By Graham Thomas
When Aurélie Aubert unexpectedly earned gold at this year’s Paris 20204 Paralympic Games, she did more than simply boost the home nation’s medal tally.
She also ensured she would go on to become one of France’s most recognisable faces of a memorable sporting summer.
Now, Aurélie (pictured above: Raquel Gouveia) feels she can help deliver a more lasting accomplishment – the legacy impact of an event that was hoped might transform her country’s sporting opportunities and transport infrastructure.
In the space of a few brief seconds on the evening of September 8, Aurélie became one of the most familiar images from a summer of sport in the French capital.
The 27-year-old from Dreux in northern France had already captured attention – and the hearts of many French TV viewers – by lifting the volume levels inside the South Paris Arena a few days earlier when she won the women’s individual BC1 title.
Now, the face that had lit up screens across her homeland at her moment of victory, was all focussed concentration as she leaned forward in her wheelchair to blow out the Paralympic flame.
Two months on, while many question the lasting benefits or costs of hosting the Olympics and Paralympics back-to-back in the French capital in one sultry summer, Aubert – the first French Paralympic champion in boccia – has her own verdict.
“The impact of the Games is seen in the fact that club memberships have increased,” she says as she prepares for her country’s domestic championships.
“More people may realise that sports are not forbidden to them.
“We’re also optimistic that the exposure boccia received during Paris 2024 will make it easier for us to secure funding.
“It’s a constant struggle for resources. The prize money I earned from my medal will help cover some of my expenses. At the moment, we’re in talks with potential sponsors. Our coaches work on a voluntary basis, but their contribution alongside us is vital.”
Of the 2.5 million tickets sold for the Paris Paralympic Games, 90 per cent were purchased by French fans. Both the live audiences – and record TV viewing figures – undermined any skepticism that the French public might not embrace their country’s hosting.
Aurélie’s profile in her homeland has also soared thanks to her medal-winning display and emotional contribution to that closing ceremony under the lights at the Stade de France.
France had no previous significant history in boccia – no athlete had won a Paralympic medal of any description – until Aubert’s triumph over Singapore’s Jeralyn Tan in the final.
Her smile, and tearful embrace with her coach, Claudine Llop, was carried on news bulletins across France, making her a popular choice when she was asked to be one of half a dozen athletes who shared the stage for the final moments of the closing ceremony.
“I was informed that I was chosen as the flag bearer on the morning of the ceremony,” says Aurelie, a cerebral palsy athlete.
“I was already very proud. As for the flame, I only learned about it a few hours before arriving at the Stade de France. It was incredible, like a dream.”
Since she extinguished the flame in front of 80,000 people – and millions more around the globe – the recipient of the French Legion of Honour award from President Emmanuel Macron later in September, says her life has changed dramatically.
She has been a guest on French TV shows, she is stopped and asked to pose for selfies, and has been a popular guest at other sporting events.
She admits the new-found celebrity has taken some getting to used to, but says the doors that have been opened have been a source of pride for others in her family.
“My life has changed in the sense that I am recognised in the street. I have responded to many requests, participated in TV shows, and met with other athletes, both able-bodied and disabled.
“My loved ones were happy and proud. Yes, I can say that it has changed my life. Initially, it was crazy, but now it’s calming down a bit despite many requests. Also, in my hometown, I can find peace.”
Aurélie’s gold medal triumph was as dramatic as it was unexpected. Not only was she a late addition to the French team, but after surging through her opening matches, she almost blew her lead against Tan in the final.
Leading 5-3, Aubert made a tactical error by sacrificing her last three balls after wrongly believing her opponent had used all of hers. Luckily for the French hero, Tan could only add one to her score, leaving the home favourite to claim the title, 5-4.
“During the final, I had a moment of stress when I realised my mistake,” says Aurélie.
“But mainly, I experienced the Paralympic matches with calm because I was always in my bubble.
“In fact, despite the pressure of the Games, Claudine and I stuck to our pre- and post-match routines.
“I also utilized everything that was offered by the staff – advice, physical therapy, etc. I kept in touch with people who were not present at the Games but who regularly sent me messages, like my psychologist.
“For me, the French crowd also played an important role; they gave me strength. Even though during the first match I struggled to stay in my bubble while hearing the cheers, I enjoyed it afterwards. I felt like everyone knew me, whereas until then I had been in the shadows.
“Of course, the Games in France were both a challenge and a source of pride for me. I became more committed to a high-level athlete’s lifestyle than before.
“I had faced very strong opponents in individual and team competitions during my international tournaments and each match had allowed me to improve my level.”
Aurélie says her other source of inspiration came from her coach and assistant, Llop, the 66-year-old who is described by the athlete as her “Swiss army knife” – a woman with a variety of priceless skills and roles.
“In all moments of my competitive life, both on and off the court, she is always there for me,” says Aubert.
“During the years of preparation for the Games, Claudine devoted a lot of time to me, increasing training, competitions, and additional camps
“Between us, first and foremost, it’s a relationship of trust. I believe Claudine knows me so well that I don’t need to express my feelings; she immediately senses if I’m stressed.
“I am happy to have shared this victory with Claudine; it concluded seven years of hard work.”
Seven years, but Aurélie is hopeful their partnership extends for at least another four – when the next Paralympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
As champion, she is keen to defend her BC1 title but says: “That is for the future. I will first work on my qualification during this Paralympic cycle.”
As far as her ambition goes, the flame is a long way from going out.
