MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Joyful crowds gathered along the streets of France’s southern port of Marseille on Thursday to see torchbearers carrying the Olympic flame through the city's most emblematic sites, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
It was the first leg of an 11-week journey across the country for the torch, which will be carried by about 10,000 bearers as it passes through more than 450 towns until the Games' opening ceremony in Paris on July 26.
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MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Joyful crowds gathered along the streets of France’s southern port of Marseille on Thursday to see torchbearers carrying the Olympic flame through the city's most emblematic sites, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
Torchbearer Didier Drogba of France holds the Olympic torch to light the cauldron at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Torchbearer Didier Drogba of France holds the Olympic torch after lighting the cauldron at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Torchbearer Didier Drogba of France holds the torch to light the cauldron at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Former San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker participates in the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French torchbearer Tony Parker, rear center, poses for a selfie as he participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearers Tony Parker, right, and Gaetan Muller, left, participate in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Tony Parker participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Tony Parker waves as he participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A torchbearer, bottom centre left, participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Karolina Pelendritou of Cyprus raises the flame during the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Ana Maria Branza of Romania participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Spectators attend the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The Olympic torch is raised during the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, right, kisses Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine on the cheek during the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Torchbearers await the arrival of the Olympic flame in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Mariia Vysochanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are carrying the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Mariia Vysochanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Mariia Vysochanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French torchbearer Basile Boli participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Basile Boli participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearers Colette Cataldo, left, and Basile Boli perform a torch kiss during the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
People wait along the way of the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Torchbearers participate in the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Spectators attend the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French torchbearers Colette Cataldo, left, and Basile Boli perform a torch kiss during the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Basile Boli participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French Paralympic athlete Nantenin Keïta, holds the Olympic flanked by first torch carrier in France French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou, left , and French rap artist Jul during the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French rap artist Jul holds the Olympic torch during the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Spectators on boats watch the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou became the first Olympic torch carrier in France after the Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
Spectators are reflected on the Ombriere structure during the Olympic torch arrival ceremony during the Olympic torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
President of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee Tony Estanguet, left, French President Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte Macron during the Olympic torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
Paramedics attend someone who collapsed in the crowd in front of the stage while gathering for a concert after the arrival of the Olympic flame from Greece at the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
People attend a concert, with three-mast ship Belem in background, after the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
People react after some collapsed and others panicked as it got too crowded in front of the stage for a concert after the arrival the Olympic flame from Greece at the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
A sailing crew waits for the arrival of Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, ahead of a welcoming ceremony at the old port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The torch was lit in Greece last month before it was officially handed to France. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, is accompanied by other boats approaching Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, approaches Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicolas Garriga)
People standing by a swimming pool watch the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, being escorted by other boats when approaching Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, is escorted by other boats while a tugboat sprays water in the foreground, when approaching Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, sails ahead of a welcoming ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The torch was lit in Greece last month before it was officially handed to France. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
A rainbow rises over the Old Port as the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, arrives in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The torch was lit in Greece last month before it was officially handed to France. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Fireworks go off as the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, enters the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
The Patrouille de France aerobatics demonstration aircraft leave a tricolor trail of smoke in the sky as the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, enters the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French swimmer Florent Manaudou holds the Olympic torch on the French 19th-century three-mast ship Belem as it arrives in the Old Port of Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
First torch carrier in France French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou holds the Olympic torch aboard The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship in the Old port of Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
First torch carrier in France French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou holds the Olympic torch after leaving The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship in the Old port of Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Former soccer player Basile Boli, who played with the Marseille team in the 1990s, kicked off Thursday's relay from the Notre Dame de la Garde basilica that overlooks Marseille and the Mediterranean.
“I’m very proud,” Boli said. “You feel like you’re on top of the world, because with an Olympic flame there’s a special fervor. ... It’s the symbol of sport!”
Basketball player Tony Parker later took his turn in the relay, praising “a great honor.” On a nearby crowded beach, swimmers and sunbathers cheered the torch bearers as the flame passed.
"The enthusiasm of Marseille for the flame is phenomenal," Maurice Genevois, a local resident, said. "Honestly, I have rarely seen such a celebration.”
Magali Evrard, who came from the town of Martigues, in Marseille’s region, said “it’s been so long since we started talking about this and now we’re in it!
“We are on the road to Paris. We can’t wait, it’s great,” she added.
A fencing champion, a skateboarder, a Michelin-starred chef and a comedian were also chosen to carry the flame on Thursday.
"Let's go for a fantastic celebration,” said Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris Olympics organizing committee. “The Games are back in our country. ... Let’s share this fantastic moment of celebration with millions of people in the country.”
Participants were scheduled to run all day past landmarks in the city to bring the torch to the roof of the famed Stade Vélodrome, home to Marseille’s passionate soccer fans. Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba, a former star player for the Marseille club, was the last torchbearer of the day and lit the Olympic cauldron just outside the stadium.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra said “it’s fantastic to give that sense of pride to the French people and to show to the whole world what we’re capable to achieve.”
