2024-07-26 07:52:51
A decoration before which French President Emmanuel Macron also bowed his head on Wednesday.
“See the rings behind me? See the Eiffel Tower? Everything is ready. Let’s open the Olympic Games!”, the 46-year-old head of state solemnly shouted.
Lithuania will also have its mark in this special place. Monika Paulikienė and Ainė Raupelytė will make their Olympic debut on the beach volleyball court located next to the Eiffel Tower.
This pair of girls will go down in the annals of history – until now, the Lithuanian Olympic team has never had a beach volleyball team.
The historical debut of the best Lithuanian volleyball players will take place on July 28, when the girls will compete against the Dutch national team. It is symbolic – on that day A. Raupelytė will celebrate her 24th birthday.
On Thursday, together with M. Paulikiene, she tested the main court of the competition – the volleyball players held a training session at the match venue located right next to the Eiffel Tower.
“We had already the second training today. It was a bit surprising, because I imagined that there would be no wind, but there is really quite a lot of wind and those stands do not block it, but those who bought tickets will definitely not ask for it”, M. Paulikienė said after the training.
Just a few days ago, the volleyball players who flew from Vilnius airport to Paris said before the flight that the excitement of the Olympic Games was still not felt, however, as soon as they arrived in the French capital, the situation changed.
“I already felt (the mood of the games). “Especially in the training sessions that take place on the central court, you can feel that lack of peace, something is restless in my heart, but I think that I will be able to manage and everything will be fine”, added the 29-year-old volleyball player.
Both athletes were impressed by the view in the central square – next to it “shined” as early as the 19th century. at the end of the year, the Eiffel Tower emerged in this place, and the square itself was surrounded by 14,000 people. tribunes that accommodate seats.
“It’s a very impressive pitch, when the grandstands are full of people, it’s going to be a space,” A. Raupelytė shared her impressions.
Both Olympians added that this is definitely the most impressive venue they have played in their careers.
The Olympic debutantes will start the group stage competition against the Dutch national team.
“Here are our group’s favorites. Many are predicting her to top the group. We have played with them in the European Championship and we have won. Everything is really possible.
We will go to do what we know how to do, without any pressure, the most important thing is to get our minds together on the court”, said the Olympians.
Lithuanian volleyball players will also face the Brazilian and Japanese national teams in the group stage.
The Paris Olympic Games will be held from July 26 to August 11. You will be able to follow their progress lrytas.lt portal.
2024-07-26 07:52:51