‘Swimming’s New Star’: The Story of the ‘Mystery Athlete’ Who Jumped Into the Pool and Made a Splash at the Olympics

Olympic Games They only live for the second day of competition after the opening ceremony. Paris 2024but memorable stories have not stopped appearing. From those that surprised the world, positively or negatively, during the parade of athletes along the Seine, to those that arose in different disciplines, such as the scandal that erupted in the match between Argentina and Morocco, where the delegation of the Albiceleste was attacked by African supporters.

One of the most curious events is that of the unexpected swimmer who appeared in the pool of the La Defense arena in Nanterre. Among elite athletes whose bodies, shaped by sacrifice and training, looked optimal for competition, the unknown man stood out and earned a standing ovation from the public present at the impressive sports facility.

As the swimmers prepared for the series, all eyes were on a middle-aged man, unathletic and without a technical swimsuit, but with great confidence. So he stood near the edge of the pool, jumped into the water and dove to the bottom.

The spectators in the stands exploded with murmurs of amazement. What was going on? Uncertainty gripped the participants and the millions of viewers watching the competition on television around the world. Was this someone looking for their moment of glory? It seemed unlikely, given the impressive security that protects every event at the Games.

The man’s identity and purpose in the pool were soon revealed: he was a member of the organizing team on site and had jumped into the water to retrieve a swimmer’s lost hat, allowing the next series to begin. . Team USA swimmer, Emma Weberlost his cap during the 100m heat and had to be rescued.

The story soon went viral on social media, where new fans showered him with praise. User X illustrated the mood that prevailed in this scene: “The guy who jumped into the pool to get the hat, in a bright bathing suit during a girly TV show: you’re a hero.”

“Forget Leon Marchand, he’s the new star of swimming”

baptized him Eurosport Francewhich helps explain the furor it caused. The review focuses on the famous local swimmer of the 2002 category, who set an Olympic record in the 400-meter individual medley and has already won his first gold medal. But even at that milestone, the famous obscurity has taken the edge off.