Meet Matthieu Travers, one of the 11,000 torchbearers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

“To let you know the reality, I had tears in my eyes as a result of for me the Olympic Video games are the historical past of sports activities,” says Matthieu Travers. The 32-year-old, battling a genetic neuromuscular illness since beginning, is among the 11,000 torchbearers chosen for the upcoming Olympic Video games set to happen within the French capital this summer season.  “To suppose that in my very own small method, for 200 metres, for 4 minutes, I will be a part of this historical past… Once I heard that, I used to be very emotional” he stated, expressing his deep connection to the occasion. Regardless of grappling with well being points, developments in science and know-how have enabled him to remain engaged on-line, navigating the web via voice instructions. He additionally enjoys attending occasions at stadiums that accommodate disabilities, the place he additionally usually takes pictures. Matthieu, wanting again at his early years, remembered his mother and father being warned to not develop into too connected to him, as medical doctors did not anticipate him to stay previous the age of two. “However these medical doctors had been fairly mistaken,” he stated, “as a result of I am nonetheless alive.” He believes sports activities has been a driving drive in defying medical doctors’ early predictions.  “Watching sports activities on TV saved me busy from a really early age, and it fascinated me. I at all times stated to my household and associates: ‘I am not going to die anyway, I’ve by no means been to the Olympics’.” he added. Matthieu, desperate to witness the Paralympic Video games, envisions optimistic modifications for individuals with disabilities. He believes that the Video games can make clear accessibility points, citing previous host cities like London and Beijing that prompted enhancements in public transport accessibility.  Whereas eagerly awaiting the arrival of the flame and athletes, Matthieu diligently maintains his YouTube channel, protecting subjects starting from incapacity to dwelling automation, and, in fact, sports activities. Watch our full Euronews correspondent report above.



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