Melina Robert-Michon: her seven Games in her words

French discus thrower Melina Robert-Michon has made history at the Paris 2024 Games, equalling the record number of Olympic appearances by a woman in track and field.

The 45-year-old, who was the flag bearer for the host nation at the opening ceremony for the Games, has now competed at as many Olympics as legendary sprinter Merlene Ottey.

Robert-Michon, Olympic silver medallist in 2016, threw a season’s best of 63.77m to qualify for the final in Paris. Ahead of the final, she looked back over all of her past Olympic appearances.

Here are her seven Games, in her words.

 

Sydney 2000

Age: 21. 29th in qualifying, 54.11m.

I remember the stadium being enormous; everything seemed so big, so overwhelming, like discovering everything for the first time through the eyes of a child.

I remember walking into the stadium for the qualifiers in the morning and seeing the stands full for the first time. I was really impressed and felt a lot of pressure that I had a hard time managing.

 

Athens 2004

Age: 25. 30th in qualifying, 56.70m.

While in 2000 I was young and inexperienced, and I could use that excuse, in 2004 I had just finished 11th at the World Championships (in 2003) so I had higher expectations in Athens. It was really a huge disappointment. It was very tough.

 

Beijing 2008

Age: 29. 7th, 60.66m.

2008 was very positive for me. It was my first time finishing among the top eight, which was cool, and it was also a turning point because this is when I asked myself whether or not I should continue. And if I were to continue, some things needed to change because I had gotten to the end of the system I had in place and I was also working on the side. But I told myself that I would go on; I wanted to stack the odds in my favour, so I wouldn’t do anything but athletics, and this was a turning point in my career.

 

London 2012

Age: 33. 5th, 63.98m.

There was a lot of emotion in London, because at this point I really thought this was it, this would be my last Olympics. I was very proud of my performance, but at the same time it was another turning point for me because after finishing fifth, I realised I couldn’t stop now when I was so close to the goal. I had been waiting and fighting for years to be on the podium.

I felt a mix of pride because fifth is a respectable result but there was some disappointment at just missing out on medals. I also knew that I couldn’t stop now while I was so close.

 

Rio 2016

Age: 37. 2nd, 66.73m.

This was, so far, the highlight of my career. Setting a French record and winning an Olympic medal – it was huge. Even more so because I had waited such a long time for that medal. The emotions lived up to the anticipation.

Obviously, a gold medal would have been even better, but there was such a back story to all of this, that was really, really big for me. I also thought these would be my last Games.

 

Tokyo 2020

Age: 41. 15th in qualifying, 60.88m.

Tokyo was a very tough one for me. It was a failure that was hard to swallow because I wasn’t used to not qualifying. I also didn’t have that feeling of living the Games. The vibe really wasn’t there. There were no crowds in the stadium and we were in confinement. I also think that I was more prepared in 2020 than in 2021. There was a lot of disappointment there; I questioned whether I should stop, but at the same time I knew couldn’t stop.

Following this disappointment, and knowing that the following Games would be in Paris, I was highly motivated to continue. I didn’t want to end my career on a negative note. I had the chance to live the Games ‘at home’ in front of French fans, in front of my family.

 

Paris 2024

Age: 45.

I don't think my character would let me stop like that in Tokyo on a disappointment. I think it wouldn't have been me, and it's hard to say, actually. But in any case, it has been a great motivation to have the Games in Paris. The question didn't linger for very long.

I know there’s this record (of Olympic appearances), but this is not why I am doing it. Obviously, the fact that the Games are held in Paris has pushed me to go a step further, but above all else, I do it because I love what I do and I feel like I can still compete.

The goal is not to only participate and be there but rather to participate and play an important role in this competition because I love the Olympics. It’s kind of intuitive for me.

 

…and beyond?

The first time I participated in the Games in 2000, I was like, wow, this is what I want to do, this is what I enjoy. I didn't plan it out; I didn't say to myself, ‘yes, in 25 years I’ll still be doing the Games’. I think I took it one Olympiad at a time, and each time I told myself, ‘yes, I still have something to contribute’. That’s always been my approach.

I do everything necessary to make it work. I don’t know if it will succeed or not, but I try, and I won’t have any regrets later on. It’s the same now. I don't want to end my career thinking, ‘if only I had known, maybe I could have done more’. So I continue, I have a blast, and at least I’ll have no regrets later.

I want to continue after Paris for at least one more year because the World Championships next year will be in Tokyo, and I'd really like to go back to Tokyo to finish on a better note – having people in the stadium, having the fans, and experiencing a real championship and sharing that with the Japanese audience as well. So, for now, I’ll compete for at least one more year. And after that, I won't say it's the end because I don't know.

Passion is key; I don’t think you can do something for so long if you don’t love what you’re doing. I love what I do; I’m having a blast doing it, and I think that’s what matters. I know it won’t last forever, I’m aware of that. So, I live these last few years knowing it’s going to end soon.

I make the most of it, which gives me a different perspective and commitment to my career. I tell myself to enjoy every moment because I know it will end soon. Afterwards, I’ll do something else, and that’s okay. I just want to make the most of it while I can.

 

Most Olympic appearances in athletics

Athlete (country)	Discipline(s)	Olympic appearances
Jesus Angel Garcia (ESP)	50km race walk	8 (1992-2020)
Melina Robert-Michon (FRA)	Discus	7 (2000-2024)
Merlene Ottey (JAM)	100m, 200m, 4x100m, 4x400m	7 (1980-2004)
Nicoleta Grasu (ROU)	Discus	6 (1992-2012)
Dragutin Topic (SRB)	High jump	6 (1992-2012)
Maria Mutola (MOZ)	800m, 1500m	6 (1988-2008)
Joao N’Tyamba (ANG)	800m, 1500m, marathon	6 (1988-2008)
Tessa Sanderson (GBR)	Javelin	6 (1976-1996)
Lia Manoliu (ROU)	Discus	6 (1952-1972)

Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics