditions to avoid the financial insecurity that affects many top athletes and allow them to train to perform and bring medals to France.”
Her vision reflects the evolving mindset within the police department, recognizing that supporting athletes not only contributes to their individual success but also enhances the overall image of the police force.
Challenges for Past Generations
Reflecting on the past, Commander Jean-François Briand, who represented France in kayaking at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, highlights the significant changes in support available to athletes today. After competing in the Olympics, he joined the police force while continuing to train, facing a much different environment than the one current athletes experience.
Key Highlights of Anaïs Bourgoin’s Journey
- Current Role: Full-time police officer in Paris.
- Training Challenges: Required time off to train for competitions.
- European Championships: Successfully qualified for the Olympics in June 2024.
- Recognition: Standing ovation from the crowd despite semi-final exit.
Benefits of Athleticism in Law Enforcement
Physical Fitness and Performance
Engaging in athletic pursuits provides numerous benefits to law enforcement personnel. Not only does it enhance physical fitness, but it also boosts mental resilience, essential for the demands of policing. The physical and mental outputs required in competitive sports translate effectively into the skills needed on the job, such as quick decision-making and stamina.
Community Engagement
Police athletes often serve as role models within their communities, promoting health, fitness, and positive relationships with local citizens. Their visibility in events like the Olympics shines a light on the dedication and discipline that are key characteristics of law enforcement professionals.
Case Studies: Successful Police Athletes
| Name | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Kauli Vaast | Surfing | Gold |
| Anastasiia Kirpichnikova | 1,500m Freestyle | Silver |
| Camille Jedrzejewski | 25m Pistol Shooting | Silver |
| Sébastien Patrice and Maxime Pianfetti | Team Sabre | Bronze |
| Gabriel Tual | 800m | Upcoming Final |
These athletes not only bring pride to their disciplines but also provide a source of inspiration for aspiring officers and athletes alike.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Police Athletics
The recent reforms in the national police force open doors for a new generation of athletes who aim to achieve greatness while serving their communities. The emphasis on physical fitness, mental well-being, and support systems highlights a progressive movement towards integrating athletics within law enforcement.
As Anaïs Bourgoin and her colleagues continue to break barriers and shatter ceilings, the expectation for medals and achievements will only grow, fostering a culture of excellence that resonates within the force and beyond.