Ahead of Paris 2024: France's Thierry Henry and Romane Dicko carry Olympic flame on Bastille Day, calling the experience 'extraordinary'

This Sunday, 14 July marked the first day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay in the French capital.

It was a highly symbolic 57th stop on the course of the Relay as it fell on Bastille Day, the national day of France.

As the day winded into the afternoon, the Olympic flame started its journey through the City of Lights, with former French international football player and current coach of the U23 French team for Paris 2024 Thierry Henry as the first Torchbearer for the kick-off.

The Arsenal legend talked on France Télévisions before the Relay, highlighting the fact that being on the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, in the context of the Olympic Games in Paris, was very emotional for him.

"This is just extraordinary, truly a big moment! Besides, the family is watching," he declared, confessing he was happy and filled with emotion, but not stressed, after saying hello to his Bleuets team on French TV.

Since he did not manage to qualify for the Games as an athlete in his time as a player, it was always a dream for him to experience the Olympic Games, especially now that they are going down in his home country, France.

"Having this opportunity to be able to participate, not on the field of course, this is really great! We are preparing with the (French U23) team, we will try to go as far as possible."

As Henry’s time with the flame came to an end, he said the Olympic Torch Relay was "heart-warming," before passing the torch to fellow French athlete, Romane Dicko, who will represent the host nation in judo at Paris 2024.

Romane Dicko, individual bronze medallist and Olympic champion in judo in the mixed team event at Tokyo 2020, had the honour of sharing a Torch Kiss with the 1998 world football champion.

It was a moment that particularly touched her, as it was on Bastille Day that she walked next to a leading light of French sport down one of the world’s most famous avenues, Champs-Élysées.

"A lot of emotions on the Champs-Élysées on July 14… I think we can't do better, from Sir Thierry Henry," she declared on France Télévisions.

The French judoka, who will compete in the women's +78kg category at the Champ-de-Mars Arena on 3 August, added with a large smile: "Can't wait for the Games!"