The Paralympic flame still burns brightly for French boccia star Aurélie Aubert

Aurélie Aubert – boccia gold medallist at this year’s Paris 2024 Paralympics – believes the legacy impact of the Games is already becoming apparent.

In the space of a few brief seconds on the evening of 8 September, Aubert became one of the most recognisable faces from a summer of sport in the French capital.

The 27-year-old from Dreux in northern France had already captured attention – and the hearts of many French TV viewers - by lifting the volume levels inside the South Paris Arena a few days earlier when she won the women’s individual BC1 title.

Now, the face that had lit up screens across her homeland at her moment of victory, was all focussed concentration as she leaned forward to blow out the Paralympic flame during the Closing Ceremony. 

As the flames fade, the spirit of the Games will forever shine in Paris ✨#Paralympics | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/CkA926rj1t

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) September 8, 2024

Change Start With Sport

Two months on, Aubert, who became the first French Paralympic champion in boccia, already sees the impact of the summer Games at home.

“The impact of the Games is seen in the fact that club memberships have increased,” she said as she prepares for her country’s domestic championships.

“More people may realise that sports are not forbidden to them.

“We're also optimistic that the exposure boccia received during Paris 2024 will make it easier for us to secure funding," said Aubert, who has cerebral palsy. "The prize money I earned from my medal will help cover some of my expenses. At the moment, we’re in talks with potential sponsors. Our coaches work on a voluntary basis, but their contribution alongside us is vital."

Aubert’s profile has also soared thanks to her medal-winning display and emotional contribution to that Closing Ceremony under the lights at the Stade de France.

France had no previous significant history in boccia – no athlete had won a Paralympic medal – until Aubert’s triumph over Singapore’s Jeralyn Tan in the final.

Her smile, and tearful embrace with her coach, Claudine Llop, was carried on news bulletins across France, making her a popular choice when she was asked to be one of half a dozen athletes who shared the stage for the final moments of the Closing Ceremony.

“I was informed that I was chosen as the flagbearer on the morning of the ceremony,” said Aubert, who made her Paralympic debut in Paris. “I was already very proud. As for the flame, I only learned about it a few hours before arriving at the Stade de France. It was incredible, like a dream.”

The Flame goes out 🔥

As Amadou & Mariam perform, the Paralympic Flame is extinguished, marking the end of the Paris 2024 Games. The Cauldron rises and fades into the night sky, closing this unforgettable chapter.#Paralympics | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/7B7uqIQF9i

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) September 8, 2024

Since she extinguished the flame in front of 80,000 people – and millions more viewers around the globe – the recipient of the French Legion of Honour award from President Emmanuel Macron later in September, says her life has changed dramatically.

She has been a guest on French TV shows, she is stopped and asked to pose for selfies and has been a popular guest at other sporting events.

Aubert admits the new-found celebrity status has required some getting used to, but she says the doors that have been opened have been a source of pride for others in her family.

“My life has changed in the sense that I am recognised in the street. I have responded to many requests, participated in TV shows, and met with other athletes, both able-bodied and disabled.

“My loved ones were happy and proud. Yes, I can say that it has changed my life. Initially, it was crazy, but now it’s calming down a bit despite many requests. Also, in my hometown, I can find peace.” 

Golden moment in Paris

Aubert’s gold medal triumph was as dramatic as it was unexpected. Not only was she a late addition to the French team, but after surging through her opening matches, she almost blew her lead against Tan in the final.

Leading 5-3, Aubert made a tactical error by sacrificing her last three balls after wrongly believing her opponent had used all of hers. Luckily, for Aubert, Tan could only add one to her score, leaving the home favourite to claim the title, 5-4.

“During the final, I had a moment of stress when I realised my mistake,” Aubert recalled. “But mainly, I experienced the Paralympic matches with calm because I was always in my bubble.

“In fact, despite the pressure of the Games, Claudine (Llop) and I stuck to our pre- and post-match routines,” Aubert said of her coach and sport assistant.

“I also utilized everything that was offered by the staff - advice, physical therapy, etc. I kept in touch with people who were not present at the Games but who regularly sent me messages, like my psychologist.

“For me, the French crowd also played an important role; they gave me strength. Even though during the first match I struggled to stay in my bubble while hearing the cheers, I enjoyed it afterwards. I felt like everyone knew me, whereas until then I had been in the shadows.

“Of course, the Games in France were both a challenge and a source of pride for me. I became more committed to a high-level athlete's lifestyle than before.

“I had faced very strong opponents in individual and team competitions during my international tournaments and each match had allowed me to improve my level.” 

The moment Aurélie Aubert won gold for @FRAparalympique in women's BC1 Boccia! 🥇

Magnifique! 👏 🇫🇷#Paralympics | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/gKumwpRpH3

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) September 2, 2024

Meet the golden team

Aubert says her other source of inspiration came from her coach and assistant, Llop, the 66-year-old who is described by the athlete as her “Swiss army knife”. 

“In all moments of my competitive life, both on and off the court, she is always there for me,” Aubert said. “During the years of preparation for the Games, Claudine devoted a lot of time to me, increasing training, competitions, and additional camps.

“Between us, first and foremost, it’s a relationship of trust. I believe Claudine knows me so well that I don’t need to express my feelings. She immediately senses if I’m stressed.

“I am happy to have shared this victory with Claudine. It concluded seven years of hard work.”

Seven years, but Aubert is hopeful their partnership extends for at least another four – when the next Paralympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.

As champion, she is keen to defend her BC1 title but says: “That is for the future. I will first work on my qualification during this Paralympic cycle.”

As far as her ambition goes, the flame is a long way from going out.