Adieu Paris 2024! A round-up of Monegasque performances
The Monegasque delegation was dressed in Monaco's colours at the closing ceremony in the Stade de France © Monaco Olympic Committee
Summing up the planetary event, Prince Albert II said that “our athletes were a credit to the Principality.”
The curtains closed on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games last night at the Stade de France, after a raft of intense emotions and unforgettable memories. For the Monegasque delegation, the Games will be remembered with a mixture of joy and disappointment. While some athletes have excelled in their performances, others saw their hopes dashed.
Advertising
Smiles and tears
The Monegasque delegation, composed of three men and three women, experienced a range of emotions during the 33rd Olympiad. Quentin Antognelli, 29, rowing, finished in 19th place after the D-Final of the single sculls. A result that falls short of his performance in Tokyo, where he finished 15th.
One of the most notable moments was the surprise defeat of number 10 seeded Xiaoxin Yang in her first match. The 36-year-old table tennis player, who had hoped to shine in Paris after her silver medal at the European Games in Krakow, was beaten 2-4 by the Czech Matelova, leaving her immensely disappointed.
Swimmer Lisa Pou, who was aiming for better than 18th place in the 10km marathon swim, also had a difficult time in the strong current of the Seine. At 25, she left Paris with a bitter taste in her mouth, but no doubt with a thirst for revenge after this missed opportunity.
19-year-old swimmer Théo Druenne, meanwhile, performed well despite a difficult few weeks leading up to the Games, with a time of 8’25’01 in the 800m freestyle.
Marie-Charlotte Gastaud was delighted to beat her personal best in the 100m (12’41), finishing 6th in her heat.
Last but not least, the judoka Marvin Gadeau (+100 kg) put up a brave fight but lost out to the Cuban Granda, 5th in the world rankings and world champion in 2022.
Prince Albert II: our athletes have been a credit to the Principality
The Sovereign, who took part in five consecutive editions of the Winter Olympics between 1988 and 2002, expressed his pride in the performance of the Monegasque delegation: “I’m very proud of our participation overall. Our athletes have been a credit to the Principality. This experience will also help them to prepare better if they wish to take part in other major competitions and of course other Games too.”
A spectacular finish
Sporting results aside, the Paris 2024 Games will be etched in the memories of the red and white delegation. The Olympic and popular fervour plus the magic of Paris, exceeded all expectations, providing unforgettable moments for athletes and spectators alike. “It’s absolutely crazy. Just to realise we were at the Olympics and to hear the crowd cheering, was an absolutely unique experience,” said the Delegation’s athletes.
All good things must come to an end. After 19 days of emotion-packed competition and sporting feats, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games came to an end on Sunday evening at the Stade de France. The Monegasque delegation had appointed swimmer Lisa Pou and rower Quentin Antognelli as flag bearers.
It took place in a futuristic setting, with electrifying concerts to top off the event. The evening reached its climax when Tom Cruise carried the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, which will host the Summer Games for the third time, in 2028.