Former Olympic Judo Champion Becomes French Sports Minister

Double Olympic judo champion David Douillet begins a new role as the French Sports Minister, it was announced.

The 42-year-old, who won the +95 kilogram at Atlanta in 1996 and +100kg Sydney in 2000, is to replace Chantal Jouanno, who resigned following her election to the French Senate on Sunday.

Douillet had also won a bronze medal in the +95kg at Barcelona in 1992 as well as four world and one European titles.

Douillet, who carried the French flag at the Opening Ceremony in Sydney, was elected deputy to the French National Assembly in October 2009 for the ruling UMP Party of President Nicolas Sarkozy. Douillet moves from his role as Secretary of State for French nationals abroad.

A statement from the President’s office, said: “On the proposal of Prime Minister, the President terminated at his request, the functions of Chantal Jouanno, Minister for Sport. He appointed Mr. David Douillet Sports Minister.”

Douillet’s main responsibility will be overseeing France’s preparations for the 2016 European Football Championships.

Jouanno served less than a year in the role but she did make an impact on the failed bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, helping give it some creditability when several officials wanted to scrap it. She also brought some success when Paris gained the 2018 Ryder Cup.