MARSEILLE, France – The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille’s Old Port, marking the beginning of its journey through France. French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou proudly carried the torch to mainland France as thousands cheered from the shores and balconies. The welcoming ceremony at sunset was a majestic event, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing pride in the flame being on French soil.
The ship that brought the flame docked in Marseille after a dramatic entrance with the French national anthem playing and a flyover by the French Air force. The torch, lit in Greece last month, was handed over to France and symbolizes the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Organizers and officials in Marseille have made safety a top priority, with thousands of police officers, firefighters, bomb disposal squads, and anti-drone teams deployed around the city.
Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee and former Olympic canoeing star, emphasized the significance of the Games returning to France. He highlighted Marseille’s passion for sports and its role as a city deeply connected to athletics. The torch relay is set to begin in Marseille before traveling to iconic locations across the country, including Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, and the Versailles Palace.
The immense security measures put in place in Marseille underscore the authorities’ readiness to address any potential threats, including terrorism. The arrival of the Olympic torch has brought a sense of celebration and anticipation to the city, with officials and residents alike eagerly awaiting the lighting of the Olympic cauldron during the Games’ opening ceremony. The location for the cauldron’s lighting, kept under wraps, adds an element of mystery and excitement to the upcoming event.