Monaco’s royal family were in Paris to support the Principality’s athletes and the Olympic movement itself. They made a regal appearance at the opening ceremony of these extraordinary Paris Olympic Games. Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Hereditary Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriella all convened to witness together the historic event that Paris 2024 had promised would break new ground.
For the first time in Summer Olympics history, the opening ceremony was held outside a stadium. Nearly 7,000 athletes, out of a total of 10,500, paraded on 85 boats, each representing one of the 206 participating delegations. This unique event combined artistic flair with athleticism, taking spectators on a journey along the Seine from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro, showcasing the iconic landmarks of the City of Light.
Revolutionizing the Olympic Tradition
A crowd of about 326,000 people lined the 6-kilometre route to witness this river parade of delegations, highlighted by twelve artistic tableaux. The Monaco delegation shared their boat with representatives from Mexico, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Moldova. The Monegasque team stood out with their elegant attire: red and white sailor shirts, red jackets, red berets for the women, and Panama hats with red bands for the men.
In the official stands, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Hereditary Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella, and Yvette Lambin Berti, Secretary General of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, watched the ceremony that placed athletes at the centre of the spectacle. By starting with the parade of delegations, the ceremony broke away from traditional formats, creating a truly revolutionary (and distinctly French) opening event that was both accessible and memorable.
Flag Bearers’ Reflections
Lisa Pou and Théo Druenne, Monaco’s flag bearers, expressed their immense pride and joy:
Lisa Pou: “There was a lot of excitement. Having Théo by my side was something special because we have always trained together. It was a great pleasure to be with the other athletes and the delegation as well. This ceremony was a grand celebration, with unique moments of sharing with the whole team.”
Théo Druenne: “It was an immense pride. I didn’t expect to be a flag bearer. As soon as Prince Albert II announced it in Monaco, it was already an explosion of joy. Being at the head of the delegation here in Paris was really something very strong and exceptional. I still find it hard to realize.”
Monaco’s Olympic Legacy
Since their first participation in the 1920 Antwerp Games, this marks Monaco’s 33rd appearance in the Olympics, both summer and winter. With the Paris Games, 166 Monegasque athletes have proudly competed in 15 different disciplines under the red and white flag.
In his capacity as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Prince Albert has been in Paris attending the 142nd Session being held in the French capital.
Quentin Antognelli’s Quest for Glory
Quentin Antognelli, Monaco’s first competitor at the Paris Games, is racing in the single sculls rowing event. Although he missed the opening ceremony, Antognelli remains focused on his performance. “The sporting aspect comes first,” he remarked. Quentin is feeling physically strong after intensive training in Italy. The rower is the first Monegasque athlete in competition at the Paris Games. “Physically, I feel good. I gained a lot of strength during the preparation in Italy.” On the watercourse of the Vaires-sur-Marne nautical stadium, he participated in heat 4, an immense challenge making Monaco proud with his participation.
And today Quentin Antognelli, Théo Druenne and Xiaoxin Yang are all programmed to compete.
