President Sarkozy Greets French Athletes

I thank you for delaying your return to your families and making a detour to the Elysee Palace.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy welcomed the country's Olympic team at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday and urged them to quickly start their preparations for London 2012.

France finished 10th in the medals table at the Beijing Olympics which ended on Sunday. The team won 40 medals -- a post-war record -- but only seven golds.

"I thank you for delaying your return to your families and making a detour to the Elysee Palace," Sarkozy said.

"I think each of you deserves praise. I think there are no differences between a gold medal in minor sports and a gold medal in major sports.

"I urge you to turn your minds towards the London Olympics in 2012 and to take all the necessary steps to be even better."

Some athletes also paraded along the Champs-Elysees on two open-top double-decker buses on Tuesday.