Nearly 70,000 spectators came to Paris this Saturday to give their final cheers to the French athletes, but also to the volunteers and other helping hands who contributed to the success of these Parisian Olympics.
This time it’s done. The Paris Games are definitely over. Having started in torrential rain, the XXXIII Olympics held in France ended under a blue sky, for a final afternoon of celebration. There were of course “Léon” (Marchand), “Félix” (Lebrun), “Antoine” (Dupont) but also “Aurélie” (Aubert), many “Marie-Jo” (Pérec). “Tony” (Estanguet), but few “Emmanuel” (Macron) or “Michel” (Barnier). There were hundreds of supporters in blue-white-red, clouds of red phryges and smiles everywhere. Liberation summarizes this Saturday of Olympic celebration in five key moments.
Teddy Riner Commander of the National Order of Merit
Was it because of his unique decoration that Teddy Riner was the only athlete to wear a dark blue suit? “Thank you, thank you, thank you”the judoka shouts to the crowd who roar back «Teddy, Teddy, Teddy !!!» On Saturday, he was the star among stars. Having won gold in London (2012), Rio (2016) and Paris (2024), the French judo legend, already distinguished as a knight (2013) and officer (2021) of the Legion of Honor, was the only one able to be promoted to the rank of commander of the National Order of Merit. Before that, he had to kiss the president, who couldn’t help but give him his tie. Before finally presenting him with the distinction under the Arc de Triomphe, among the other medalists. And to the cheers of the crowd.
The parade, still too short
There had been the precedent of 2018, when the bus transporting the world champion French football team, on these same Champs, had passed at high speed on the artery, causing distress to the public, who had waited hours to enjoy it only a few minutes. This time, the large 280-meter long catwalk on which the athletes paraded was supposed to make the parade much longer so that the public could feast their eyes. In reality, it was still a little short. And if it was impossible to miss the great Teddy, some struggled to recognize Léon Marchand or Antoine Dupont in the middle of the hundred athletes wearing the same white tracksuit with the Equipe de France logo.
The joy and… nostalgia of athletes
They unanimously loved it. Medal carefully placed in his left pocket, fencer Enzo Lefort validates the parade: “It prolongs the party a little and above all it relaxes. We see it as an opportunity for people who have not been able to taste the magic of the Games to have its purest essence. It’s so good.”enthuses the bronze medalist in team foil. “We are very moved. We have been waiting for the Games for years. There was a lot of skepticism among French society and athletes. Now, to finish this party with everyone to close it all with everyone is great,” smiled Nelia Barbosa, who won silver last week in para-canoe. The Paralympic vice-champion already feels a lot of nostalgia. “I realize how lucky I am, how much this will mark my life.”
The French public, always and still at the top
Many people came to cheer on their summer heroes one last time. And once again, the 70,000 people drawn to participate for free in the event were up to the task. Leaning against one of the gates overlooking the Place de l’Étoile, Nana is exultant. The 23-year-old woman, an AI consultant from Vélizy (Yvelines) has “enjoyed it to the fullest” from JO “We vibrated with the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, some with incredible stories”remembers the one who has “refreshed” constantly check the Paris city hall page as soon as the ticket office opens to be sure to have a ticket for the parade. “There was no way I wasn’t there!” Nicolas, 47, could not miss the procession on the avenue with his two daughters: his wife is in it and strolling with the Paris 2024 volunteers. “It’s the culmination of two months of work for her. It was a big sacrifice during this period with night shifts. It’s a nice recognition. Parading on the Champs is a beautiful symbol.”
The emotion of Marie-José Pérec
«Marie-Jo! Marie-Jo!» It was impossible for the average person huddled behind the tape to miss Marie-José Pérec on the Champs. Dressed in an all-red costume, the Olympic champion, the final torchbearer at the opening ceremony, monopolized attention as much as she enjoyed the event. “We have to keep these moments in mind”insisted the Guadeloupean, not without emotion. “I lived my best life! How good it is to live these Games vicariously”she jokes, while reiterating her pride in the athletes. “It was fabulous, thank you.”
Related News :