The French Pole Vaulting Saga: 5 Shocking Stories From The Paris Olympics (Lavillenie, Viral Ammirati, And A Devastating Comeback)

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The world of French pole vaulting has been a whirlwind of high-flying triumphs and dramatic collapses, especially in the lead-up to and during the recent Olympic Games on home soil. From the crushing news that an Olympic legend would miss out, to a viral moment that dominated social media, and a comeback story that defines resilience, the French vaulters delivered some of the most compelling narratives in track and field. This article, updated in December 2025, dives deep into the five most shocking and inspiring stories defining the current generation of French pole vaulting stars.

The sport, often overshadowed by the sprints, has a rich French history, producing multiple Olympic champions. However, the current era is characterized by a dramatic changing of the guard, with new stars like Thibaut Collet and Margot Chevrier stepping into the massive void left by the country's greatest-ever vaulter.

The New Guard and the Fall of a Legend: Key French Pole Vaulters

The landscape of French pole vaulting has shifted dramatically, moving past the undisputed reign of its most famous champion. Here is a look at the key figures who have defined the recent Olympic cycle.

Renaud Lavillenie: The End of an Era

Full Name: Renaud Lavillenie
Born: September 18, 1986 (39 years old as of 2025)
Hometown: Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, France
Career Highlights: 2012 London Olympic Gold Medalist; 2016 Rio Olympic Silver Medalist; Former Indoor World Record Holder (6.16m, set in 2014, breaking Sergey Bubka's 21-year-old record); 3-time World Indoor Champion; 6-time European Champion.
Current Status (Post-Olympics): Failed to achieve the required 5.82m qualification standard for the Paris 2024 Olympics, a crushing blow for the veteran star hoping to compete at home.

Thibaut Collet: The Rising Star

Full Name: Thibaut Collet
Born: June 17, 1999 (26 years old as of 2025)
Hometown: La Tronche, France
Career Highlights: Set a new personal best of 5.95m in 2024; Consistently competing in the Wanda Diamond League; Finished 3rd at a major Diamond League event in 2024.
Current Status: France's leading male pole vaulter and a strong medal contender, carrying the hopes for the French team.

Margot Chevrier: The Resilient Warrior

Full Name: Margot Chevrier
Born: December 21, 1999 (25 years old as of 2025)
Hometown: Nice, France
Career Highlights: Multiple French national champion; Top-8 finisher at the World Indoor Championships.
Current Status: The subject of a major comeback story after a devastating injury in 2024, but was conditionally named to the Olympic team.

The 5 Most Shocking and Compelling French Pole Vault Stories of the Olympic Cycle

The drama surrounding the French pole vault team provided a rollercoaster of emotions, capturing global attention for reasons both inspiring and controversial.

1. Renaud Lavillenie’s Heartbreaking Olympic Miss

The biggest story of the French Olympic track team was undoubtedly the absence of its most decorated athlete, Renaud Lavillenie. The 2012 Olympic champion and former World Record holder had aimed for one final glorious jump on home turf in Paris. However, injuries and inconsistent form meant he could not reach the demanding qualification standard of 5.82 meters. His failure to qualify marked a symbolic end to the golden age of French athletics, leaving the door open for a new generation to step up.

Lavillenie’s indoor world record of 6.16m, set in 2014, was a monumental achievement, surpassing the legendary Sergey Bubka. His career remains one of the greatest in pole vault history, but the inability to compete in Paris 2024 was a deeply emotional moment for French sports fans, who had hoped to give their champion one final ovation.

2. The Viral 'Crotch-Gate' Incident of Anthony Ammirati

In one of the most talked-about moments of the entire Games, young French vaulter Anthony Ammirati became an instant global sensation. During his qualifying attempt, Ammirati narrowly missed clearing the bar. Slow-motion replays quickly went viral, with many viewers believing his disqualification was due to his private parts—or 'bulge'—touching the crossbar.

The incident sparked a massive online debate and a flood of clickbait headlines. Ammirati, the 21-year-old European U20 Champion, eventually had to speak out to clarify the situation. While the moment was incredibly close and awkward, the official reason for the disqualification was a technical fault, though the viral focus remained on the extremely tight contact between his body and the bar. The incident highlighted the razor-thin margins and the intense scrutiny athletes face on the world stage.

3. Margot Chevrier's Devastating Injury and Conditional Selection

The most inspiring story of resilience belongs to Margot Chevrier. At the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, Chevrier suffered a catastrophic injury, an open fracture of the talus (ankle bone), after a vault attempt went wrong and she missed the landing mat. The sight of the injury was devastating, casting serious doubt on her Olympic dream.

Despite the severity of the injury, which required multiple surgeries, including a skin graft, Chevrier embarked on a grueling recovery journey. Her incredible determination led to her being conditionally named to the French Olympic team, a testament to her fighting spirit and the potential for an unlikely comeback. Her story became a powerful symbol of the mental and physical toll of elite sport, and the sheer will required to compete at the highest level.

4. Thibaut Collet Steps Up as the New National Hope

With Lavillenie out, the mantle of French pole vaulting hope fell squarely on the shoulders of Thibaut Collet. The 26-year-old has consistently demonstrated world-class form, achieving a personal best of 5.95 meters in 2024. His performances in the Diamond League circuit, where he regularly competes against world record holder Armand Duplantis and American champion Sam Kendricks, have shown he is a genuine medal contender.

Collet's consistent high-level jumping and ability to perform under pressure have solidified his position as the new face of French pole vaulting. His success provides a crucial link between the legendary past and the promising future of the sport in France.

5. France's Rich Olympic Pole Vaulting History

The current drama is set against a backdrop of deep historical success, providing strong topical authority for the sport in France. Before Lavillenie, French vaulters had already secured Olympic glory. Pierre Quinon won the gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Other notable figures include Thierry Vigneron, who was a multiple world record holder in the early 1980s, and Jean Galfione, who also achieved great international success.

On the women's side, Ninon Guillon-Romarin holds the national record with a clearance of 4.75 meters, while Marie-Julie Bonnin is another promising talent. This history of excellence—including Lavillenie's outdoor national record of 6.05m—ensures that the French public maintains high expectations for their pole vaulting stars, making the recent events all the more impactful.

The French Pole Vaulting Saga: 5 Shocking Stories from the Paris Olympics (Lavillenie, Viral Ammirati, and a Devastating Comeback)

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