Antoine Zeghdar #8 and his team from France won the gold medal in Rugby 7 at the Paris Olympics.
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A Golden Moment in Paris
In the heart of Paris on a warm summer day in 2024, Antoine Zeghdar stood atop the podium, gold medal around his neck, celebrating France’s historic victory in Rugby 7 at the Olympics. At just 25 years old, Zeghdar’s journey from Monaco, a place where rugby barely registers on the sports radar, to Olympic champion is a testament to unwavering determination and resilience.
From Monaco to the Rugby Pitch
Born and raised in Monaco, Zeghdar’s introduction to rugby was serendipitous. “One of my friends took me to training,” he recalls. “As soon as I put one foot on the pitch, I loved it.” At 12 years old, he discovered a love for teamwork and a drive to excel. But to take rugby seriously, he needed to leave the comfort of home and his family. At just 14, he moved to Nice to train, marking the first of many sacrifices on his road to success. On that fateful trip, he was spotted by a professional scout.
Sacrifices on the Road to Success
By 18, Zeghdar had turned professional. For three years, he played in Toulon, where his team clinched three French championships, cementing his status as part of a “gold generation” of players. Yet, despite his success, Zeghdar felt outshined by his more naturally gifted teammates. “I wasn’t as talented, but I had the advantage of height and strength,” he says. Determined to bridge the gap, he became a student of the game, emulating the best players and pushing himself through extra drills and strength training.
The Rugby 7 Olympic champions in Paris in 2024 did not qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021.
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Forging Strength Through Discipline
It was during his stint in a rural second-division team, far from the glamour of Monaco and comfort of his tight-knit family, that Zeghdar truly developed his discipline. Isolated and uncomfortable, he doubled down on hard work, asking endless questions and embracing the grind. The effort paid off when Castres Olympique, a top-tier team, bought out his contract. Although the team fell short in the finals, Zeghdar emerged a more seasoned and resilient player.
The Shift to Rugby 7 and Olympic Dreams
Four years ago, Zeghdar expanded his career by transitioning to Rugby 7, drawn by its faster pace and the allure of the Olympic stage, while continuing to play Rugby 15 simultaneously. He narrowly missed qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a loss that fueled his determination. “Since then, I always had Paris on my mind,” he says. Focused on the 2024 Games, he trained exclusively for Rugby 7, honing his speed, endurance, and leadership. “It’s the biggest event of all time,” shares Zeghdar.
Gold medalist Antoine Zeghdar loves Rugby 7, a fast-paced intense strategic and physical game, … [+] played without protective equipment.
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Family Support and Unwavering Determination
The sacrifices were immense, but Zeghdar never wavered. His parents initially doubted his rugby dreams. His father, once skeptical, became his biggest supporter, setting academic and athletic benchmarks that Zeghdar rose to meet. His mother provided the emotional encouragement he needed to persevere through the tough times, especially when he was far from family.
Olympic Glory and What Comes Next
In Paris, all that hard work, preparation and sacrifice paid off. Leading as a forward, he played with growing confidence, culminating in an Olympic gold medal that he calls “the greatest achievement” of his life. “The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding,” he says, quoting one of his favorite mantras.
Zeghdar’s medal now serves as both a reminder and inspiration. Looking ahead, he plans to continue playing as long as the game remains fun. For Zeghdar, the story isn’t over—it’s just beginning.
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