Rafael Nadal’s appointment as a torchbearer during the 2024 Paris Olympics came as a slight surprise, but a recent report reveals that the Mayor of Paris endorsed him for the role.
The opening ceremony of the Olympics took place on Friday, July 26th, marking the commencement of the Paris Games. This global multi-sport event will continue until the second week of August.
One of the significant traditions during this event is the Olympic Torch Relay. This entails lighting the torch in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, and transporting it to the current host city, Paris.
Upon its arrival in France, the Relay involved 24 athletes, including some unexpected non-French participants. Among them was Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Nadal’s segment of the relay involved sailing the River Seine in a boat after receiving the torch from French football legend Zinedine Zidane. Accompanying him were retired WTA star Serena Williams, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, and four-time Olympic champion at the 1984 Games, Carl Lewis.
After receiving the torch from Zidane at the Trocadero, situated on the opposite side of the River Seine from the Eiffel Tower, Nadal shared a photo of himself under the lights on his social media account, garnering nearly 4 million impressions.
According to sports journalist Angel Garcia, Nadal was specifically recommended for this honor by the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, due to his exceptional sporting achievements in the French capital.
Nadal is highly cherished and respected among tennis players in Paris, and Hidalgo referred to him as “the most Parisian of the international athletes,” deserving the role of a torchbearer.
“You embody the spirit of Paris, the history of Paris, and you are one of the most significant figures in Paris’ history. As the most Parisian of all international athletes, we want you to have a prominent role in the ceremony,” Hidalgo expressed.
It is fitting that Nadal was granted this privilege, considering his unparalleled success at Roland Garros, the most prestigious clay-court tennis tournament globally. Many tennis enthusiasts believe that his achievements there will never be replicated.
Nadal holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles won at the French Open, and he may potentially secure his last title there in 2022. This will be his third appearance in the Olympics, with the tennis tournament taking place at Stade Roland Garros, which increases his chances of adding to his medal collection.
The 38-year-old athlete previously won a gold medal in singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a gold medal in men’s doubles alongside his compatriot Marc Lopez at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
He is aiming to secure two additional medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, participating in both individual and team events. Nadal teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, to kick off their men’s doubles journey with a strong start on Saturday night. On Sunday, he is set to face off against Marton Fucsovics from Hungary in the singles competition.
Photo – Rafael Nadal Instagram
