I am one of those who considers the 100 meter sprint to be the premier event of the Olympic Games. From Carl Lewis in my youth, to waking up in the middle of the night to see Donovan Baileys’ world record in Atlanta, and in 2016, the latest Olympic exploits of Usain Bolt at the Rio Olympics. The feats of the greatest sprinter in history. The Jamaican’s ultimate goal sounded like a promise to the world: to win his third hat-trick over 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, after Beijing 2008 and London 2012. It was his “biggest dream”, and he achieved it. granted before the eyes of billions of viewers. Before my eyes, dawn is still making itself felt.
Beyond being captivated by the sporting feat, I was captivated by the power of emotions provided through my television screen, by these images where the athletes are in the starting blocks, time suspended before the race . In less than 10 seconds, years of training and careers are at stake… Over the years, technological progress has made it possible to share moments of sport which will also remain, for each of us, moments of unforgettable life. In my place today, I measure the technical and human prowess represented by this challenge of connecting the Games. It’s an opportunity for the world.
I still remember precisely the words spoken by the sports commentator when “Lightning” crossed the finish line: “Usain Bolt, insurmountable!” These were the last flashes of an Olympic legend. Above all, I remember saying to myself: so much time spent, so much suffering, so much effort for these few seconds of feat! Usain Bolt remains a symbol of determination and self-improvement.
Less than six months before the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games, I can only hope that these Games will be moments of collective jubilation and inspiration for all of us for all French people! The good news is that we won’t have to get up in the middle of the night to follow the exploits of our athletes!