From Langres to Saint-Dizier, a dive into history
For the Olympic Flame too, the day was sporting. It began in Langres, one of the most beautiful fortified towns in France, nicknamed as such the “Carcassonne of the North”. The Flame passed in front of the town hall, the Saint-Mammès cathedral and the Porte des Moulins. The torchbearers were able to admire Bourbonne-les-Bains, a spa town recognized since Antiquity, and Nogent, renowned for its dolmens and the corner tower. Then, the Flame headed towards Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. Highlighted thanks to the support of the Grand Est Region, the town was the haven of peace for General de Gaulle who owned La Boisserie there, his family home.
The Flame continued its journey through the heart of history, passing next to the 19th century Chaumont viaduct, then through the Froncles forges. The industrial past was also in the spotlight in Saint-Dizier, whose foundries were so popular during the Belle Époque. Near Lac du Der, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, the Flame traveled to the urban area of Vert-Bois, followed the banks of the canal between Champagne and Burgundy and stopped in front of the theater of Saint-Dizier. The celebration site was set up a little further away, at Parc du Jard.
Weightlifting and 114 Flamebearers at the party
A few hours earlier, in Langres, a collective relay had taken place. This is the second organized by the French Weightlifting Federation in this city where the discipline is particularly established. It was also the president of the local club (Langres Haltérophilie Bodybuilding), Jean-Louis Gudin who was the captain of the relay. Selected several times for the French team, he has served as president for more than 30 years. In total, there were 23 enthusiasts present including Rose Duchauffour, Amélie Balland who practices despite her handicap, Sylvain Besancenot and Dagmar Witkowski, both referees.
In total there were 114 flame bearers who followed one another on the roads of Haute-Marne. In this area so conducive to sporting activity, it was logical that athletes from all walks of life would be there. This was the case of handball player Abdelkader Rahim, an Algerian international born in Saint-Dizier, of the French para-shooting champion, Thomas Mendez, and of triathlete Nicolas Thevenin who has already participated in nine Ironmans. French wrestling champion in the 1970s, Jean-Michel Brun was also there. Former chef de mission of France at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004, he is currently vice-president of the CNOSF.
A “torchkiss” between Florent Piétrus and Axel Clerget
It was about sport throughout the day and until the final “Torch Kiss” between the two torchbearers which concluded the day. The penultimate torchbearer was in fact the former basketball player Florent Piétrus. A member of the French team, he was crowned European champion in 2013 alongside Tony Parker and obtained bronze at the Worlds a year later. Florent Piétrus then passed the Olympic Flame to Axel Clerget.
-This judoka has distinguished himself at the highest level: world team champion in 2011, he was crowned Olympic mixed team champion during the last edition in Tokyo. Axel is also a native of Saint-Dizier, which added to the excitement at the site of celebrations when he lit the cauldron.
Alongside all athletes, anonymous people who cultivate a history and commitments that correspond to the values of Olympism. The first two porters of the day, Corentin Bandosz and Sarah Parrot, residents of a specialized reception center (Foyer Montclair), are working to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
Their dynamism and will contribute to accessibility to sport for people with disabilities. A fight also led by another torchbearer, Christophe Lattach, a sailing educator for people with disabilities. He was able to meet Annie Cunnin, president of a paragliding club which strives to promote cohesion and conviviality. Two judo enthusiasts, former members of the French team and currently involved in a club, Eva Salvadori and Jérémy Jonval, were also there.
Tomorrow, new smiles, joy and a wonderful festive spirit will be found along the roads of France. The Olympic Flame continues its journey to the East in the Meuse department. Located in the heart of Lorraine, this territory of history, nature and heritage is ready to vibrate all day long from Gondrecourt-le-Château to Verdun.
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