Paris 2024 Olympic Games: “I carried the flame, why me, I will probably never know”

“In the long list of memories that will come knocking on my door from now on, my first handling of the torch will necessarily remain apart,” assures Dominique Mercadier, deputy head of the sports department at Midi Libre, after experiencing drunkenness of a Warholian quarter of an hour. Free Midi – GIACOMO ITALIANO

Since January 16, 2024, he has known that he will carry the Olympic flame to Montpellier. Barely time to imagine this unique moment. The reality will exceed all his expectations. Dominique Mercadier, journalist at Midi Libre, delivers a poignant account of this unique adventure that began in 2023.

It all started with a simple email lost among dozens of notifications. On this August 4, 2023, my mailbox is puking, I have to sort it. I go back to my computer. I hesitate for a moment over the trash can. "Take a look, you never know". A little inner voice calls out to me. Hey, a message from Coca-Cola. "Become the next Paris 2024 Olympic torchbearer !" Hard to resist.

At this point, I'm more intrigued than anything else. I have never been in contact with the American company in any way. Including in the context of my job as a journalist. Why me, why today? I will probably never know.

Here I am hooked by the prospect of experiencing a unique moment:« We are happy to invite you to live this extraordinary experience and to participate, alongside us, in spreading the magic of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. » Banco!

I'll finally know if this is all real

January 16, 2024. Six months have passed since this first communication. Like all candidate-bearers of the flame, we had to show our credentials – no S file in the relay –, defend your piece of fat and justify this invitation in a few words. I talked about Guy Drut in Montreal in 1976, Marie-Jo Pérec in 1996, and the coverage of the Rio Games (2016) and Tokyo (2021) for Midi Libre. Paris 2024 knows everything about me now (or almost) down to my measurements.

I'm finally going to know if this is all real. The announcement of the list of 10,000 torchbearers is planned for later today. What if I had gotten fired up for nothing. By superstition, few people are in the secret. The hours pass. The confirmation email (yet another) dispels the last doubts: "Congratulations ! You will carry the flame". It will be in Montpellier on May 13. Over 200 m, for four minutes of eternity.

200 m for eternity

Until I received my official summons on May 3, I hadn't really felt any particular pressure. It was when I arrived at the Angelotti swimming pool on Monday, three hours before my… hour of glory when everything changed. The temperature had already risen by several degrees after the lighting of the flame in Marseille and the start of the relay. But now, it was my turn. And everything was going to happen very quickly, too quickly in hindsight.

I had the impression of receiving the jersey of the French rugby team on the morning of a VI Nations Tournament match, surrounded by my brothers of flame

A few kind and reassuring words of welcome, the last instructions and the first big thrill with the presentation of the official outfit. For a minute, I had the impression of receiving the jersey of the French rugby team on the morning of a VI Nations Tournament match , surrounded by my brothers of flame. There was no battle cry between us but lots of smiles, a wink, encouragement, a pat on the back and lots of photos to immortalize the moment.

The story of a kid passionate about sports and writing

At this moment, I also know who will join me at 5:32 p.m., at 100 avenue de Lodève, the little corner of Montpellier that has been reserved for me. Fabienne Fortes, 64, will be the 95th torchbearer of the day. I will be the 96th and Nicolas Jean, 40 years old, the 97th. She was the victim of a serious motorcycle accident at the age of 18. He is a salesman in a large cheese company. Soon we will be bonded for life.

Am I really legitimate? I asked myself this question a hundred times before boarding the shuttle with a lump in my stomach

In the long list of memories that will come knocking on my door from now on, my first handling of the torch will necessarily remain apart. There is the object itself, slender, all in steel, created by designer Mathieu Lehanneur (70 cm, 1.6 kg). A model of its kind. Above all, there is what it represents, the symbol.

Am I really legitimate? I asked myself this question a hundred times before getting on the shuttle with a lump in my stomach and sweaty hands. But it was already too late to retreat, to escape the crowd and the communion.

200 m, four minutes… The rest is my little story. That of a kid passionate about sports and writing who knew how to reconcile the two by becoming a journalist. It resonates in the heart and body of my partner and my loved ones, who came from Rodez, Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues or Saint-Jean-de-Védas to share this madness with me.

I carried the Olympic flame and everything ended well. There were kids, old people, girls and boys of all colors on the side of the road. There was noise and joy. I passed the baton nourished by each of you. You will recognize yourself. Thank you.