2024-08-26 23:06:26
Having left England on Saturday August 24, the Paralympic flame continued its journey to France. This Tuesday, August 27, 2024, he arrived in Île-de-France where many interpreters were waiting for him. Among them, Jeanne Le Pêcheur, a young paracyclist who has won many medals in the French championships. It will take place at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome. Meeting.
Obviously, I said yes! I’m really happy, really, I’m jumping everywhere, at first sight.
Attention immediately appeared in the eyes of this blonde haired young woman. Carrying the Paralympic flame, Jeanne Le Pêcheur, 21, had not even thought about it. Neither do his fans!
I think I don’t know. Basically, I can’t sit up, I have to be strong everywhere, so the Paralympic lifting is great.
Today, the young athlete walks slowly, using a cane. Born at five and a half months, he has suffered from cerebral palsy since childhood: a disability … but not an obstacle. Passionate about the sport, Jeanne discovered cycling by chance, literally “ cycling by hand », which is done in the evening, a few centimeters from the ground.
Read againParalympics 2024: the immersion of the para-athlete equipment repair industry
Passionate family training
A favorite, he surrendered himself to this discipline, to the point of participating several times in the French championships.
Competition, at first, I didn’t think about it, he started to bet with my brother. I went for it and got bronze medal and last time, silver. It really helps me clear my head and stop thinking about being sick. Cycling gives me a feeling … of freedom!
The athlete travels several times a week, but not alone.
I have a little flag to tell the cars I’m there, but usually I don’t see the cars. So, I need a guide with me.
Read againParalympics 2024: the immersion of the para-athlete equipment repair industry
This could be the village baker, a family friend or even… your father, Benjamin. He is the one who will sell Jeanne’s bike during the torch relay at the velodrome.
The plan will represent Jeanne’s sport, cycling, and is a way to thank all those who follow and support.
For the athlete, carrying the torch is also an opportunity to show weakness and give hope.
I said to myself – maybe in vain – that through the symbol of fire, the Olympics and sports, you can help some people to accept their disability or a situation that they have difficulty accepting in order to get better after. Since accepting my disability, I have had fun. Just because you have a very thick wall in front of you doesn’t mean you can’t break it. If you want to break, you break. If you want to accept your disability, you accept it.
Jeanne plans to continue her journey, with one goal in mind: to participate in the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
► The plan and schedule for the Paralympic Games can be consulted here.
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