'It's becoming increasingly challenging to qualify for the Olympics'

In exactly a month, the Olympic Summer Games in Paris will commence. On Thursday, the Olympic torch will make a brief stop in Luxembourg, marking only the second time in Olympic history. The Olympic torch was scheduled to arrive at 1.10pm at the tripoint in Schengen, attended notably by Grand Duke Henri, Minister for Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel, Minister of Sports Georges Mischo, and approximately 150 guests.

The last time the Olympic torch passed through the Grand Duchy was in 1948 during the London Olympics. Runner Edmond Schmitt, who participated in the relay race through the country 76 years ago, will also be present on Thursday.

The Schengen tripoint is the fourth of seven stops in the Moselle region. The torch will enter Luxembourg via the Moselle Bridge early Thursday afternoon, carried by former tennis player Anne Kremer. Kremer, who represented Luxembourg three times at the Olympics, was nominated by the Olympic Committee, according to COSL President André Hoffmann. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs primarily organised the torch relay in Luxembourg, with COSL being informed about the event's details in September.

Interestingly, Schengen's tripoint is the only location outside French territory included in the 2024 torch relay, highlighting its symbolic importance. Hoffmann mentioned that Schengen's symbolism played a role in the decision to include the Grand Duchy.

Visitors eager to witness the torch relay are advised to arrive in Schengen well in advance. Border bridges and surrounding roads will be closed to traffic starting at 10am.

Ten athletes provisionally nominated for Paris Olympics

On Monday, the COSL confirmed the provisional delegation of athletes who will represent Luxembourg at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The preliminary team includes athletes such as Patrizia van der Weken and Bob Bertemes (track-and-field), Christine Majerus (cycling), Jeanne Lehair (triathlon), and Ni Xia Lin, Sarah De Nutte, and Luka Mladenovic (table tennis). Also included are Pit Klein (archery), Nicolas Wagner (dressage), and Ralph Daleiden Ciuferri (swimming).

Decisions regarding athletes in track-and-field are expected following upcoming championships over the weekend, while the cycling federation has yet to nominate participants for the men's events.

According to Hoffmann, Olympic nominations are influenced not only by athletic performance but also by various other factors. COSL typically considers proposals from individual sports federations in making these selections.

Qualifying for Olympics becoming "increasingly challenging"

According to the COSL President, qualifying for the Olympics is becoming increasingly challenging. He acknowledged that Luxembourg once again does not have realistic expectations of winning a medal this year. Hoffmann emphasised that as a small country, it is important not to be overly disappointed. The focus of the Olympic Committee is on ensuring that Luxembourg's athletes perform at their peak in Paris, Hoffmann added, "and then we'll see."

Among Luxembourg's athletes, Hoffmann highlighted triathlete Jeanne Lehair as one of those closest to the world elite. He also praised the performances of Patrizia van der Weken and Bob Bertemes based on their strong results in previous competitions.

For the first time, a "Maison du Luxembourg" will be established during the Paris Olympics. This venue will serve as a meeting point for athletes, supporters, and guests. The Luxembourg government is investing €1.2 million in the facilities at Stade Bouin. Private individuals can access the Maison du Luxembourg with a €150 day ticket, which Hoffmann defended as reasonable. He pointed out that the cost covers full catering and viewing opportunities of the events on large screens. Hoffmann noted that compared to actual competition tickets, this fee is relatively affordable.

The Olympic Summer Games are set to kick off on 26 July in Paris and will run until 11 August.