For the first time in the history of the Winter Olympic Games, the opening ceremony took place in four different locations simultaneously, this Friday evening in northern Italy, to launch the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina (February 6 to 22). 130 French athletes – out of the 162 entered – took part in the parade, distributed between San Siro in Milan, Cortina, Predazzo and Livigno.
“I realize this chance” to be a standard bearer
The two French standard bearers, snowboarder Chloé Trespeuch and alpine skier Clément Noël, were together in Livigno. At the end of the parade, they each spoke to talk about this very special moment for an athlete. “It’s a unique, special moment in a career. It’s short, we’re not having a big parade but it was cool, it’s great moments of sharing with the whole delegation,” rejoiced Clément Noël. A feeling shared by her counterpart Chloé Trespeuch: “It goes by super quickly, it’s super short and therefore super intense! »
For his very first participation in an opening ceremony, Clément Noël was, however, a little disappointed at not having fully experienced a celebration as usual, even if the 28-year-old skier praised the successful organization of the ceremony.
“It’s not the San Siro stadium, I think it’s a slightly different atmosphere but we enjoyed it, we were all happy to be there. I don’t really feel like I went through a ceremony. I must admit, I experienced a parade with a flag, which is already magnificent and few people have the chance to do it in a career, so I am aware of this opportunity,” he added, recognizing that it was the simplest for logistical reasons and “very well organized”.
“We tried to do a little choreography”
Quadruple parade required, the cameras did not stay long on the four sites. So we didn’t see it, but the two flag bearers tried to start a little dance! It was Chloé Trespeuch who revealed it after the parade. “We tried to do a little choreography, it certainly didn’t show, but we enjoyed the moment,” said the snowboarder, laughing. “We said to ourselves that it was so short and that it was only once in a lifetime, so we could try to initiate a little idea in a circle. For me, it came from my family who told me Chloé you can’t parade around doing nothing, it’s impossible. It’s once in a lifetime so you try to do something original! »
Before adding: “It created a little group emulation too so that was cool. The other ceremonies that I did were in the stadium, so perhaps more of an outside atmosphere but there, with this role of flag bearer and just having the big flag in my hands, it makes the role a little symbolic, quite strong. Emotionally, these are lovely moments. It’s only once in a lifetime, so you want to enjoy it. »
With the opening ceremony now over and the Games officially launched, all French and world athletes will be able to truly enter the competition until February 22.
Worth a look
