It was via a press release that Paris 2024 announced the departure of Jean-Philippe Gatien, present since the launch of the project, 8 years ago, notably alongside Bernard Lapasset, former co-chairman of the bid committee (with Tony Estanguet ).
“Jean-Philippe Gatien has played a key role in all stages of the life of Paris 2024, since the beginnings of the Olympic ambition in 2014, as co-chairman of the high-level working group. Director of Sports since the creation of the bid committee and then within the organizing committee in 2017, he has structured the sports program and strengthened the links with the entire French and international sports ecosystem of Paris 2024. the Organizing Committee which “wishes to salute the commitment of a passionate man, steeped in Olympic values and a benevolent leader, appreciated by all”.
If the map of sites is not 100% stabilized (questions remain to be raised on the basketball site in Lille), the departure of Jean-Philippe Gatien, double Olympic medalist in table tennis, results from a choice personal, linked in particular to the frantic pace in which the Cojo has been engaged since 2017. It is Aurélie Merle, director of sports competitions, who succeeds him at the head of the sports department.
