Cléo Renou

Claire Renou will carry the Olympic Torch. Here’s her story:

Cléo is an elite swimmer and athlete, and a member of the French adapted sports team, where she has excelled by winning multiple world championship titles. At the age of 11, Cléo – who has Down's syndrome – was inspired by her older sister Zoé and decided to follow in her footsteps by diving into the world of swimming, undeterred by the obstacles. She began her journey at a non-disabled swimming club, bravely competing against other swimmers. She never gave up and persevered with determination, placing ever higher in the rankings.

When she joined an adapted sports club, she finally started to rack up the victories. Cléo drew her whole family into her sporting adventure, inspiring them with her strength of character and dedication. Outside her career as an athlete, she works as a sales assistant at a department store specialising in sporting goods, predominantly in the swimming department. For Cléo, sport has been much more than just a physical activity; it has given her self-confidence, independence and remarkable personal fulfilment, turning her into a radiant young woman brimming with life.