“’We’re going to give happiness to the whole world," she added.
Torchbearers included Ukrainian gymnast Mariia Vysochanska, who won two gold medals at the 2020 European Championships and competed at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Her inclusion was an expression of solidarity with Ukraine as well as a symbolic gesture to mark Europe Day, which falls on May 9 each year. Vysochanska led a group of 27 other athletes who represent all European Union member states.
“It’s a way to really celebrate Europe, its values and also to demonstrate our attachment to the European sport model,” Oudéa-Castéra said. Ukraine received the green light last year to start accelerated talks on joining the EU.
“(Ukrainians) face that terrible war of aggression, and we want to really express that we support them the best we can,” she added. “This is unity. This is hope. This is solidarity. And we want their victory."
Marseille on Wednesday celebrated with great fanfare the flame's arrival, with more than 230,000 people attending the ceremony in the Old Port, according to the city's mayor, Benoît Payan.
During the Games, the sailing competition and some soccer matches will be held in Marseille.
AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
AP journalists Jeffrey Schaeffer, Nicolas Garriga and Oleg Cetinic contributed to this story.
Torchbearer Didier Drogba of France speaks to the crowd after lighting the cauldron at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Torchbearer Didier Drogba of France holds the Olympic torch to light the cauldron at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Torchbearer Didier Drogba of France holds the Olympic torch after lighting the cauldron at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Torchbearer Didier Drogba of France holds the torch to light the cauldron at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Former San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker participates in the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French torchbearer Tony Parker, rear center, poses for a selfie as he participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearers Tony Parker, right, and Gaetan Muller, left, participate in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Tony Parker participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Tony Parker waves as he participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A torchbearer, bottom centre left, participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Karolina Pelendritou of Cyprus raises the flame during the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Ana Maria Branza of Romania participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Spectators attend the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The Olympic torch is raised during the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, right, kisses Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine on the cheek during the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Torchbearers await the arrival of the Olympic flame in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Mariia Vysochanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Maria Vysotchanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are carrying the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Mariia Vysochanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Mariia Vysochanska of Ukraine, accompanied by 27 EU athletes and paraathletes, participates in the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French torchbearer Basile Boli participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Basile Boli participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearers Colette Cataldo, left, and Basile Boli perform a torch kiss during the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
People wait along the way of the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Torchbearers participate in the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Spectators attend the torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French torchbearers Colette Cataldo, left, and Basile Boli perform a torch kiss during the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French torchbearer Basile Boli participates in the first stage of the Olympic torch relay in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Torchbearers are to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of France' s southern port city of Marseille, one day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for the welcoming ceremony. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French Paralympic athlete Nantenin Keïta, holds the Olympic flanked by first torch carrier in France French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou, left , and French rap artist Jul during the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French rap artist Jul holds the Olympic torch during the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Spectators on boats watch the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou became the first Olympic torch carrier in France after the Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
Spectators are reflected on the Ombriere structure during the Olympic torch arrival ceremony during the Olympic torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
President of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee Tony Estanguet, left, French President Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte Macron during the Olympic torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
Paramedics attend someone who collapsed in the crowd in front of the stage while gathering for a concert after the arrival of the Olympic flame from Greece at the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
People attend a concert, with three-mast ship Belem in background, after the torch arrival ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
People react after some collapsed and others panicked as it got too crowded in front of the stage for a concert after the arrival the Olympic flame from Greece at the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
A sailing crew waits for the arrival of Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, ahead of a welcoming ceremony at the old port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The torch was lit in Greece last month before it was officially handed to France. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, is accompanied by other boats approaching Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, approaches Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicolas Garriga)
People standing by a swimming pool watch the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, being escorted by other boats when approaching Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, is escorted by other boats while a tugboat sprays water in the foreground, when approaching Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, sails ahead of a welcoming ceremony in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The torch was lit in Greece last month before it was officially handed to France. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
A rainbow rises over the Old Port as the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship which is carrying the Olympic flame, arrives in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The torch was lit in Greece last month before it was officially handed to France. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Fireworks go off as the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, enters the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
The Patrouille de France aerobatics demonstration aircraft leave a tricolor trail of smoke in the sky as the Belem, the three-masted sailing ship bringing the Olympic flame from Greece, enters the Old Port in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
French swimmer Florent Manaudou holds the Olympic torch on the French 19th-century three-mast ship Belem as it arrives in the Old Port of Marseille, southern France, Wednesday May 8, 2024. The Olympic flame arrived in Marseille's Old Port Wednesday on a majestic three-mast ship from Greece for the welcoming ceremony at sunset in the city's Old Port. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)
First torch carrier in France French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou holds the Olympic torch aboard The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship in the Old port of Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
First torch carrier in France French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou holds the Olympic torch after leaving The Belem, the three-masted sailing ship in the Old port of Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
