Easier to handle for para-athletes, the Phryge is distributed first on the podium, but the collector’s poster is also delivered at a later date to the Paralympic village.
Published on 01/09/2024 07:11
Reading time: 2 min
The podium, the applause of the public, the tear, the medal, and finally, the long-awaited gift: the famous Phryge. This is a detail that may have escaped you: during the awards ceremonies, Paralympic athletes receive the famous red and white mascot, and not a poster, as during the Olympic Games. It is indeed a Phryge that the French swimmer Ugo Didier brandished in front of the photographers, Thursday, August 29, after his victory in the 400 m freestyle. It is also a Phryge that the American Elouan Gardon lifted it like a trophy after his bronze medal obtained on Saturday in paracycling.
Don’t go imagine any lack of fairness or possible stock shortage. The reason can be summed up in a few words: “It is easier for para-athletes to handle a Phryge, which is by definition soft, than the mail box, which is hard”explains the Organizing Committee to franceinfo. “CThis mascot is more accessible depending on the disability. For example, if you have no arms, you can place it on your shoulder.”explained on France 2 Ludivine Munos, former para-swimmer and head of theParalympic integration within Paris 2024. Exactly what Chinese swimmer Guo Jincheng, a double amputee, did after winning silver on Friday in the 100m freestyle, S5 category.
Paralympics 2024 – Swimming: Guo Jincheng receives his silver medal
The organizers told franceinfo that the distribution of Phryges on the podiums of the Paralympic Games was decided well before the madness took hold of the country, several months ago.
She herself has a visible disability, Phryge paralymPike is equipped with a prosthesis on the right leg with a blade. The color changes depending on the medal. Gold, silver and bronze are also represented with the emblem sewn on the belly. Last detail: the word “bravo” is sewn in full letters and in French on the back. The same word is also engraved in Braille, this time unders the hard part of the prosthesis.
Back in the village, theParalympic medallists continue to be spoiled. Its receive They too box of about forty centimeters containing the official poster of the event, designed by Ugo Gattoni. In bref, the exact opposite of the protocol implemented during the Olympic Games.
