The 42-year-old, who won the +95 kilogram at Atlanta in 1996 and +100kg Sydney in 2000, is to replace Chantal Jouanno, who resigned following her election to the French Senate yesterday.

Douillet had also won a bronze medal in the +95kg at Barcelona in 1992 as well as four world and one European titles.

Douillet, who carried the French flag at the Opening Ceremony in Sydney, was elected deputy to the French National Assembly in October 2009 for the ruling UMP Party of President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Douillet moves from his role as Secretary of State for French nationals abroad.

"On the proposal of Prime Minister, the President terminated at his request, the functions of Chantal Jouanno, Minister for Sport," said a statement from the President's office.

"He appointed Mr. David Douillet Sports Minister."

Douillet's main responsibility will be overseeing France's preparations for the 2016 European Football hampionships.

Despite Jouanno being elected to the Senate the opposition left won the elections and seized control of the Upper House of Parliament for the first time since 1958, leaving Sakrozy fearing for his job just seven months the Presidential elections are due.

Jouanno served less than a year in the role but she did make an impact on Annecy's ill-fated bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, helping give it some creditability when several officials wanted to scrap it.

Also, under her Paris was awarded the 2018 Ryder Cup.

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