Adrien Franceschi

Adrien Franceschi will carry the Olympic torch. This is his story:

Ever since his passion for climbing ignited during childhood, Adrien has taken his commitment to new heights by joining a local club, Cimes 19, affiliated with the Fédération Sportive et Gymnique du Travail. Thanks to their initiatives, he is helping to introduce more people in the north-east of Paris and its suburbs to the thrill of climbing.

Cimes 19 runs introductory workshops for children, discovery sessions for young refugees and training on safe falling techniques to dispel the fear factor, as well as outdoor climbing excursions and more. Climbing, a new Olympic sport, works brain over brawn. A consummate climber is focused and free-flowing, lives in the moment and keeps apprehension at bay.

The camaraderie in this individual sport is quite something, creating a real sense of belonging. Adrien sees it time and again: climbing draws in people from all walks of life, ages, social backgrounds and skill levels. The way he sees it, it is a sport with universal appeal and undeniably one of the most inclusive out there. Carrying the Olympic torch will give him a platform to spread these values far and wide.