Yassine Zouaoui

Yassine Zouaoui will carry the Olympic Torch. This is his story:

From an early age, Yassine displayed outstanding running skills, which led his teachers to direct him towards taking up athletics. He continued with his passion as an amateur until he set himself a daring challenge: to take part in the Sahara Marathon.

During this race, Yassine was struck by the women and children who travelled up to 20 kilometres per day to get water. This experience was a turning point in his life, marking the start of a human and sporting adventure. Yassine then embarked on a series of running challenges, ranging from the Ultramirage (100 kilometres in the Tunisian desert) to the UT4M (180 kilometres), as well as many other races all over the world. In 2020, he was contacted by Christophe Hasler, an experienced musher, and decided to learn how to control a dogsled with the aim of taking part in the Lekkarod (the dogsled world cup) with young people with disabilities.

As well as his sporting exploits, Yassine has also been fully committed to humanitarian causes. After completing his first Sahara Marathon, he got involved with the “EKIPAJE” charity to help fund and build wells in isolated villages. His altruism also pushed him to support other charities such as “Handigarde” and “Dunes d’Espoir”, who support young people with disabilities in their sporting activities. Having become a patron of the “SAISIPA” charity, he works in favour of opening day-care centres for children with autism.

In May 2024, Yassine will be tackling an even bigger challenge by running from Grenoble to Paris to hand over a letter raising awareness of the cause championed by the charity to French first lady Brigitte Macron. On this run, he will be accompanied by young children with autistic disorders, symbolising his commitment to solidarity and goodwill. For Yassine, the Olympic Torch Relay is more than simply a way to represent France. It is an opportunity to pass on a message of hope and solidarity throughout the world. He is also taking this opportunity to introduce the world to Joëlette wheelchair racing, with his long-time teammate Anthony, who has severe disabilities. Together, they push back the limits of effort and determination, embodying the power of cooperation and inclusion.