The Torch Relay

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A true Olympic tradition, the torch arrived in Marseille, France, on 8 May 2024. Since then, almost 10,000 torchbearers have carried the flame throughout France and its overseas territories.

Key stages for sports diplomacy

The torch arrived in Marseille, France, on 8 May 2024. For that first stage, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games organized a joint European torch relay to celebrate Europe Day. 27 athletes from the 27 European Union Member States, as well as a Ukrainian athlete, took part.

With this first European torch relay in the history of the Games, we have shown that the Paris 2024 Games will be European, that our solidarity with Ukraine is unwavering and that Europe has a soul and a face: that of all its athletes.

Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister Delegate for Europe, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

On 26 June, the Olympic torch arrived in Germany, crossing the Rhine via the Three Countries Bridge, held aloft by students from the Collège de Nerval school in Village-Neuf (France) and the Oberrhein-Gymnasium school in Weil am Rhein (Germany).

This torch relay is of great symbolic importance. By working together, we celebrate not only French-German friendship but also our shared commitment to the Olympic values.

Samuel Ducroquet, Sports Ambassador

MEAE officials as torchbearers

From 8 May to 26 July, 10,000 torchbearers carried the Olympic Torch in a relay all over France, both on the mainland and in its overseas territories. Then, from 25 to 28 August, 1,000 torchbearers will criss-cross France with the Paralympic flames. They will light up France’s most iconic locations, along a route which will showcase the country’s cultural, natural and historical heritage to the entire world.

Of these 11,000 torchbearers, 182 are public officials chosen by the State in recognition of their remarkable professional careers, their commitment to public service, their extraordinary life stories and their links to sport. These officials also represent the exceptional efforts made by civil servants to make the Paris 2024 Games a success. Read on to learn about the four torchbearers from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Alexandre Genestier, Desk Officer at the Visa Policy Department

Alexandre Genestier works at the Olympic Consulate which processes visa applications for Members of the Olympic Family. “Back in 1992, my father took me to see the Olympic torch relay in Paris ahead of the Barcelona Games. I could never have imagined that one day I’d be in it myself! It is obviously with immense joy and pride that I am representing the Ministry and all officials working to organize these Games in Paris, at La Courneuve and in Nantes, and of course in our embassies. I was very impressed at the turnout in Angers (about 30,000 people), despite the Games still being two months away. I wasn’t expecting such enthusiasm. It was magical to be at the heart of it, to be a participant. The relay ended very quickly (200m). I tried to go as slowly as possible so I could take it all in! It was a mix of joy, emotion and, I must say, a little pressure too. It is a memory that will stay with me forever!”

Elodie Léogane, Special Assistant for Protocol at the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Afifa Saltani, Special Assistant for Protocol at the Olympic and Paralympic Games

When we were younger, we would always watch the Games on TV with my brother. The lighting of the flame and the opening ceremony were special moments… to experience them here in Paris was incredible! Taking part in the torch relay was truly an honour and a historic moment!

Yannick Ifébé, Special Assistant at the Financial Affairs Directorate, elite wheelchair fencer

Yannick Ifébé won the team goal medal in wheelchair fencing at the Rio Games. He will not, however, be competing as an athlete at the Paris 2024 Games. “In recent years, I’ve had some health problems which thwarted my return to the biggest stage,” he recounts. “But my top priority has always been professional retraining.” Now special assistant at the Financial Affairs Directorate, Yannick Ifébé has not left the world of fencing and still trains every evening. While he doesn’t rule out resuming his sporting career with a view to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, later this month he will have the honour of carrying the Paralympic flame before cheering on his former teammates at the Grand Palais.

Updated: July 2024