After months and even years of preparation, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have finally begun for Monaco’s six competing athletes from the worlds of swimming, judo, table tennis, rowing and the hurdles, who have been joined in the French capital by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.
Speaking ahead of the Opening Ceremony, Monegasque swimmer Lisa Pou, who was charged with carrying the Principality’s flag during the Parade of Nations alongside fellow swimmer Théo Druenne, said, “I am very happy to be here in Paris. We will have to be careful not to spend too much energy and really stay focused on what we have to do every day. That’s really what is important. Enjoying time with the team and having good moments while performing.”
Druenne echoed Pou, adding, “I’m also excited because I was eager to see and reunite with the entire Monegasque delegation in Paris and to experience the great moment of the Opening Ceremony. There are many positive feelings that predominate and will help me swim and give my best.”
See more: Lisa Pou and Théo Druenne to lead Monaco’s Olympic athletes in Paris
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, who are both Olympians in their own right, also travelled to the French capital and were photographed attending a series of high-profile sporting events in and around Paris in the run-up to the Olympics’ grand launch.
^ On the eve of the Opening Ceremony, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attended an exclusive dinner organised by the International Olympics Committee at the Louvre in Paris.
^ French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, welcomed Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco to the Palais de l’Elysée during the afternoon of Friday 26th July for a special reception attended by many other heads of state and world leaders.
^ The Princely couple are pictured in the grounds of the Palais de l’Elysée, proudly sporting the colours of the Principality of Monaco.
^ The Monaco delegation prepares to board their designated barge for the Parade of Nations along the Seine.
^ Monegasque swimmers Lisa Pou and Théo Druenne were given the honour of carrying the Principality’s flag during the Opening Ceremony on Friday 26th July.
^ Before departing for Paris, Pou and Druenne completed their final training session in Monaco’s Stade Nautique Rainier III.
See more: Experience the 2024 Olympic Games live in the Condamine Market
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Main photo credit: Eliot Blondet