Unprecedented exhibition in Montpellier: Louis Nicollin's Olympic treasures revealed to the public for the first time

Louis Nicollin's Olympic treasures are revealed to the public for the first time. Free Midi - GIACOMO ITALIANO

Les trésors olympiques de Louis Nicollin se dévoilent pour la première fois au public. Midi Libre - GIACOMO ITALIANO

Passionné de sports, Louis Nicollin a constitué l’une des plus grandes collections au monde. Une infime partie, dédiée aux J.O., est ouverte pour la première fois au public du 26 juillet au 1er septembre.

Many remember Louis Nicollin, orange crest on his head, celebrating in 2012 from the balcony of the Opéra-Comédie the title of French champion of the MHSC. By pushing open the doors of the illustrious building, Montpellier residents will be able - from this Friday - to delve into the inner life of the "President", who died in 2017. And at the same time dive back into the most beautiful pages of Olympism. Until September 1, the Opéra-Comédie is hosting the exhibition, free, < em>"The Louis Nicollin Olympic Collection".

Around forty moving pieces - medals, official and competition outfits, posters, flags… - that the City offers to discover "in a magnificent setting& quot; on the occasion of the Paris 2024 Games.“After the passage of the flame and the reception of many delegations, Montpellier had to continue to celebrate Olympism on its territory, rejoices Michaël Delafosse. The family of Louis Nicollin responded, and I thank them for this, for what is also a wonderful tribute to a figure of our city.”

Eighteen Olympic torches

Since 1936 and the Berlin Games – during which the American Jesse Owens will challenge the Third Reich – the torch has become one of the greatest symbols of Olympism. Eighteen are exhibited, including the first (Berlin, 1936). But also those of Helsinki (1952), Mexico (1968), Barcelona (1992) or, more recently, Beijing (2008) and Rio (2016).

Eighteen torches are on display. Midi Libre - GIACOMO ITALIANO

"As with the jerseys, which had to be worn, the President insisted on authenticity. Priority to the torches that burned and made the route. And if the fire had been lit in Olympia, it would have been even better”, confides Christian Pelatan, guardian of the collection. In 2012, Louis Nicollin went to London to watch the competitions. He obviously had the torch of these Olympic Games, “pierced with 1,800 holes, one for each wearer!”.

The pointe shoes of Mimoun and Bolt

Two generations, and two immense champions. The pointe shoes of Alain Mimoun, one gold medalist and three silver medalists, and those of Usain Bolt, eight-time Olympic champion, share the bill for this exhibition. The first wore them in 1952 in Helsinki, where he lost in the 5,000m and 10,000m to his friend and best opponent Émil Zatopek.

The tips of Alain Mimoun. Free Midi - GIACOMO ITALIANO

Four years later, he became a legend in Melbourne by winning the marathon. The second used these signed shoes at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Louis Nicollin almost only recovered one foot. But after tough negotiations, the seller agreed to sell the pair.

Tournant's bike

It is undoubtedly the most imposing piece exhibited at the Opéra-Comédie. A bike. Or rather The bike. The one that allowed Arnaud Tournant to win his fourth Olympic medal, in Beijing, in 2008. For the record, the champion will join the Nicollin group for a time once his sporting career is over. A nod, too, to Louis Nicollin’s passion for cycling.

The bike that allowed Arnaud Tournant to win his fourth Olympic medal, in Beijing. Free Midi - GIACOMO ITALIANO

The “Dream Team” in full

"Louis Nicollin kept up to date with all sales. He was the one who made the choices. It is then up to us to verify the authenticity", remembers Christian Pelatan. "Loulou" had himself brought back the jersey of the 1992 American basketball team, purchased at auction during a trip to the United States. An exceptional piece, since it is signed by all the players of Dream Team 92.

The Team USA jersey, signed by the 1992 “Dream Team”. Free Midi - GIACOMO ITALIANO

“The Louis Nicollin Olympic collection”, until September 1, Opéra-Comédie de Montpellier. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. I subscribe to read more