Dupont shoulders responsibility while France seeks a successful beginning at the Olympics

Paris has eagerly anticipated the return of the Olympic Games; it may take another decade to witness a rugby player who can match Antoine Dupont's skill.

France's mastermind boasts vision, ambidextrous kicking, speedy execution, elusive runs, and an imposing physique - all traits that allow him to dominate games at the club level and with his national team.

He led Les Bleus to their first Six Nations victory in over a decade during 2022, following his recognition as the world's top male rugby player, consistently leading his long-standing club, Toulouse, to success on both national and international stages.

On Day One of the Games at Stade de France, if everything goes according to plan in the qualifying rounds and assuming no unforeseen circumstances arise, Dupont, already a decorated athlete, will strive for Olympic gold, adding another achievement to his impressive collection. The Men's Sevens event has been scheduled earlier than usual in hopes of providing Paris with an advantageous start.

This bold move could set him apart from other athletes in his field if successful.

Following Dupont's announcement of his Olympic aspirations shortly after France's exit from the 2023 World Cup on home ground, a disappointment that resulted in their defeat to eventual champions South Africa by one point in the quarter-finals, he had only recently recovered from a broken cheekbone sustained during the group stage. Nine months later, he was back at Stade de France seeking redemption.

“I enjoy taking risks and trying new things with high stakes,” Dupont explained to Bros Stories. “The fact that it's in Paris makes it all the more special; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Despite his already impressive transition to Sevens, Dupont has adapted remarkably quickly. After just a few training sessions, he helped France win bronze at Vancouver earlier this year and then secured another victory in Los Angeles shortly after. This was the first tournament win for Les Bleus since Paris's 2005 event.

He returned to Sevens competition towards the end of May, winning his second continental championship with Toulouse along the way. Dupont proved himself once again – notably scoring a game-winning try against Great Britain in an important match that would have ended their campaign prematurely if he hadn't scored.

“Sevens didn't choose Dupont; it was Dupont who chose to play Sevens,” explains Thierry Janeczek, the former French rugby coach between 1996 and 2010. A former XVs player himself, Janeczek first encountered sevens when he joined the Barbarians team for a match in Hong Kong in 1986. The sport appealed to him instantly due to his agility and skillset honed from previous sports.

Janeczek is pleased that Sevens has received a prominent position as an Olympic event opener. “It's faster, more accessible, and less complicated than XVs for those who aren't familiar with rugby,” he explains. Dupont showed interest in the format during his time with the national youth team, and it seemed like a natural fit.

However, Dupont isn't alone on the field – head coach Jérôme Daret has talented players such as Stephen Parez, Nelson Epée, and Paulin Riva to support him.

Les Bleus face a tough group including reigning Olympic champions Fiji but remain optimistic: “They have high hopes for victory; it's always about winning,” says Janeczek. Dupont's status as one of the sport's all-time greats certainly helps.

Outside of rugby, Dupont has used his platform to advocate against homophobia in the sport – he appeared on Têtu magazine last year, speaking out against the use of rugby for political purposes by certain publications.

The expectation is that Dupont and his team will kick-start their performance at the Games with a strong showing, generating excitement among local fans.