New exhibition in Montpellier: Louis Nicollin's Olympic treasures unveiled to the public for the first time

Louis Nicollin's Olympic treasures are revealed to the public for the first time. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

Les trésors olympiques de Louis Nicollin se dévoilent pour la première fois au public. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

Passionné de sports, Louis Nicollin a constitué l’une des plus grandes collections au monde. Une infime partie, dédiée aux J.O., est ouverte pour la première fois au public du 26 juillet au 1er septembre.

Many remember Louis Nicollin, orange crest on his head, celebrating in 2012 from the balcony of the Opéra-Comédie the title of French champion of the MHSC. By pushing open the doors of the illustrious building, Montpellier residents will be able – from this Friday – to delve into the inner life of the "President", who died in 2017. And at the same time dive back into the most beautiful pages of Olympism. Until September 1, the Opéra-Comédie is hosting the exhibition, free, < em>"The Louis Nicollin Olympic Collection".

Around forty moving pieces – medals, official and competition outfits, posters, flags… – that the City offers to discover "in a magnificent setting& quot; on the occasion of the Paris 2024 Games.“After the passage of the flame and the reception of many delegations, Montpellier had to continue to celebrate Olympism on its territory, rejoices Michaël Delafosse. The family of Louis Nicollin responded, and I thank them for this, for what is also a wonderful tribute to a figure of our city.”

Eighteen Olympic torches

Since 1936 and the Berlin Games – during which the American Jesse Owens will challenge the Third Reich – the torch has become one of the greatest symbols of Olympism. Eighteen are exhibited, including the first (Berlin, 1936). But also those of Helsinki (1952), Mexico (1968), Barcelona (1992) or, more recently, Beijing (2008) and Rio (2016).

Eighteen torches are on display. Free Midi – GIACOMO ITALIANO

"As with the jerseys, which had to be worn, the President was keen on authenticity. Priority to torches that have burned and traveled the route. And if the fire had been lit in Olympia, it was even better", confides Christian Pelatan, guardian of the collection. In 2012, Louis Nicollin went to London to attend the competitions. He obviously had the torch of these Olympic Games, “pierced with 1,800 holes, one for each wearer!”.

The pointe shoes of Mimoun and Bolt

Two generations, and two immense champions. The pointe shoes of Alain Mimoun, one gold medalist and three silver medalists, and those of Usain Bolt, eight-time Olympic champion, share the bill for this exhibition. The first wore them in 1952 in Helsinki, where he lost in the 5,000m and 10,000m to his friend and best opponent Émil Zatopek.

Alain Mimoun's pointe shoes. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

Four years later, he became a legend in Melbourne by winning the marathon. The second used these shoes, signed, at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Louis Nicollin narrowly escaped recovering only one foot. But after tough negotiations, the seller agreed to sell the pair.

The Tournant bike

It is undoubtedly the most impressive piece exhibited at the Opéra-Comédie. A bicycle. Or rather The bicycle. The one that allowed Arnaud Tournant to win his fourth Olympic medal, in Beijing, in 2008. For the record, the champion would join the Nicollin group for a while once his sporting career was over. A nod, also, to Louis Nicollin's passion for cycling.

The bike that allowed Arnaud Tournant to win his fourth Olympic medal, in Beijing. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

The “Dream Team” in full

“Louis Nicollin kept up to date with all the sales. He was the one who made the choices. It was then up to us to verify the authenticity”, remembers Christian Pelatan. “Loulou” had thus brought back himself the jersey of the 1992 American basketball team, bought at auction during a trip to the United States. An exceptional piece, since it was signed by all the players of the Dream Team 92.

The Team USA jersey, signed by the “Dream Team” of 1992. Midi Libre – GIACOMO ITALIANO

“The Louis Nicollin Olympic collection”, until September 1st, Opéra-Comédie de Montpellier. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Free admission. I subscribe to read more