Guy Ontanon had planned a nice surprise for the entire French para-athletics team. Gathered together during a final training session at INSEP before the start of the athletics events at the Paralympic Games, athletes and staff had the joy of meeting the legend Marie-José Pérec on August 26. A secret well kept by Ontanon, responsible for performance within the French para-athletics team.
Perec should be present at the Stade de France
“I told them I would give them a gift. They didn’t know what it was. Marie-Jo’s arrival was a great moment of joy for the entire delegation, athletes and staff, since the latter didn’t know either.”explained the former coach of Muriel Hurtis, Christine Aron and Jimmy Vicaut.
Marie-José Pérec with Dimitri Pavadé, athlete of the French para-athletics team specializing in the long jump. Photo: screenshot story Dimitri Pavadé
“I wanted to invite inspiring athletes to this last training camp. On Saturday, we received Assia El Hannouni (8 times Paralympic champion) so that she can share her experience with the athletes, the mistakes not to make in the village or in the call room for examplecontinued Guy Ontanon. And then we built up a crescendo. For the last collective team meeting, I had asked Marie-Jo. She talked about her experience and invited them to enjoy these Games, have fun, and give themselves up like she was able to do during the Olympic Games in Atlanta. (double Olympic champion in 1996). »
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Will the French athletics legend attend the events at the Stade de France? She will pass”Guy Ontanon says with a smile.
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