The Alpes-Maritimes department is set to buzz with the achievements of its athletes during the Paralympic Games. Six of them will defend France’s colors between August 28 and September 8.
After our 32 Azurian athletes were present at the Olympic Games, six from the Alpes-Maritimes will defend our chances during the Paralympic Games. These games are opening this year with a delegation full of ambition and talent. Coming from various disciplines, they are ready to defend the colors of their department and France. Here are these athletes who dream of gold.
Swimming
First, all eyes will turn to the pool, where Élodie Lorandi, Agathe Pauli, and David Smetanine will dive in.
Firstly, Élodie Lorandi, a veteran of major events, already counts seven Paralympic medals (one gold, two silver, four bronze). Her ambition for this new edition is undeniable. Her goal: to win another Paralympic medal. Élodie Lorandi, accustomed to podiums, is a true reference in the swimming world. With a career peppered with success, she returns this year more motivated than ever, aware that every hundredth of a second counts. In her S10 category (physical disability), her competition starts on August 29 with the 50-meter freestyle.
Alongside her, Agathe Pauli, younger but equally talented, will try to secure her place among the best. Their compatibility, visible during training at the municipal pool of Antibes, could very well turn into a double victory in the pools. They are ready to give it their all. Agathe Pauli competes in the S9 category (physical disability). The events begin on August 29 with the 400-meter freestyle.
Finally, another pillar in swimming. August 30 will mark the competition entry of David Smetanine. Known for his tenacity, Smetanine is a Paralympic Games veteran. His past achievements testify to this, with nine Paralympic medals already to his name. Thus, he has already proven he can overcome any challenges. This year, he returns with the same passion, determined to add new medals to his record. At 49, David doesn’t intend to stop there and is still aiming for the podium. His competition begins on August 30 with the 100-meter freestyle, a discipline where he finished 6th in Tokyo in 2021.
Para-rowing
Moreover, we’re staying in the water with para-rowing and Candyce Chifa. She too will start her competition on August 30, ready to face the Olympic waters. Vice European champion at just 18, Candyce Chifa excels in a sport that demands as much mental as physical rigor. Her intensive training on the region’s rivers and her unwavering discipline have prepared her for this moment. Aboard her boat, she intends to show that willpower can tame the elements. We’ll see the results in her final on September 1.
Wheelchair Basketball
Crowned French cadet champion in Taï Ken Do in 2001, Christophe Carlier saw his hopes on the tatami disappear following a scooter accident in 2002. Despite the difficulties encountered, his determination and courage helped him overcome this terrible ordeal. It was then he discovered wheelchair basketball, a new passion emerging amid the challenges he faced. His determination is immense, as is his desire to shine under the Paralympic spotlights. The first match with the French team is on August 30 at 6:15 PM against Canada.
Para-triathlon
Finally, Geoffrey Wersy will enter the para-triathlon competition. A discipline that combines swimming, cycling, and running. He already has numerous selections in the French team. Born in Nice, Geoffrey won his 5th French championship title in the PTS2 category in 2023. At 32, he is participating in his first Paralympic Games in Paris 2024. The triathlon is scheduled for September 1.
