Starting commands at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Regattas will be give in French, according to an advisory shared with team managers by World Rowing.
The French commands will be both a return to traditional commands and a nod to the host nation.
"The goals is to make the Games of Paris 2024 as French as possible," said Pierre Enfant, spokesman for the Paris Organizing Committee. "From the bits of Eiffel Tower iron in the medals to the primary language competitors will enjoy out on the playing surfaces, we plan to put a little French into every aspect of the Olympic experience."
"Guess we better get back to practicing going on the 't' of 'Et' for this summer," said one US Coach, on hearing the news.