Jul surprise bearer of the Olympic flame for his arrival in Marseille

JO PARIS 2024 – Under the eyes of the president, tourists, OM supporters, and the people of Marseillais, of course. Arriving in Marseille after a twelve-day voyage in the Mediterranean Sea, the Belem finally moored this Wednesday, May 8 at the Old Port with the famous Olympic flame on board. And a first big surprise for the start of the torch relay in France: the presence of rapper Jul.

A spectacle which took place under the sun of the Phoenician city to launch the festivities of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France. On its arrival at the port, the majestic three-mast was also welcomed by a huge tifo and a spectacle of fireworks organized by the South Winners, supporters of Olympique de Marseille, before being followed in the sky by a parade of the French patrol.

Entrusted to swimmer and Olympic champion Florent Manaudou, the first torchbearer on French soil, the torch was lit just before mooring in the port of Marseille, to the sound of the Marseillaise performed by tenor Naestro. The official music of the 2024 Olympics, Parade, was also unveiled on this occasion.

Jul sets the Old Port ablaze

But it was once on land that the flame had its first (real) surprise. Namely the first surprise bearers of the Olympic flame. Florent Manaudou first passed it on to Nantenin Keita, Paralympic athletics champion. But all day long, the rumor of a carrier “ star » had finished spreading for this Olympic ceremony.

And while many expected to see footballer Zinedine Zidane appear, it was another Marseille star who was invited to the party. Because the mystery carrier of the day was in reality the rapper Jul.

First camouflaged, the artist revealed himself to the Marseille public present in large numbers to attend the show. And it was ultimately he who lit the Olympic cauldron to thunderous applause. “ It’s crazy, it’s magical, for me it’s an honor. I am very proud for France and for Marseille especially. Marseille we are here, thank you area! “, he shouted despite his usual shyness.

Under the eyes of Emmanuel Macron or French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, a slightly improvised musical sequence then began in the face of the clamor of the Marseillais to obtain a live song from the rapper. Without trembling, Jul took up the challenge for a few seconds on the notes of The Riftone of his last great hits.

A great way to end this first Olympic sequence in France, just a few weeks before the start of the Olympic Games. The only disappointment of the day on the Marseillais side… The absence of ” Zizou », expected by many during this ceremony.

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