Olympic Spirit Shines Bright in Seine-et-Marne: Recap of the Torch Relay

Seine-et-Marne, July 20, 2024 – Last Saturday, Seine-et-Marne welcomed the Olympic Flame, illuminating the region with its rich heritage and diverse landscapes. The day was marked by the participation of over 150 torchbearers, including renowned athletes and influencers, who carried the Flame from Fontainebleau to Meaux, showcasing the Olympic spirit throughout the department.

A Memorable Day of Olympic Celebrations

Seine-et-Marne, known for its stunning landscapes and historic landmarks, demonstrated its Olympic enthusiasm as the Flame traveled through the region. The journey began in Fontainebleau, where the Flame was greeted at the National Sports Center of La Défense before moving to the UNESCO-recognized castle and park. Among the notable torchbearers were Guy Drut, Olympic vice-champion of the 110-meter hurdles in 1972, and Margot Boulet, bronze medalist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in para rowing.

Highlights of the Torch Relay

Fontainebleau to Meaux: The relay highlighted the department’s cultural and natural beauty. Key moments included:

• Fontainebleau: The day started with a collective pentathlon relay, celebrating the origins of the sport.
• Melun: Torchbearers carried the Flame through historic sites, including the Saint-Barthélemy bell tower and the Jeanne d’Arc bridge.
• Vaires-sur-Marne: The Olympic Nautical Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility, hosted legendary kayakers and canoeists.
• Provins and Meaux: The Flame illuminated historic landmarks such as the Caesar Tower and the Great War Museum of the Pays de Meaux, culminating in the lighting of the Cauldron by Jocelyne Busson, an iconic local teacher.

Honoring Local Heroes and Influencers

The day’s events were enriched by the participation of local heroes and popular influencers. YouTuber and comedian Malcolm TotheWorld, TikTok star Just Riadh, and contemporary artist Jordane Saget joined the celebrations, adding a modern touch to the historic relay. The event also honored everyday heroes like Rémy Boyer, a volunteer for the Rio Games, and Delphine Lau, an entrepreneur who overcame severe burns to lead a successful business.

The Modern Pentathlon Relay

Fontainebleau hosted a collective relay organized by the French Modern Pentathlon Federation. Led by Blandine Lachèze, a former pentathlete, the relay celebrated the sport’s origins, drawing inspiration from a legendary young officer of the French cavalry. The event featured 23 participants, including future champions like Alixane Wuiot, highlighting the enduring appeal of the modern pentathlon.

A Look Back at the Celebration

The Flame’s journey through Seine-et-Marne was a testament to the region’s Olympic spirit and cultural richness. The relay highlighted the unity and enthusiasm of the local communities, setting the stage for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Continuing the Olympic Journey

Following the celebrations in Seine-et-Marne, the Flame continued its journey in Val-de-Marne, starting from Orly and passing through Rungis, Boissy-Saint-Léger, and concluding in Créteil. The Olympic spirit continues to inspire as the Flame travels through France, bringing communities together in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Games.

Find all the Torch Relay activities in your area on the Games Map, which lists over 5,000 events related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games throughout France. Local stakeholders and communities can reference their events by filling out the dedicated form.