five highlights of the championship of the champions on the Champs-Elysées – Libération

2024-09-14 19:29:49

Almost 70,000 spectators came to Paris this Saturday to send their final cheers to the French athletes, but also to the volunteers and other small hands who contributed to the success of these Paris Olympic Games.

This time he was there. The Paris Games are definitely over. Began under the storms, 33rd The Olympics organized in France ended under a blue sky, for one last afternoon ceremony. Apparently “Léons” (Marchand), “Félix” (Lebrun), “Antoine” (Dupont) but also “Aurélie” (Aubert), many “Marie-Jo” (Pérec). “Tony” (Estanguet), but more “Emmanuel” (Macron) or “Michel” (Barnier). There are hundreds of supporters in blue, white and red, swarms of red phryges and smiles everywhere. Libe sum up this Olympic celebration on Saturday in five notable moments.

Teddy Riner President of the National Order of Merit

Is it because of his unique outfit that Teddy Riner is the only athlete to wear a dark blue suit? “Thank you thank you”threw the judoka to the crowd who roared in return “Teddy, Teddy, Teddy!!!” On Saturday, he was a star among stars. Golden in London (2012), Rio (2016) and Paris (2024), French Judo legend, already known knight (2013) and officer (2021) of the Association of Honor, the only one who can be promoted to the position of President of the National Order of Merit. Before that, you have to kiss the President, who can’t help but put his tie back on. Before finally being presented with distinction under the Arc de Triomphe, among other medalists. And to the happiness of the people.

The parade, too, was too short

However, there was the precedent of 2018, when the bus carrying the Blues football championship, on these same Champs, passed at high speed on the highway, causing trouble among the public, who had waited hours for n’ alone enjoy it for him. a few minutes. This time, the long march of 280 meters long which the athletes make is to make the parade very long so that everyone can see them. In fact, it is still a little short. And if it is impossible to miss the great Teddy, some struggle to recognize Léon Marchand or Antoine Dupont in the middle of a hundred athletes wearing the same white jersey with the logo of the French team.

Joy and… nostalgia of athletes

They unanimously loved it. Medal carefully placed in the left pocket, fencer Enzo Lefort approved the parade: “He prolongs the party and above all he relaxes. We see this as an opportunity for people who are not able to taste the magic of the Games to experience its pure nature. It’s very good”enthuses the bronze medalist in the foil team. “We are very impressed. We have been waiting for the Games for years. There is great skepticism between French society and athletes. Now, to finish this party with everyone to close it all with everyone is great,” smiles Nelia Barbosa, silver medalist in para-canoeing. The former Paralympic vice-champion feels a lot of nostalgia. “I know how lucky I am, how much this will mark my life.”

The French public, always and again at the top

Many of them came to cheer for their summer heroes one last time. And once again, 70,000 people randomly drawn to participate in the event for free did the job. Moving to one of the gates overlooking the Place de l’Etoile, Nana cheered. The 23-year-old woman, AI consultant from Vélizy (Yvelines) “do the most” to dance “We shake hands with Olympic and Paralympic athletes, some with amazing stories”remember who you are “relief” always check the Paris city hall page once the ticket office opens to make sure you have access to the parade. “It’s impossible that I’m not there!” Nicolas, 47, can’t miss the road trip with his two daughters: his wife is in it and he walks with the Paris 2024 volunteers. “It was the culmination of two months of work for him. It is a great offering at this time with night shifts. It’s a nice recognition. Parade on Champions, it’s a beautiful symbol. “

The emotions of Marie-José Pérec

“Marie-Jo! Marie-Jo!” It is impossible for the people gathered behind the ribbons to miss Marie-José Pérec on the Champs. Dressed entirely in red, the Olympic champion, who lit the last flame during the opening ceremony, attracted much attention as he benefited from the event. “We have to keep these times in mind”emphasized Guadeloupean, not without emotion. “I live my best life! How good is it to experience these games vicariously?he laughs, while repeating his pride in the athletes. “It’s amazing, thank you.”