In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, 102-year-old Melanie Berger-Volle is set to carry the Olympic torch through Saint-Etienne on June 22, on its way to Paris for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Berger-Volle, a \"woman in the shadows\" during the German Occupation of France from 1940 to 1944, played a vital role in the French Resistance during the Second World War. Her selection to carry the torch is a tribute to her lifelong commitment to fostering friendship and unity among peoples—a legacy she upheld during her courageous resistance efforts.
Despite concerns about her fragile shoulder, Berger-Volle remains undeterred. \"I've always loved sport,\" she shares with a spirited smile, highlighting her passion that kept her active, including enjoying an hour's walk daily until recently.
The torch's weight has been a concern, but Berger-Volle expresses no hesitation in accepting this honor. Her determination serves as an inspiration, symbolizing the strength and perseverance of the human spirit.
As the grandmother of Emilie Volle, a gymnast who represented France in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Melanie Berger-Volle not only carries her own legacy but also shines as a beacon for women striving to make their mark in sports. \"I want to be a symbol for women who have fought to play sport like men,\" she states, embodying the fight for equality and representation in athletics.
Berger-Volle's journey from the French Resistance to the Olympic torch relay bridges history and modern-day celebrations of peace and unity, reminding us all of the enduring values that sports can promote across generations.
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Ex-French Resistance fighter, 102, set to carry Paris Olympic torch
cgtn.com
