On July 26, 2024, when Paris vibrated for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, all eyes watched a silhouette: Zinedine Zidane. After a magical relay with Rafael Nadal, the 1998 world champion seemed intended to light the Olympic basin. But at the last moment, it was a completely different duo that emerged in the light: Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner. A choice held secret until the end, even for the main concerned.
“I thought it was Zidane”said Pérec in a cross interview with Riner published this Saturday in The Parisian. “You replied: 'I knew it would be you'”she continues, still surprised at this moment. The former judoka had been warned that he was part of the “Top 15” Without knowing more. It was not until the boat, with Clarisse Agbégnénou, that he understands that he will not share this moment with his comrade but with a legend of French athletics.
Marie-José Pérec so far ignored that she would be the last relay. “As Platini had lit the basin in Albertville in 1992, it did not leave me. It's my darling, Zizou, it's the darling of many, but I didn't want him to take this place “she explains. A sincere and symbolic admission, for a role that she finally took on emotion.
“The Olympic Games is our story”
Tony Estanguet, boss of the cojo, had taken care to blur the tracks. By informing Riner and Pérec at the last minute, he guaranteed the effect of surprise. “It is only you who do not know the big champion that you are”he slips to rine, in an accomplice exchange. A nod to a duo chosen to embody the Olympic values and the French heritage.
Zinedine Zidane had been invited to participate in the flame relay, but without being chosen for the final ignition. A deliberate choice of the organizers, who preferred to highlight two icons of French Olympism. As Teddy Riner pointed out:
“Zizou is a monument. The Olympic Games are our story. »»
