With from left to right in the photo above: Mandy François-Elie (para-athletics), Manon Apithy-Brunet (fencing), Amandine Buchard (judo), Kevin Mayer (decathlon).
“Faster, higher, stronger – together”. The new Olympic motto, adopted in 2021 in Tokyo, added a new dimension – solidarity – to this event concerned with making the world a better place. This resonates more than ever with the commitments made by Bridgestone in favor of sustainable development for all. Enough to strengthen the links between the manufacturer and the Olympic Games, of which it has been an active partner since 2014. Moreover, no less than five French athletes, hopes for medals in 2024, have agreed to become Bridgestone ambassadors: Pauline Ado (surfing) , Manon Apithy-Brunet (fencing), Amandine Buchard (judo), Mandy François-Elie (para-athletics), Kevin Mayer (decathlon). All share the same ambition for performance in a world that must be more respectful of people and their environment.
Faster, towards sustainable development
The 2024 edition intends to make history by becoming the greenest Olympic and Paralympic Games ever organized with emissions reduced by half. Those that cannot be avoided will be offset through prevention and CO2 capture projects. For fencer Manon Apithy-Brunet, double medalist in Tokyo, protecting the environment is a component of any athlete’s performance: ” A top athlete is above all an athlete in good health. Its environment contributes to its performance. »
Bridgestone has also made sustainable development one of the major axes of its strategy. Its global initiative called E8 Commitment (E8 Commitment) enshrines eight fundamental values (energy, ecology, efficiency, etc.) and outlines the new framework for the Group’s activities, the objective of which is to assert itself as one of the leaders in safe and durable. ” Sustainability is at the heart of all our concerns », confirme Thierry Jupsin, Vice President Brands Marketing pour Bridgestone Europe.
Higher, for inclusion and diversity
Inclusion and respect for diversity, now inscribed in the Olympic motto under the term “together”, also echo the values of Bridgestone, partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games since 2014. Anchored in the corporate culture, the equity is another founding pillar. ” We live inclusion and diversity within our company, on a daily basis. For this reason, it seems natural to us to be a partner of Paris 2024, without any distinction between the athletes », continues Thierry Jupsin.
Mandy François-Élie, four-time Paralympic athlete (100 and 200 meter sprinter) is one of Bridgestone’s ambassadors: ” We train as hard as able-bodied athletes, we grant as much time to our preparation and our thirst for performance is identical. The Paralympic Games are a great showcase for us and for encouraging young people to overcome their handicap. His hope? Let the two Olympic and Paralympic competitions become one. For a great celebration of sport, without distinction.
Stronger, on preparation, guarantee of performance
Do not separate performance and preparation. A leitmotif for all the athletes who are preparing today to qualify for Paris 2024. It’s a long-term job. And that is done in stages. If I exceed 8,460 points at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023, I would qualify for the Olympic Games. Of course, I also hope to be World Champion in Budapest! “says Kevin Mayer, decathlon world record holder and double Olympic medalist. Its preparation, precise and graduated, has many points in common with the approach to innovation of an industrialist like Bridgestone. Invisible, long, sometimes slowed down by a hazard, the preparation for Bridgestone and for the athletes is a long-term ordeal. Victory is at the end!
