Even before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris officially start, history is being made by Kevin Piette who lost the use of his legs in an accident
After a video showing para-athlete Kevin Piette carrying the Olympic torch and walking upright with the aid of an exoskeleton went viral, the athlete gained national attention. While many help move the torch to its proper location in preparation for the Games, which begin on Friday, July 26, Piette’s situation is a little different.
Who is Kevin Piette as paraplegic tennis player carries Paris Olympics 2024 torch, bio, age, ranking and accident
The tennis player suffered a paralysis-causing injury eleven years ago. Piette has persisted throughout his athletic career, participating as a para-athlete in numerous sports over the years. As the first actual para-athlete to use an exoskeleton to bring the Olympic torch closer to the finish line, he has officially created history.
Wandercraft, in Paris, created the black exoskeleton that Piette is seen wearing. A revolutionary hands-free walking exoskeleton is called the Atalante X. The website claims that people with severe gait impairment, such as those who have problems with their upper extremities or their cognitive function, can stand and walk without the use of an exoskeleton.
A user said, ‘So happy for him. You go. God bless technology.’
One user termed it “inspirational,” while another called it “amazing technology put to good use.”
36-year-old Kevin Piette is an amazing person who has triumphed against hardship. Kevin returned to tennis as a para-athlete after suffering a paralysis in an accident 11 years prior. He also started working as an exoskeleton “pilot” for a firm that was creating robotic walking devices.
A road accident stole French tennis star Kevin Piette’s ability to walk, but it did not take his spirit. He returned to tennis as a para-athlete and became an exoskeleton โpilotโ for a company developing a robotic walking device and is ranked 141 in the ITF tennis rankings currently.
His motivational story exemplifies inventiveness, inclusion, and dedication to sports! During the Paris 2024 Olympic flame Relay, Kevin made history by carrying the Olympic flame while wearing a robotic exoskeleton.
Kevinโs educational background and personal life remain unknown.
2024 Summer Olympics
The torch to light the flame is almost in the arena, the athletes have arrived, and Paris is ready. With the world looking to France, the 2024 Paris Olympics are set to get underway with the Opening Ceremony on Friday night.
The Seine River will be the focal point of this year’s festivities, as athletes from every nation will assemble on boats and travel a 3.7-mile course toward the Trocadรฉro, the parade’s finish point. After that, French President Emmanuel Macron will speak, but there will be a few surprises along the way, such as a couple of musical numbers.