Paris 2024 Olympics: “I immediately realized that we had done 1, 2, 3”, Joris Daudet looks back on the incredible BMX Racing triple

An unprecedented podium. EPA – TOLGA AKMEN

“We made history in BMX and the Olympic Games, it's incredible”, rejoiced Joris Daudet after becoming Olympic BMX Racing champion in front of “my buddies”, Sylvain André and Romain Mahieu, Friday night in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.

It was the title that was missing from your career ?

“Yes, tonight we did it, well I did it. And we managed to do something historic with our friends, it's incredible. Everything went as we wanted. The crowd was there, they supported us and we managed to perform when we needed to.

You dared to imagine such a scenario ?

It's certain to be able to do the +all-shot+ and finish the race in the lead, it's true that it's the dream. Today, I felt good, I was ready. When I got to the top of the grid, I knew it was time to do it. I put everything in place to perform and I did. 

How did you feel when you crossed the line ?

I didn't think much. I saw Sylvain screaming, then I saw Romain too. I immediately realized that we had done 1, 2, 3. Afterwards, we quickly ran to see the audience, tried to find the family and celebrate together. All these years of work in 30 seconds, it's hard to take it in. We don't really know what's going on.

#Paris2024 | 🇫🇷🤯 MAIS OUI ILS L'ONT FAIT : LE TRIPLÉ FRANÇAIS EN BMX RACING !

🥇🥈🥉 JORIS DAUDET, SYLVAIN ANDRÉ ET ROMAIN MAHIEU EN OR, ARGENT ET BRONZE, C'EST COMPLÈTEMENT DINGUE !

📺 Suivez les Jeux en direct : https://t.co/hHHwOiAOqk pic.twitter.com/oXNZNA0JGn

— francetvsport (@francetvsport) August 2, 2024

You were talking about this hat-trick together ?

We didn't necessarily talk about it, but it was everyone's goal. We all wanted a medal and we knew we had the potential to do 1, 2, 3. We put everything in place during months and months of work together and separately too. To be able to perform on the big day, we have often been put in the way, but tonight, we made the history of BMX and also the history of the Olympic Games. It's incredible.

It's better than the hat-trick at the World Championships in Glasgow ?

For me, yes, because I placed 3rd and there, I won. The French public is incredible. To be able to do this at home, in front of family, friends, everyone was there. It's a dream, a real dream.

For you this is the end of a long road ?

I always start with the idea that things happen for reasons. Tokyo was obviously a big disappointment. Today, I am Olympic champion at home. It's even more beautiful, with my family. 

It's an individual consecration, this title. We have the impression that it is also shared ?

I have the impression of being almost happier for my friends than for myself. It's crazy stuff. We don't necessarily train together all the time, but it's a real team. We had in the back of our minds to do this for BMX, for France. And to be able to do it today is crazy."