The Paris Olympics is on everyone’s minds recently and Monaco’s athletes are doing their best to represent the Principality. The first results are in: some are heartbreaking and some are surprising. Through thick and thin, Monaco’s athletes can always count on the support of Prince Albert II, who cheers on every member of Team Monaco from the stands.
Xiaoxin Yang’s Table Tennis results
Monegasque table tennis player, Xiaoxin Yang, was beaten in the 32nd final. After her defeat in the Paris Sud arena, the athlete shed some heartbreaking tears. During her first match, the Monegasque athlete was defeated (4-2) by Hana Matelova, from the Czech Republic. Xiaoxin said she was disappointed with the results and that she put too much pressure on herself.
Théo Druenne’s swimming results
Théo Druenne finished in 7th after competing in the 800 metre freestyle at the Paris La Défense Arena swimming pool. He completed the sixteen lengths of the pool in 8:25.01. Amongst the 15,000 spectators, Prince Albert II was in the stands, as was the athlete’s father, Romain, and his grandfather, Jean-Claude.
Quentin Antognelli’s first rowing results
Quentin Antognelli gave a superb performance in the rowing quarter-finals, where he finished 5th with a time of 6:58.89 and will be in the running again tomorrow. Prince Albert II and his cousins, Susan Kelly von Medicus and John B. Kelly III watched the competition. The Prince’s grandfather, John B. Kelly Sr, won three Olympic gold medals in rowing, including one at the Paris Games in 1924.
On Sunday 28 July, Quentin Antognelli needed to finish in the top three in order to qualify for the A/B semi-finals. He did it, finishing 3rd (6:51.43). Now the athlete plans to do everything he can to get through to the finals.
Princely Family at the Opening Ceremony
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella attended the opening ceremony along the Seine, on Friday 26 July. According to the Prince, the ceremony was spectacular. The Prince said that seeing Céline Dion sing Edith Piaf’s Hymn to Love was moving and extraordinary. Prince Albert II also said that although Monaco’s athletes have had mixed fortunes thus far, he believes that there are great results to be obtained in the near future and that he will be there to encourage them and help them give their best.
