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On June 28 and 30, academic and former athlete Éric Monnin presented the Olympic flame from the Tokyo Games to schoolchildren in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis. An object emblematic of Olympism's values, which was bestowed upon him last May in Athens. We met the man who was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal in 2012.
A former top-level athlete and member of the French junior judo team in the 1980s, Éric Monnin is vice-president of the Université de Franche-Comté in charge of Olympism, and director of the Centre d'études et de recherches olympiques universitaires (CEROU) (University Olympic Studies and Research Center).
He also had the privilege of carrying the Olympic torch at the Tokyo Games - which start on July 23 - even though the relay he was due to take part in Greece was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On June 28, he presented this symbol of Olympism at two schools in the 14th and 15th arrondissements, before visiting schools in Seine-Saint-Denis on June 30. A chance to meet the "2024 generation", in the words of Éric Monnin, who will be living the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the fullest.
How come you got to become one of the torchbearers ?
Éric Monnin: I was invited by the Hellenic Olympic Committee to be one of the torchbearers for the Tokyo Games. They chose me because I'm the only Frenchman to have received the Pierre de Coubertin medal, in 2012, at the London Games. There are 10,000 torchbearers in the world.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my relay, which was due to take place in March 2020, could not take place. I finally received the torch in May 2021 in Athens. Holding the torch was first and foremost an honor.
The Olympic flame is 71 cm high and weighs just 1.2 kilos, so that people with disabilities can carry it without difficulty.
Vice-president of the University of Franche-Comté, responsible for Olympism
Ever since I received it, my goal has been to bring it to life and share it with as many young individuals as possible. I first showed it in my region, in Franche-Comté. Then, on June 28, I met over 500 students in the 14th and 15th arrondissements, and young people from Seine-Saint-Denis on June 30.
What was it like holding the Olympic flame?
First and foremost, it's a high-tech object: made from aluminum recycled from temporary buildings erected after the Fukushima disaster. The tip of the flame represents the Japanese sakura cherry tree, and is made up of 5 petals. It stands 71 cm tall and weighs a mere 1.2 kilograms, making it easily portable for people with disabilities.
What messages would you like to get across to the young people you meet?
Eric Monnin with pupils from the Avenue Félix Faure school (15th arrondissement)
Credit
Thomas Lefevre / Ville de Paris
The Olympic flame is a formidable educational tool. It's an ambassador for the values of Olympism: sharing, unity and tolerance. It enables us to work with the new generation, the generation of the 2024 Games, on the values of Olympism. Because Olympism isn't just about excellence: it's also about respect and tolerance for others.
I want them to understand that the Games are first and foremost about bringing people from all over the world together in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding.
What were the students' reactions?
First, there's a sense of wonder at the object and its beauty. And a lot of questions from the youngsters. I had to explain to them that I'm not allowed to light my own torch or organize my own relay!
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