Paris 2024 Olympic Games: “A little girl’s dream”, for Perrine Laffont, Olympic torch relayer in Font-Romeu

Les yeux qui brillent pour Perrine Laffont. Région Occitanie/Léo Arcangelli

Perrine Laffont, multiplie championne du monde et championne olympique, a été la dernière relayeuse à Font-Romeu, lieu où elle a fait ses études.

Qu’est-ce que cela représente pour vous de porter la flamme olympique ?

It’s a lot of emotions, a little girl’s dream. I had my Olympic dream and that of carrying this flame, which will go to Paris, to the Games which will take place in a few weeks now. I thank Font-Romeu and the Occitanie Region for the great privilege you have given me.

Font-Romeu, a symbolic place for you?

It’s a real honor and it made a lot of sense to do it here in Font-Romeu, the land that prepared me for my first Olympics, which I did at 15 in Sochi ( 2014). It’s important to celebrate this beautiful place. A little thought for my ex-teachers, who worked hard over my last years of Baccalaureate so that I could succeed at the university. to have when I had already made my first Olympics and was starting to make international podiums. It wasn’t easy but thanks to this great infrastructure, I managed to carry out this double project. I want to thank you for that.

C'est Didier Boubé, ancien pentathlète, qui a transmis le feu sacré olympique à Perrine Laffont, multiple championne du monde et championne olympique de ski de bosses 🎿🔥#FlammeOlympique #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/c4uDVwIc1w

— Midi Libre Sports (@MidiLibreSports) May 15, 2024

You stamp your feet before the flame is taken to you as if impatient…

I admit that I was a little cold (laughs), because it was cool this morning. It was also to increase the pressure, the adrenaline. It looks, casually, like a little competition, we must not miss it, in front of a great audience who came to encourage us in a superb atmosphere.

Also read: Paris 2024 Olympic Games: "For us it’s a real spotlight on this magnificent site", the Olympic flame passed through Font-Romeu

You have experienced many “Marseillaise” on the podiums, what does the one sung by the public today represent for you, before you receive the flame ?

It’s always a difficult moment to explain, a mix of emotions. It’s an honor that these young people have done to me, normally we hear La Marseillaise when we’re on the first step of the podium, there it was quite symbolic to hear it with the flame in his hands.

A message for the young people in the audience, who may be dreaming of an Olympic adventure?

Believe in your dreams. Not so long ago, I was in their place, I believed in my dreams of being an Olympic champion, and I was able to make them come true.

If you hadn't done mogul skiing, what summer Olympic discipline would you have practiced?

Not running that’s for sure (laughs). I think I would have done surfing, it’s a bit similar with sliding sensations.