Jackson Richardson, a former player with the Annecy region's Chambéry Savoie Handball Club, is returning to his roots while harbouring new Olympic ambitions.

One of French handball's most emblematic players, Richardson was an Olympic medallist in 1992, double World Champion in 1995 and 2001, European Club Champion in 2001 and flagbearer for the French delegation at the 2004 Games in Athens.

He said Annecy's "authentic natural setting and high quality sports facilities", as well as France's expertise in organising major international competitions, were all impressive strong points of the bid.

Edgar Grospiron, the 1992 Olympic moguls champion and chief executive of Annecy 2018, said: "Jackson Richardson's support is great news.

"His athletic titles and Olympic victories make him a heavyweight among the 500 champions who have signed the Charter of commitment supporting the Annecy 2018 bid.

"Once again, the French bid has shown its ability to unite all of our athletes' talents in support of a project designed by and for athletes."


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