Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: French Para-Triathletes Ready to Shine
The French Triathlon Federation has officially announced the selection of 21 paratriathletes who will represent France at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This selection, described as 'record' and 'ambitious' by the federation's president Cédric Gosse, underscores France's strong aspirations for the home games. The national technical director, Benjamin Maze, highlighted the eight medals won by French athletes at the last World Championships, setting high expectations for the upcoming Paralympics.
Leading the French delegation is Alexis Hanquinquant, a six-time world champion and gold medalist in the PTS4 category at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games. Hanquinquant, who has recently been vocal about the quality of the Seine's water, remains confident about competing in the river despite concerns about bacteriological pollution. He believes that the debate over the Seine's water quality is exaggerated and asserts that the river is 'no dirtier than elsewhere.'
Concerns Over Seine's Water Quality
The Seine, set to host the triathlon and open water events during the Olympics and the para-triathlon events in early September, faced significant bacteriological pollution in June. While the river recently met the European directive's thresholds for four days, questions about its water quality persist. Hanquinquant has expressed that if water conditions degrade excessively, transforming the event into a duathlon would be a 'Berezina,' emphasizing that it would not be the same sport. He compares it to asking a basketball player to play with a handball.
Despite these concerns, the French para-triathlon team is optimistic and focused on achieving historic success. The team includes notable athletes like Pierre-Antoine Baele, vice-world champion in 2023, and Annouck Curzillat, a bronze medalist in the PTVI category at the Tokyo Games. The athletes are eager to compete in front of a home crowd, a stark contrast to the Tokyo Games held during the Covid period.
Strategic Turning Point for Inclusion
Hanquinquant also highlighted the broader significance of the Paris 2024 Games for societal inclusion and acceptance. He believes that the Games present a strategic opportunity for change and that failing to capitalize on this moment would be a missed opportunity. The French para-triathlon team is determined to make a lasting impact, both in terms of medals and societal change.
The French delegation is set to parade down the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde during the opening ceremony on August 28. Hanquinquant, who hopes to be one of the two standard bearers, continues to inspire his team with his unwavering commitment and ambitious goals.
