Thierry Penichon

Thierry Pénichon will carry the Olympic torch. This is his story:

Thierry is a regional athlete and a well-known figure in the world of water sports. He has dedicated 39 of his 57 years on Earth to sport. As a sports instructor working for the Berre-l'Étang sports department since 1987, he has played a decisive role in the town earning prestigious labels such as "Ville active et sportive", "Terre de Jeux 2024", "Pavillon bleu" and "Handiplage".

Being disabled from birth (left leg, congenital absence of the fibula and other forms of atrophy) has never stopped Thierry from integrating through sport, even in bygone times when disabled sports were marginalised. His first trip on a boat was an eye-opening experience that quickly grew into a passion. Water sports have since become part and parcel of his life. Among other disciplines, Thierry engages in dinghy racing, windsurfing, cruiser racing, funboard surfing (slalom and speed), stand-up paddling and other activities such as skateboarding, kitesurfing, wingfoil and SUP surfing.

His latest challenge was spending 50 hours on a stand-up paddle for a raid around the Étang de Berre all the way to Marseille, standing on one leg and a half and not landing until the end. His motto "If I can do it, I cannot not do it" pays tribute to those who will never be able to practise these sports, just like he was unable to as a child.

Thierry will proudly hold the Olympic torch aloft on a one-wheel electric skateboard that he used to move around on a daily basis, when he is not on a wing skate, a paddle, a wing or any other form of equipment he has down to an art. His versatility proves that sport can change everything, including the perception of adapted sports.