LAUSANNE, June 18, 2024 – “I am sincerely honoured to have been chosen among the athletes to carry the Olympic flame. This is a huge recognition for me, because the values of sport and the Olympic Games of respect and hard work are very important to me. It’s incredible!» Leclerc told the Olmypics.com.
Charles Leclerc, renowned Formula 1 driver for Scuderia Ferrari and Monaco native, has been chosen as a torchbearer for the Paris 2024 Olympics. On June 18, at 2:15 PM local time, Leclerc was the first to proudly carry the Olympic torch through the streets of Monaco, participating in a global tradition that dates back to ancient Olympia.
SPECIAL PROCESSION The Olympic torch relay in Monaco, part of the ceremonial events leading up to the Paris Games, includes a special procession. After Leclerc received the torch, he handed it off to skier Alexandra Coletti. The torch was then carried by tennis player Xiaoxin Yang, and bobsleigh competitor Rudy Rinaldi, to eventually reach Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.
MONEGASQUE PRIDE This event marks a significant moment for both Leclerc and Monaco, showcasing the principality’s vibrant culture and history on the world stage. The Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, marking the 100th anniversary of the last time Paris hosted the event. Leclerc’s selection as torchbearer celebrates his recent victory at the Monaco Grand Prix and his esteemed position in motorsport.
ANCIENT TRADITION This year’s Olympics holds historical significance as Paris will host the Games for the third time, the last occasion being in 1924, with an earlier event in 1900. The torch, lit on April 16 in Olympia, Greece, began its journey towards the opening ceremony on July 26 in Paris, linking ancient and modern iterations of the games.
OLYMPIC FLAME RELAY The 2024 Olympic flame began its journey in Athens, Greece, on April 16, 2024. The torch relay will travel across many countries until July 26, 2024, before arriving in Paris. Throughout its journey, the flame is carried by multiple athletes, symbolizing peace, unity, and the enduring Olympic spirit. The selection of athletes like Leclerc as torchbearers continues a tradition of involving notable sports figures, echoing legends like Michel Platini in 1992 and Muhammad Ali in 1996.
OLYMPICSF1 HISTORY Charles Leclerc is only the second Formula 1 driver in history to serve as an Olympic torchbearer, following Lewis Hamilton, who held the torch for the London 2012 Olympics. At 26, Leclerc’s Formula 1 career has been remarkable. His recent victory at the Monaco Grand Prix exemplifies his skill and determination—a trait reflected in his role in the Olympic torch relay. Leclerc recently competed in the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier athlete.
SCUDERIA FERRARI IN 2024 The year 2024 is historic for Scuderia Ferrari, marked by significant triumphs in motorsport. Charles Leclerc’s victory at the Monaco Grand Prix thrilled fans and cemented his status as an elite driver. Adding to the jubilation, Ferrari clinched a monumental victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing their endurance racing prowess. These achievements highlight Ferrari’s enduring legacy and pursuit of excellence in motorsport, making 2024 a memorable year for the iconic team and its supporters.
PARIS 2024 READY! As Paris prepares to welcome the global community, unprecedented sporting activities are slated across the region. Events will be held at iconic locations like Stade Roland Garros and Place de la Concorde, with some competitions even reaching Tahiti. This distribution celebrates France’s cultural and geographical diversity, creating a unique Olympic experience.
