EXCLUSIVE: Armenian Sports Shooter Elmira Karapetyan to Run Olympic Torch in Paris 2024

Armenian sports shooter Elmira Karapetyan is set to make history as she runs with the Olympic torch during the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay. This significant honor makes Karapetyan the second Armenian in Olympic history to serve as a torchbearer. The Armenian Report met with Karapetyan at Zvartnots International Airport as she prepared to depart for Paris.

“It was a surprise for me that I’m going to take the Olympic fire. It’s a huge honor for me to do that you're introducing your nation and making it more known and that finally there is a member from your nation who’s going to take that fire after so many years,” Karapetyan shared. She noted that the last time an Armenian was a torchbearer was 40 years ago.

The Olympic Torch Relay is a remarkable tradition that connects us to the origins of the Games. The torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay was first lit by the sun’s rays on April 16, 2024, during a ceremony at the sanctuary of Olympia, Greece, where the ancient Olympics were once held. From there, the Olympic flame traveled to Athens before boarding the Belem to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Marseille. On May 8, 2024, the Olympic flame embarked on its epic journey across France.

The torch relay has seen many notable figures, including K-Pop icon Jin, a member of the band BTS, who carried the torch in front of the Louvre. A total of 10,000 people will have carried the Olympic torch across France before it reaches its final destination at the Opening Ceremony on July 26, 2024. Some of the most prominent torchbearers include:

Men:

- Charles Leclerc (F1 driver): Stage 34, Alpes-Maritimes

- Arsene Wenger (Former Arsenal and Monaco manager): Stage 41, Alsace

- Antoine Dupont (France rugby player): Stage 9, Haute-Garonne

- Shaun White (US snowboarder and skater, three-time Olympic gold medallist): Stage 34, Alpes-Maritimes

- Tony Parker (Former basketball player for France): Stage 1, Marseille

Women:

- Halle Berry (US actress): Stage 34, Alpes-Maritimes

- Megan Rapinoe (Former US football player, two-time Olympic medallist): Stage 34, Alpes-Maritimes

- Sue Bird (Former US basketball player, five-time Olympic gold medallist): Stage 34, Alpes-Maritimes

- Perrine Laffont (Skier for France, Olympic Gold medallist): Stage 7, Pyrénées-Orientales

- Anne-Sophie Pic (most decorated Michelin-starred female chef): Stage 36, Drôme

Among the athletes representing Armenia at the Paris 2024 Olympics are shooter Elmira Karapetyan, esteemed wrestlers Artur Aleksanyan, Malkhas Amoyan, Slavik Galstyan, Vazgen Tevanyan, Arsen Harutyunyan, and gymnast Artur Davtyan. These athletes embody the spirit of Armenian sportsmanship and dedication as they prepare to showcase their talents on the global stage.

The 33rd Summer Olympic Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in Paris, promise a unique opening ceremony. Departing from tradition, the grand inauguration will take place along the Seine River, marking a historic first for the Olympic Games.

Paris becomes the second city, after London, to host the Olympics three times, having previously hosted in 1900 and 1924. The opening ceremony date holds symbolic significance, coinciding with the closure of the 1924 Games.

A notable feature of this year’s opening ceremony is the teams' entrance via boats, a departure from conventional stadium marches. The Paris Olympics will feature 32 sports and award 329 medals, with break dancing making its debut.

Events will take place not only in Paris but also in Tahiti, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, Saint-Etienne, and other locations, highlighting the diverse and widespread nature of this global sporting event.

Over 10,000 participants will join the Olympics, with approximately 45,000 volunteers from around the world contributing to the smooth conduct of the Games.

The organizing committee has unveiled the Olympic Games' mascot—Phryges. This mascot, resembling the iconic Phrygian hat in red, symbolizes the French Revolution and liberty, embodying the spirit of unity and freedom celebrated at the Games.