Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Alexis Hanquinquant, flag bearer of the French delegation, retains his title in PTS4 para triathlon

Le porte drapeau a conservé son titre. MAXPPP – John Walton

Alexis Hanquinquant, porte-drapeau de la délégation française à Paris, a été sacré champion paralympique lundi dans sa catégorie PTS4 du para-triathlon.

A huge favorite, the 38-year-old Frenchman retains his title won in Tokyo in 2021. This is the second title for the Blues in the para-triathlon that has been taking place since Monday morning, after that of Jules Ribstein in PTS2.

He crossed the finish line in the magnificent setting of Les Invalides in 58 min 01 sec, more than two minutes ahead of the American Carson Clough and three minutes ahead of Spaniard Nil Riudavets Victory. In great shape, undefeated for five years now, Hanquinquant took the lead from the start of the swimming part in the Seine.

Flag bearer

In Paris, the Norman is certainly living "his" Games. Designated flag bearer in July, alongside sprinter Nantenin Keita, he guided the French delegation from the bottom of the Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde on Wednesday during the opening ceremony and was even one of the last torchbearers to light the cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens.

After a serious work accident on a construction site in 2010, Alexis Hanquinquant asked to have his right leg amputated three years later, having become a burden. He then chose to take up triathlon with the ultimate dream of a Paralympic title. He now has two.