Weightlifting in Montpellier 

Weightlifting has been included in the Olympic Games since 1896.

The first women's events took place at the Olympic Games Sydney 2000. The French Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Federation (FFHM) was founded in 1914.

In the past, Ernest Cadine, Jean Debuf, Louis Hostin, Edmond Decottignies, Charles Rigoulot, Marcel Paterni, Aimé Terme, Pierre Gourrier, Daniel Senet, Benjamin Hennequin, Francis Tournefier, Vencelas Dabaya, and, more recently, Gaëlle Nayo-Ketchanke and Dora Tchakounté have made their mark on the Olympic Games.

In Paris, we have high hopes of medals for Marie-Jo Fégué and Romain Imadouchène. Today, the FFHM has 25,983 members - 9,929 women and 16,054 men -, 329 clubs, 15 regional leagues and 24 departmental committees.

The Olympic Torch Relay, of course, symbolises a message of peace and friendship all along its route, with all the Olympic disciplines represented by their Torchbearers. It is a human chain that will convey the values of Olympism throughout France.

Team Relay in Montpellier, May 13.

The Ligue Occitanie and the Comité Départemental de l'Hérault are delighted to be involved in the team relay.

Jeanne Rossarie, an experienced weightlifter, teacher and manager of the Hérault club with the most members, will have the honour of carrying the Flame.

Rooted in the Hérault region, where several Olympic weightlifters have trained, this team Relay re- presents the fundamental values of Olympism: respect, excellence, friendship, the pleasure of effort and fairness. Our Relay runners represent a wide range of levels and ages, highlighting the youth and future of our sport.

Each of them symbolises our commitment to passing on our values to future generations.

For the first time in the history of the Games, each day of the Olympic Torch Relay and Paralympic Torch Relay, relay teams of 24 people, made up of champions, everyday athletes, volunteers, referees, coaches, etc. will be organized to spread the energy of sport and teamwork throughout the country.