Passage of the Olympic flame in Sète: we know the name of the very first flame bearer

La flamme est attendue à Balaruc et Sète ce lundi 13 mai. Paris 2024

Reception of the flame in Balaruc before crossing the Etang de Thau was entrusted to the volleyball player of the French team Benjamin Toniutti, closely linked to Sète and Arago.

"It’s a nice surprise ! Representing a city that adopted me is a source of great pride, said volleyball player Benjamin Toniutti this Wednesday, May 8, on his way back to France . The passer and captain of the Polish team of Jastrzebski, resident of Arago de Sète from 2009 to 2013, learned a few days ago that he would be the first bearer of the flame Olympic Games during its visit to Balaruc and Sète this Monday May 13. "I knew for a few weeks that I would be one of the porters, but I discovered when I opened my official invitation that it was me first! It adds a little something extra.

Benjamin Toniutti should participate in his third Olympic Games in Paris. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The flame before defending the Olympic title

Benjamin Toniutti will therefore welcome the flame when it arrives from Millau, around 1:25 p.m. in Balaruc-les-Bains, to lead it to the ;pier. She will then climb aboard Capitaine Pesqui, the hybrid educational boat of the Lycée de la Mer, to cross the Etang de Thau towards Sète. A foretaste of the Olympic Games for Benjamin Toniutti ? The current captain of the French volleyball team hopes to go for gold in Paris for his third Olympic Games and while France is the title holder.