Just a few weeks ago, Romane Dicko became Olympic mixed team champion for the second time with France, after winning a second Olympic bronze medal in the individual tournament the day before. At exactly 10:00 this morning, she was back on the tatami of the Arena Champ-de-Mars but in a new role.

Since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it has become a tradition. The 'Trois coups' (The three knocks) are given before the start of play to announce the entrance of the actors on stage. On each day of competition in Paris, these same three knocks are given by a personality from the world of sport or entertainment. This morning, it was Romane Dicko who launched the Paralympic tournament.

"It's really cool, very nice to be back here. We rarely have time to follow the para-judo competitions because we are so busy with our own career. I'm really happy to be able to do it here in Paris. It's very symbolic.

In general, para-sport attracts fewer crowds but I really believe that with these Paralympic Games things are changing and it's great. There is a real enthusiasm from the public. It's unprecedented. I will be there to support the French judoka and all the others."

There is enthusiasm, that’s certain. After thirty minutes of competition, the stadium is already packed and the public is heated to the brim to support the para-judoka. The tournament is off to a perfect start.

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