Nathalie Denoyés: carrying the torch and upholding the values of the Olympic movement

Throughout this special Olympic summer season, the newsletter team is pleased to present some of the Institut Pasteur staff who are playing a special role in this global event – whether in their capacity as an Institut Pasteur staff member, a volunteer or a sports person. We hope that these profiles will showcase the fantastic diversity of the Institut Pasteur community. This week, we want to shine a light on the sporting achievements and community work of Nathalie Denoyés, who will be one of the Olympic torchbearers.

 

Since the Olympic flame arrived in Marseille on May 9, it has been carried all over France, symbolizing the spirit of the Olympic Games and the values of sport. This epic, unique journey has been designed to showcase France's natural heritage, the collective spirit of sport, and also the country's history and those who helped to write it. After the torch arrives in Paris on July 14 and 15 (where it will pass in front of the Institut Pasteur), it will criss-cross the Paris region and then head to Fontainebleau on July 20, where we are extremely proud to announce that Nathalie Denoyés will be one of the torchbearers for stage 62.

 

Recognition of an outstanding sporting career since childhood and a strong commitment to society and young people

In the run-up to the Olympics, the torch will travel the length and breadth of France in a mammoth relay, with 10,000 torchbearers. Each torchbearer has been selected for their commitment to at least "one of the three "energies" of Paris 2024": sport (well-known or lesser-known sports people), the community (people committed to society) and regions (local representatives). For Nathalie, an experienced and passionate sports woman who shares these "energies," carrying the torch is a unique opportunity to embody the values of the Olympic movement, to which she is deeply attached: "When I heard the news, as someone who had dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion as a child, I felt like these were "my" Olympic Games. Being a torchbearer is a huge honor and a symbol of unity, sportsmanship and commitment to Olympic values."

The choice of Nathalie as torchbearer is no coincidence – it is a sign of recognition for an outstanding sporting career and a strong commitment to society and young people. A committed member of the Institut Pasteur community in the DRSE-RT Department during the week, in her free time Nathalie is a champion, runner-up, sports federation president and mentor for future elite sports people! For more than a decade, Nathalie has been involved in modern pentathlon as an international pentathlete in the Masters category and also as president of RMA (Racing multi Athlon, France's second largest pentathlon club, with two pentathletes qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics) and a member of the steering committee of the French Modern Pentathlon Federation (FFPM) and the Masters' Committee of the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM).

With titles including 2023 French Champion of Masters Modern Pentathlon, runner-up in the 2023 European Masters Modern Pentathlon Championship team and relay event, and 2023 European Champion in the individual Masters Tetrathlon, Nathalie is an outstanding pentathlete, demonstrating excellence in each of the component disciplines: swimming, fencing, show jumping, laser shooting and running.

As well as her many titles and incredible performances, Nathalie is particularly committed to supporting young people. She is an enthusiastic volunteer with both young and top-level athletes and is constantly seeking to help them fulfill their potential, live their passion and aim for international success.

I have supported more than 10 elite pentathletes, several of whom took part in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, as well as hundreds of young people aged 7 to 20 as part of a dual program that allows high-level sports people to combine their sport with higher education.

 

A unique opportunity to showcase strong universal values

As well as the honor and pride of being involved in such an important moment, Nathalie is also grateful to have the chance to hold high the values of sport:

First and foremost, uniting through sport, as the Olympic flame embodies the philosophy of bringing together people with different backgrounds and cultures

The Olympics is a global event where differences are laid aside and camaraderie and mutual respect are what counts. As a torchbearer, I am part of this powerful movement, promoting peace and unity through the universal language of sport.

 

As she carries the torch, Nathalie is also committed to defending the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

This is an opportunity to inspire others to pursue their own excellence, to build friendships beyond borders and to show respect for all competitors and cultures.

 

This unique moment is a chance for Nathalie to highlight the important role of women in sport.

It is a platform to promote gender equality and encourage the next generation of female athletes. By showing how committed I am, I hope to inspire girls and women to follow their sporting dreams and break down the barriers that still exist.

 

As you can see, being part of this important Olympic tradition is not something Nathalie is taking lightly. It is not just about carrying the torch – it goes over and above mere symbolism.  Of course it is a recognition of personal achievements, contributions to the community and commitment to the spirit of the Olympic Games. But it is also a unique opportunity to embody the values of sport that she defends and upholds – also on the Institut Pasteur campus, where community, cohesion and equality are crucial for our shared vision.

On July 20 in Fontainebleau, Nathalie will be part of a unique and memorable event. The newsletter team will report back on her experience in September!