Usain Bolt kicks off the 2024 Paris torch relay
During the ceremony on July 26, Bolt lit the Olympic torch along with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Paris 2024 Organizing Committee chief Tony Estanguet. The legendary Jamaican sprinter carrying the torch paraded through a crowd of cheering spectators, waving the French flag. He also posed in the familiar victory victory pose of lightning.
"I'm happy to be here," Bolt said. "Paris has always been a city where I enjoy playing and walking. I am very excited to go to Paris 2024. I will be here with my family."
The torch, crafted of mildly polished steel and in a champagne color, features a dramatic design that mimics the reflection of the Eiffel Tower in the rippling waters of the Seine. This creation aims to convey a sense of peaceful energy, reflecting the spirit of Paris and the Olympics.
The Olympic flame will be lit on April 16, 2024 in the ancient city of Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, symbolizing the beginning of the torch's journey to Paris.
The torch relay will pass through various French cities and landmarks, including the Pantheon in Paris and the picturesque Mont Saint-Michel mountain, before the torch is transferred to several overseas French territories. .
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024 in the French capital. Paris (Olympic host of 1900, 1924, 2024) and Los Angeles (1932, 1984, 2028) will also join London (1908, 1948 and 2012) to become the three Summer Olympics host cities. .
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place on the Seine, and this is the first time this important ceremony will be held outside the Olympic stadium. The launch took place on the banks of the iconic Seine and also inspired the design of the torch.
"I think this is going to be one of the best opening ceremonies in history, if not the best," Bolt insisted. "Imagine people standing outside, crossing bridges to cheer, which has never happened."
With 11 gold medals at world tournaments and 8 Olympic gold medals, Bolt is one of the icons of sports, not only athletics or short running. Retired since 2017, Bolt still holds three world records in the 100m (9 seconds 58), 200m (19 seconds 19) and 4x100m relay (36 seconds 84).
