Paul Fontaine, Biterrois bearer of the flame: “I saw eyes that shine”

Un relayeur heureux – P.F.

"At first I walked, then I ran a little. I came with my parents but I only saw my father in the crowd. It goes by so quickly !"& nbsp;When we contacted Paul Fontaine yesterday, the Biterrois had just climbed onto the porters' bus, just after holding the flame for 200 meters. For someone who has been fighting since the age of two years against cystic fibrosis, and who made his illness the driving force behind his work as a coach and speaker, the day started early, at 7:30 a.m., with yoga and meditation.

It was necessary to live up to this historic day:"We met at 10am in a gymnasium in Sète to receive the outfits, listen to a briefing, and get to know each other  the other carriers. There were about 35 people on the bus: we were dropped off just 5 minutes before our route, and picked up right after. Fortunately because everyone wants to touch the flame, take photos of it, take selfies… It was up to me to make sure no one took him away! I was in front of a school, and there was a crazy atmosphere. I saw eyes that shine, smiles, it really gives you energy."

Chaining sporting exploits to show that everything is possible, from the Paris marathon to the ascent of Mont Blanc or Kilimanjaro, Paul Fontaine, 40, has ;rsquo;accustomed to challenges. While waiting for an invitation to attend at least one event of the Games in Paris, he has lasting memories of this day… And the official outfit, which the wearers can keep.

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