By Earlier in the week, history was made in Paris when Kevin Piette became the first person to carry the Olympic torch using an exoskeleton. The short steps he took as the world readies for the Paris 2024 Olympics is a significant milestone, highlighting his inspirational journey and dedication to promoting inclusivity through sports.
As a paraplegic athlete who has triumphed over substantial adversity, Piette exemplifies the Olympic spirit, which celebrates athletic excellence, resilience, courage, and the unifying power of sports.
Kevin Piette, paraplegic since an accident, made history today by carrying the Olympic flame with his exoskeleton! 💪
— Kevin W. (@Brink_Thinker) July 23, 2024
Piette, a wheelchair tennis player from France, is among the 11,000 torchbearers chosen for the 2024 Olympics. The torch relay begins in Olympia, Greece, on April 16, 2024, and arrives in Marseille, France, on May 8, 2024. It will then traverse 65 French territories over 68 days, concluding in Paris. This extensive journey not only builds anticipation for the Games but also showcases the rich cultural and geographical diversity of France.
The torchbearers for the Paris 2024 Olympics are selected based on their embodiment of the core values of the Games: sport, community, and collective action. Piette’s inclusion is particularly meaningful as it underscores the Games’ commitment to inclusivity, celebrating a diverse range of individuals, including those with disabilities. This selection process aligns with the broader goals of the Paris 2024 Olympics to foster a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Kevin Piette’s story is one of unwavering determination. After an accident rendered him paraplegic, Piette did not let his disability hinder his passion for sports. Instead, he pursued wheelchair tennis, emerging as a prominent athlete in the sport. His role as a torchbearer acknowledges his achievements and his efforts to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay is designed to celebrate France’s cultural and natural heritage. The relay will pass through iconic landmarks such as the medieval fortress of Carcassonne, the Château de Versailles, and the Chateaux of the Loire Valley. It will also highlight France’s diverse landscapes, from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the mountainous terrains of the Alps. This journey not only promotes the Olympic spirit but also showcases the beauty and historical significance of the host nation.
Additionally, the relay will include segments dedicated to France’s overseas territories, enhancing the inclusivity and reach of the event. These segments will take the torch to regions such as Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Réunion, ensuring the Olympic spirit resonates throughout all parts of France.
Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, said: “Paris is shining. It’s the symbol of a free city, a wonderful city, the most beautiful city in the world. I am very proud to have driven this bid and brought back the Games in Paris.
“The flame is the energy of a country, the will to be together. The Torch Relay is preparation for the Opening Ceremony, it’s a national storytelling, which brings us together. In this storytelling, there are landscapes, territories, nature, the beauty of the sites and our diverse cultures.”
Need more of this in games etc