Thierry Henry And Romane Dicko Carry Olympic Flame Through The Beautiful City Of Paris

Sunday, 14 July denoted the first day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay in the French capital.

It was a profoundly historic 57th stop on the course of the Relay as it fell on Bastille Day, the National day of France.

The Olympic torch also began its excursion through the City of Lights, with former French international football player and current coach of the U23 French national team for Paris 2024 Thierry Henry and Judo star Romane Dicko as the first Torch bearers for the start up.

The soccer legend highlighted the fact that, being on the Winners Élysées on Bastille Day, with regards to the Olympic Games in Paris, was extremely close to home for him.

“This is just extraordinary, truly a big moment! Besides, the family is watching,” he declared, confessing he was happy and filled with emotion, but not stressed, after saying hello to his Bleuets team on French TV.

In spite of not qualifying to the Games as an athlete during his time as a player, it was dependably a fantasy for him to experience the Olympic Games, particularly now that it is being hosted by his home country, France.

“Having this opportunity to be able to participate, not on the field of course, this is really great! We are preparing with the French U23 team, we will try to go as far as possible.”

As Henry’s experience with the torch reached a conclusion, he said the Olympic Light Hand-off was “heartwarming,” prior to passing the light to fellow French athlete, Romane Dicko, who will represent the host country in judo at Paris 2024.

Romane Dicko, individual bronze medallist and Olympic champion in judo in the mixed team event at Tokyo 2020, had the honour of sharing a Torch Kiss with the 1998 world football champion.

It was a touching moment for her, as she walked close to a main light of French game down one of the world’s most popular streets, Champions Élysées.

“A lot of emotions on the Champs-Élysées on July 14. I think we can’t do better, from Sir Thierry Henry,” Romane said on France TV.

The French judoka, who will compete in the women’s +78kg category at the Champ-de-Mars Arena on 3 August, added with a large smile: “Can’t wait for the Games!”

The first escort between the Winners Elysées and the Sorbonne University was lit by other big names, including Miss France 2002 Sylvie Tellier, who was joined by three goup of dancers, each painted in blue, white or red from head to toe as they acted before the French National Assembly.

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For the well known musician Lang Lang, who had proactively carried the Olympic torch at home for Beijing 2008, running with the fire in Paris before the French Senate building, it was a significant privilege, particularly as it fell on Bastille Day.

“It’s one of the most beautiful, romantic cities, and also for classical music, this is the heart of the romantic music capital.”

Prior to playing with the French National Ensemble Symphony before the City Hall in the evening, it was a good opportunity for him to train.

“I may need to take a shower before the concert but it was a really good warm up,” he laughed.