This year, the 'Isère Proud of its Athletes' evening highlighted women's sports, recognizing 821 athletes from Isère who secured a podium at national, European, or world levels during the 2025-2026 sports season.
Four athletes who participated in the Milan Cortina Olympic Games were honored: Kévin Aymoz (figure skater), Nils Blairon (bobsledder), Maja-Li Lafrate Danielson (snowboarder), and Aurélie Lévêque (speed skater). They shared their extraordinary experience, looking ahead to the 2030 Olympic Games in the Alps.
In cycling, following an incredible year that included the Tour de France and the French Road Cycling Championships in Isère, Paul Magnier, a triple stage winner of the Giro in 2026, and Clémence Latimier (6th in the French championships, 2nd in the Alpes Grésivaudan Classic) spoke about their season.
Trail running was also celebrated with Maelle Beauvir and Frédéric Tranchand, world champions, alongside Thomas Cardin. They expressed their attachment to the Skyrace des Matheysins, an emblematic race in Isère and a leg of the Skyrunning World Cup.
The Department, which supports Isère's champions year-round, emphasized their role as inspirations and its commitment to increasing access to sports for everyone, particularly for middle school students and vulnerable populations.
The event brought together nearly 35 sports committees and honored 571 athletes for their national (571), European (26), and world (67) podiums. Among the European champions recognized were Lucie Eruam (French savate boxing), Edith Guennec (powerlifting), and Maël Papot (MTB orienteering).
Nine teams, comprising 152 athletes, were also celebrated, including the Basket-Club La Tronche Meylan team (promoted to the 1st professional basketball league) and CS Vienne Rugby (National championship).
The evening, known for its festive atmosphere, also featured an aerobic gymnastics show by the French vice-champions from ACTPA Allevard and a high-level demonstration by the MJC Savate Cotoise club in French savate boxing.
The Department reaffirmed its support for the Isère sports community, encompassing professionals, amateurs, and volunteers, and announced the reopening of the Departmental Sports House in February 2027.
