posted 07-26-2024 03:50 PM               

The segment included scenes with the new Ariane 6 rocket, Jules Verne's "De la Terre à la Lune" ("From the Earth to the Moon"), Le Petit Prince ("The Little Prince"), Pierre Boulle's "Planet of the Apes" and the International Space Station.

Separately from the opening ceremony, the astronauts aboard the space station recorded a video for the athletes competing in the games:

posted 07-26-2024 04:20 PM               

Mont Saint-Michel, in my home region Normandy, is one of the most iconic places in France. Its characteristic silhouette, crowned by the abbey perched on a steep rock, seems to emerge from the sea and sharply contrasts against the sands of its spectacular tides.

[On May 31], I have had the immense privilege of carrying the Olympic Torch there. So much energy from the crowd!

posted 08-03-2024 01:46 PM               

OMEGA House Paris Welcomes Famous Explorers To Celebrate the 'Spirit of Pioneers'

From the Earth and far into space, OMEGA has gathered some of the world's most renowned explorers to celebrate the "Spirit of Pioneers" at OMEGA House Paris. The Saturday event was an inspiring occasion led by guests of honour including the astronauts, Jean-François Clervoy and Katya Echazarreta, ocean explorer Victor Vescovo, and the aerospace engineer Allan Petre.

OMEGA House is the Swiss brand's exclusive home for the duration of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, at which OMEGA is fulfilling the role of Official Timekeeper. Taking a step beyond the realms of sport, the "Spirit of Pioneers" event was a special opportunity to highlight the watchmaker's passion for exploration, which has famously included a role in all six moon landings, north pole expeditions, and a World Record dive to the deepest place on Earth.

Speaking at the celebration, OMEGA President and CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann, said, "The Olympic and Paralympic Games shows us the incredible capacity of the human mind and body. Likewise, we have seen this same remarkable spirit in so many explorers who have worn OMEGA watches. This is an essential part of who we are as a brand, so it's wonderful to have an occasion like this, where amazing stories can be shared, directly from those who experienced them."

During the daytime event, guests were treated to a rousing panel discussion, where each explorer gave insights into their lives and achievements. The motivational line-up included:

• Jean-François Clervoy – a French engineer and astronaut who is a veteran of three space missions, including two aboard the Space Shuttle. The OMEGA ambassador was also a key figure in the creation of the OMEGA Speedmaster X-33.

• Victor Vescovo – the "Five Deeps Expedition" leader and OMEGA ambassador who completed the first ever manned descent to the deepest points in each of the world's five oceans. This included the 10,925m (35,843 ft) dive to the Challenger Deep that set a new World Record alongside OMEGA's "Ultra Deep" timepiece.

• Katya Echazarreta – the first Mexican-born woman in space, whose background as an electrical engineer and science communicator enabled her to take part in the Space for Humanity's Citizen Astronaut Program in 2022.

• Allan Petre – a French aerospace engineer who is currently based at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Los Angeles, and who possibly represents the next generation of astronaut.

Giving OMEGA House a touch of pioneering inspiration, the four guests spoke about a range of topics, from their favourite views and scariest moments, through to their OMEGA watches and the future of exploration.

Located at The Hôtel de Poulpry, Maison des Polytechniciens, just steps from the Musée d'Orsay, OMEGA House Paris celebrates OMEGA's role as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. During the day, members can relax in a variety of sophisticated spaces, while by night, the location hosts a series of VIP events and themed evenings, celebrated alongside OMEGA's family of celebrity friends. The site will remain open to members until Saturday, August 10th.

posted 08-28-2024 09:39 PM               

I am truly honored to be standing here today, as a Paralympian and a member of the astronaut reserve with a physical disability. I like to think that my presence at this year's ceremony, in my new role at the European Space Agency, attests to and embodies the success, reach and legacy of the Paralympic movement.