Twenty after her 3 medals from the Athens Games, Laure Manaudou is there, in front of the statue paying tribute to Pierre de Coubertin. A few moments earlier, Greek Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Douskos, after the high priestess lit her torch, cut through the crowd.
The first “torchkiss” of the XXXIII Olympiad takes place. Torch designed by Mathieu Lehanneur in one hand, olive branch in the other, Laure Manaudou sets off for a few hectometers, becoming the first French carrier of the 2024 Games.
“The wait was a little stressful, also the stress of knowing when my torch was going to light,” smiles Laure Manaudou. There was no need to mess up. It was a very nice moment that passed very quickly, but I was able to enjoy it.”
The Queen of the Athens Games admits to being happy with this return to Greece. “This morning, I was told that the circle is complete, but in my head these memories will always be there. It’s very symbolic to come back here, I hadn’t had the chance to enjoy the surroundings, to enjoy a ceremony. There I tell myself that it’s done! I am delighted to have carried the flame for the first time, here in Greece. »
The flame will arrive in France on May 8
The former swimmer had the choice between carrying the flame to Gironde where she lives and Olympia. “I found it was more symbolic here. »
Another tricolor sportswoman carries the flame in Greece, Gabriella Papadakis, invited by Coca-Cola, sponsor of the torch relay. For her, it will a priori be in the Athens stadium where on Friday April 26, the handover between the Greek Olympic committee and Paris 2024 will take place. The skater will be accompanied by her mother, originally from Greece.
Another strong symbol for this relay which is only just beginning, as the flame will arrive in France on May 8. In Marseille, renowned athletes, such as Jean-Pierre Papin, expected at the velodrome stadium, and Florent Manaudou should don the white porter’s outfit.
