The Olympic flame arrived in Paris 12 days before the start of the Games in the French capital. This happened today, July 14, on top of France's National Holiday - Bastille Day.
The flame was escorted by horse riders, 25 torchbearers and cadets forming the shapes of the Olympic circles. Colonel Thibaut Vallée of the Cadre Noir de Saumur elite cavalry school and 2016 Rio Olympics equestrian gold medalist was the main torchbearer. Also present were French President Emmanuel Macron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Games Organizing Committee chief Tony Estangue and former international soccer player Thierry Henry.
Relay runners will then carry the flame around the capital, starting at Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Sorbonne University and the Louvre Museum, before heading to other Paris landmarks on Monday.
The Olympic Games in the French capital start on July 26 and will continue until August 11. Bulgaria will be represented by 45 athletes in 16 sports at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, France celebrated its National Day amid a political crisis after Macron called snap elections that ultimately failed to form a regular government. | BGNES
