Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: “It's crazy stuff”, says Montpellier resident Brice Maurel on the first day of competition

Brice Maurel, jeudi, en passant par la zone mixte de l’Arena du Champ-de-Mars. D.M.

L’équipe de France de rugby fauteuil a parfaitement entamé son tournoi jeudi en dominant le Danemark 53-51. Le Montpelliérain Brice Maurel a vécu ça depuis le banc de touche.

This Thursday afternoon you stayed on the bench but we imagine that you enjoyed the victory against Denmark (53 – 51) ?

It was really a great match. And even if I didn't play, I was there to support all my colleagues. It's a good start, that's what we needed. We had the crowd behind us, it was really fantastic. The family, everyone, we did the job. I'm really happy, even though I didn't get on the field.

Tell us about this atmosphere…

Honestly, it's crazy. Yesterday (Wednesday), I was at the opening ceremony. I was really amazed. People are really behind us. They don't know us particularly, but they are there to encourage us. These are truly unique moments that we are experiencing here. We have to make the most of it, because we know it won't last. It's pure happiness.

Also read: Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: “Our hope is to win a medal”, Montpellier's Brice Maurel in the running in wheelchair rugby

Friday at 7:30 p.m., it's Australia.

Another big one. The Australians lost their first match against Great Britain. They're going to be out for revenge. They have no choice. We can qualify (for the semi-finals), but we're not going to calculate. In any case, we have to win our three matches. Period. We did the job today. That's the most important thing. We're going to rest tonight, enjoy ourselves a bit…

A little message for your friends in Montpellier?

A big message to the entire Montpellier club. I'm thinking of them a lot. I hope they watched the match. I send them big kisses. A big kiss to part of my family who couldn't come and who are staying in Montpellier. A big kiss to everyone.