“An incredible, unique experience”: the testimony of the 16 young people who accompanied the Olympic flame on Belem

Marseille is preparing to experience a historic moment. The Olympic flame will arrive this Wednesday in the Marseille city aboard the Belem, the conveyor of the symbol of the Games. Before starting her tour of France, she will have spent 12 days at sea from Athens. Europe 1 was able to speak with several sailors, in particular 16 scouts, aged 17 to 24, selected for this incredible epic.

Thomas, 20 years old, is won over, happy to have participated in this convoy to bring the flame back to France. “It’s an incredible, unique experience. Not everyone can do that, especially with the Olympic flame on board. We learned lots of things, we were able to do watches, hold the helm for four hours.”

“Sometimes it’s hard”

An enriching experience although sometimes trying. “It’s true that it’s impressive. Sometimes it’s hard, especially in the middle of a storm when we have to be two at the helm. It was a total discovery”, testifies Shawn, 17 years old, youngest of the crew.

As for the flame, it is constantly monitored by three soldiers. “They always keep an eye on her. On Belém, she walks everywhere, she’s at the table with us when we eat,” says Shawn. Last breakfast alone this Wednesday morning, before a big parade all day in the harbor of Marseille.

“The adventure is ending, we want to stay on board the Belém, but we are also delighted to arrive in Marseille, it will be incredible. There are more than 1,000 boats waiting for us and then we can even imagine how many people will be present in the Old Port”, breathes Thomas. In total, 150,000 spectators expected to congratulate the young sailors, admire the arrival of the Belém and applaud Florent Manaudou, the first bearer of the Olympic flame on French soil.