During the passage of the Olympic flame through Hérault on Monday May 13, 2024, Adrien Riff will be the oldest bearer of the sacred fire. For this moment of glory in Sète, part of his family will be present to support him.
At almost 89 years old, Adrien Riff is the oldest bearer of the Olympic flame in Hérault. Driven by a desire to always surpass himself, this extraordinary athlete will walk 200 meters brandishing the Olympic torch in Sète on Monday May 13, 2024.
A force of nature as he defines himself, Adrien Riff became a PE teacher in Algeria in his youth. Throughout his life, he was involved in the sports community.
Having had to stop running for health reasons, this grandfather chose to take up cycling, “and the passion for cycling came to me from the moment I was given a bike”, he remembers.
A passion that he passed on and shared with his 21 grandchildren.
So when one of his granddaughters heard about the passing of the Olympic flame, she immediately seized the opportunity to please her grandfather so that he could take on this role. “I told him, yes, but I’m not a great sportsman like Laure Manaudou and others,” says the octogenarian.
She answered me but there’s no need, you’ll see, you fit the criteria perfectly: it’s made for beautiful people like you.
Adrien Riff, bearer of the flame
Adrien Riff therefore has an appointment with the Olympic flame at 2:49 p.m. sharp on Monday May 13, 2024 in Sète. In the public, many of his children and grandchildren will proudly support him.
Ultimately I will be very proud, very happy to carry the Olympic flame, if only to please all my children and grandchildren.
Adrien Riff, bearer of the flame
