The Olympic torch relay is a time-honored tradition that showcases the spirit of the Games and the host nation’s culture. In 2024, Paris will welcome 11,000 torchbearers who will carry the Olympic flame across France, sharing a message of enthusiasm and unity. These torchbearers will be selected based on their commitment, dedication, and embodiment of the core tenets of Paris 2024.
The Three Core Tenets of Paris 2024
- Sport and the Games: This tenet encompasses the energy of athletes, volunteers, and professionals from various sports associations, as well as those involved in the Games as volunteers, employees of partners, and individuals who have been part of the Olympic journey since its inception.
- Communities: The second tenet symbolizes the businesses, innovators, creators, and those who embody French excellence across all sectors throughout France.
- The Collective: The third tenet focuses on individuals who take action each day to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and fairer society with a stronger emphasis on solidarity.
More news about Olympics Opening Ceremony 2024.
Representing the Diversity of French Society
The torchbearers will reflect the remarkable diversity of French society, including:
- Women and men
- National and local public figures
- Citizens selected from among the public
- People with disabilities
With France hosting the Paralympic Summer Games for the first time, Paris 2024 aims to use the Relay as an opportunity to promote a more inclusive society. The selection criteria for torchbearers will be the same for both the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays.
The Selection Process
The entire Paris 2024 ecosystem is involved in selecting the torchbearers. The Games’ partner companies, including the two official sponsors of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays (Coca-Cola and Banque Populaire Caisse d’Epargne), will play a crucial role in the selection process. These partners have an outstanding ability to mobilize their millions of employees and customers, ensuring a diverse and representative group of torchbearers.
Iconic Torchbearers in Previous Relays
Previous Olympic torch relays have featured some iconic torchbearers, such as:
- Michel Platini (Albertville 1992)
- Antonio Rebollo (Barcelona 1992)
- Muhammad Ali (Atlanta 1996)
- Cathy Freeman (Sydney 2000)
- David Beckham (London 2012)
However, many lesser-known individuals with extraordinary stories have also carried the torch with panache and distinction, exemplifying the spirit of the Games and the host nation.
As the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, the selection of the 11,000 torchbearers will be a testament to the values of sport, community, and inclusivity. These individuals will carry the Olympic flame, igniting the passion and enthusiasm of the French people and the world as they embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.