Macron hosts French Tokyo Olympics medallists

President Emmanuel Macron told France's Tokyo Olympic medallists on Monday there was "room for improvement" for the Paris 2024 Games to be a success.

At a ceremony at the Elysée Palace where medallists were all decorated, Macron said the overall results were "not exactly at the level" France was aiming for.

"We know that for some sports, it was even mediocre," Macron said.

French athletes brought home a total of 33 medals, putting their country in eighth place on the 2020 medal table.

Macron said those hopeful of representing France at home in Paris would need to work twice as hard in the lead-up to the Games.

"This event will only take place once in your lifetime," he told them. "I want us to do everything to help you succeed."

The French government is planning to invest millions of euros to attract elite coaches, renovate training grounds and encourage sports practice at school and university.

IMAGE: AP