May 8th 2024.
Florent Manaudou, a renowned French swimmer and Olympian, recently had the honor of becoming the first Olympic torch carrier in France. This exciting event took place in the vibrant city of Marseille, located in the southern region of the country. As the Olympic flame made its way to Marseille from Greece, a majestic three-masted ship served as the vessel for this treasured symbol. The ship then docked at the city's Old Port, where a welcoming ceremony was held at sunset on Wednesday.
Amidst the stunning backdrop of the Old Port, Manaudou proudly carried the torch from the ship to the mainland of France. The entire city was buzzing with excitement as the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, echoed through the streets and a French Air Force flyover added to the grandeur of the occasion. Tens of thousands of people gathered at the stage area on the shore, while thousands more watched from their balconies and windows, all eager to be a part of this historic moment.
The Olympic torch was originally ignited in Greece last month before being officially handed over to France. It then embarked on a twelve-day journey aboard the iconic ship Belem, which has a rich history dating back to 1896. Upon the ship's arrival in Marseille, President Emmanuel Macron met with the French Olympic athletes who had accompanied the torch on its voyage. In a speech at the city's Olympic Marina, Macron declared that with the arrival of the flame, the country was now fully immersed in the spirit of the Olympic Games.
Paris 2024 Olympics Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet also expressed his excitement and pride at the return of the Olympic Games to France. He noted that Marseille, a city with a deep love for sports, was the perfect location to kick off the torch relay. As a former Olympic athlete himself, Estanguet understood the significance of the torch's journey and the importance of starting the competition on a high note.
Authorities in Marseille have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents during this momentous occasion. With nearly a million inhabitants, Marseille is France's second largest city, and as such, extra precautions have been taken to maintain security. Approximately 8,000 police officers have been deployed in and around the harbor, and thousands of firefighters, bomb disposal squads, and anti-drone teams have been strategically positioned throughout the city.
Yannick Ohanessian, the deputy mayor of Marseille, expressed his excitement for this monumental day and reassured the public that all necessary measures had been taken to ensure their safety. The torch relay will officially begin in Marseille on Thursday before making its way to Paris, passing through iconic locations such as the Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy's D-Day landing beaches, and the Versailles Palace. Heavy police and military presence has been observed in Marseille's city center, and a military helicopter even flew over the Old Port as a show of caution.
French Interior Ministry spokesperson Camille Chaize confirmed that officials were well-prepared for any potential security threats, including terrorism. She mentioned the presence of the elite National Gendarmerie Intervention Group unit, who will be accompanying the torch relay from start to finish. The ultimate goal is for the Olympic cauldron to be lit during the Games' opening ceremony, set to take place on the River Seine on July 26. The exact location of the cauldron is being kept top-secret, with rumored options including the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries Gardens outside the Louvre Museum. The anticipation and excitement for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics are at an all-time high, and the entire country of France is ready to welcome the world to this prestigious event.
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