Before the Games can officially begin, it's tradition for athletes, celebrities and community leaders to carry the torch across the country to its final destination. Who were the torchbearers for the final leg of the Paris 2024 Olympics journey? From the Louvre Museum to the Eiffel Tower, from Paris' poshest districts to its most working-class neighbourhoods, hundreds of people have carried the Olympic torch through the French capital for two days of celebrations before the Summer Games kick off at the end of the month. Around 11,000 people were chosen to carry the flame across France from the southern city port of Marseille, where it arrived on 8 May, to the opening ceremony on 26 July.
Every Olympics, the list of people who carry the torch range from superstar athletes, national treasure celebrities, and lesser-known people who have contributed to the nation. The last time the Summer Olympics was held in Europe, for the 2012 London Olympics, torchbearers included David Beckham, Patrick Stewart and Melanie C from the Spice Girls. In Paris, joyful crowds lined up along the route Sunday and Monday.
“I got super emotional,” BMX world champion Matthias Dandois said after carrying the torch in front of the Eiffel Tower. “I’m from Paris, and I grew up playing so much sport and watching the Olympics, and it was a dream to be a part of it.” Of the 2024 line-up, many are athletes.
Others were picked because they represent art, culture and gastronomy, volunteer for charities.
