the essential
Former recipient of La Poste, René Roumiguié was working in Sainte-Menehould, in Marne, in January 1992, when he was responsible for organizing the torch relay for the Albertville Winter Games. He recounts this significant episode in his life… with an incredible twist
While our department was brushed against (but unfortunately not crossed) by the Paris 2024 Olympic flame, René Roumiguié remembers with a few friends from the Nègrepelisse Athletics club (SCN athletics) the year 1992, the Olympic year with the Games winter in Albertville.
“La Poste was responsible for organizing the torch relay. Over the 5,500 kilometers of the route, we escorted the porters by running alongside them. » It was in Sainte-Menehould (Marne) that René took his place in the system. Its mission: to facilitate the passage of the wearer and ensure that the pace does not weaken.
I saw the flame disappear from the torch, so immediately, I took the extinguished torch from the hands of the bearer, I sprinted to the support vehicle where the original flame was kept, I relighted the torch and handed it to the bearer.
“There were people everywhere… People were shouting, clapping, but we had to stay focused. And what was not supposed to happen, happened! I saw the flame disappear from the torch, so immediately, I took the extinguished torch from the hands of the bearer, I sprinted to the assistance vehicle where the original flame was kept, I relighted the torch and handed it to the bearer, so that the journey can continue… We were warm, despite the very low temperatures in January 1992,” remembers René, a bit nostalgic.
It is thanks to these sporting skills that he was able to participate in this wonderful adventure that is the Olympic Games. René Roumiguié never stopped running and even when he arrived in Nègrepelisse, where he ended his career as a receiver at La Poste, he always practiced a sporting activity.
A member of the SCN athletics, he is very regular at the Wednesday evening meetings (7 p.m., Jean-Fleury stadium) where he meets the other members of the club for an outing without constraints, just the pleasure of running, the effort… “I invite everyone who wants to join us, not to stay alone with their sneakers, but rather to come and share the taste of effort together! », explains René Roumiguié.
