Running into Art, Athletes & Out of Euros - May 21st: French Paralympics, INSEP & Louvre Museum

The picture below is with a professional fencer and his coach!

Paris in Motion: Sport, Culture, and Steak Frites (5/21)

Today began bright and early as we set off for INSEP—the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance.  

Founded in 1945, INSEP is France’s flagship institution dedicated to fostering elite athletic achievement, particularly for Olympic and Paralympic athletes. After a long metro ride, we arrived on campus and were welcomed by our tour guide and INSEP’s Head of International Relations, Simon Ravello, alongside Jean Minier, the French Paralympic Director of Sport.

We were fortunate to have an hour-long session with Jean Minier, where he shared insights into the French Paralympic movement. Our discussion covered a range of timely and important topics: the ongoing challenge of recruiting new Paralympic athletes, filling classifications for specific disabilities, and the broader goal of increasing sport participation across the country. Notably, while only one-third of French citizens engage in regular physical activity, people with disabilities are twice as likely not to participate at all. Jean spoke about how hosting the 2024 Paris Paralympics has already served as a catalyst for growth, but emphasized the importance of maintaining that momentum in the years to come.

Following the discussion, we were taken on a tour of INSEP’s world-class training facilities. We observed live training sessions in women’s basketball, judo, fencing, track and field, wrestling, archery, and even an event inspired by American Ninja Warrior that is in early development for LA 2028. We also got to meet Paralympic Taekwondo Legend, Zaria Khudadadi, and hear more about her inspiring story of overcoming adversity as a refugee to becoming a Paralympic legend and now competing for France. 

It was inspiring to witness these athletes in action and to see how INSEP supports them on their path to excellence. A detail that stood out to me was the institute’s commitment to precision—such as replacing judo mats to match the exact color that were to be used in the Paris Olympics, allowing athletes to simulate competition settings down to the finest detail.

I also noticed how warm many of the training facilities were. Simon explained that most of the buildings at INSEP were constructed under the assumption that air conditioning would be unnecessary due to France’s traditionally moderate climate. However, in response to climate change, INSEP has recently begun installing air conditioning to ensure optimal conditions for athlete training and recovery.

We had the opportunity to dine in the INSEP cafeteria alongside athletes from all over the world. The atmosphere felt similar to what I imagine the Olympic Village must be like—diverse, intense, and lively. It was interesting to hear different languages spoken across the tables and to see a variety of international team gear. Simon explained that INSEP often hosts foreign athletes, and the cafeteria reflects that global spirit. What impressed me most was how their nutrition team integrates elements of French culinary culture into well-balanced meals that support athletic performance.

After lunch, we traveled to the Louvre. Having visited before, I was excited to return and explore more deeply. We navigated through the crowds and began exploring the museum’s incredible collections—from Ancient Greece to Renaissance paintings. I particularly enjoyed the Ancient Egyptian exhibits, where I could piece together aspects of daily life and compare them to the traditions of Ancient Greece, especially regarding sport and the early Olympics.  

We wrapped up the day by exploring the area around our hotel and enjoying our final night in Paris with a classic meal of steak and frites. It was the perfect way to close out a full day of cultural and athletic enrichment.

Today was a powerful reminder of how sport can serve as both a unifying force and a platform for growth—whether through inclusive athletic programs like the Paralympics or through international exchanges of knowledge and culture. As an athlete, it was inspiring to see the level of care elite athletes are now receiving, and I am excited to see how this continues to improve!