“It’s obvious that these Paralympic Games will clearly change the way we look at disability,” says a delighted Tanguy de La Forest.

The flag bearer of the French Paralympic Team at the closing ceremony of the Games, a rifle shooting champion, believes that the Games will have a positive impact on the vision of disability in France.

Double medallist at these Paris Games, including a title in the 10-man event in the prone position, the Breton native of Rennes had a dream Games: “We have so many great memories. These Paralympic Games were absolutely crazy. Honestly, it was pure joy.”he exclaimed. Full stadiums, continued public fervor and sporting performances, the 2024 Paralympic Games were a success on all levels. For Tanguy de La Forest, there will be a before and after, because “Today, we see athletes for their performance and not for their disability.”

franceinfo: The Stade de France was transformed into a giant disco on Sunday evening for the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games. What image do you remember of it?

Tanguy de La Forest: It was an incredible party. It was breathtaking. You could feel the entire audience was completely on fire. It was truly an exceptional moment. It was an honor for us to be flag bearers with Aurélie Aubert. We only wanted one thing, to be able to enter this crazy stadium. It’s going to be hard the next few days because there’s always the very nostalgic side. We’re leaving the village, but we have so many great memories. These Paralympic Games were absolutely crazy. Honestly, nothing but happiness.

Are you returning the keys to the Olympic Village this morning?

Yes, we’re going to hand over the keys today, there’s the whole logistics part. We also have a lot of stuff to bring back after these two weeks. Then, everyone will go home. It’s going to be quite special.

What will you do when you cross the village gates one last time?

I’m going to take my car, keep as a souvenir all the wonderful moments I’ve had and then get back in touch with reality. I just want to enjoy these medals first, to enjoy this honour I’ve been given to carry the flag at the closing ceremony. I’ve always operated by compartmentalising my different activities a bit. I have an entrepreneurial activity alongside my sports activity. Very quickly, I’m going to get back to work. It’s going to do me good. It’s going to allow me, not to forget, but simply to concentrate on something else. I’m not worried at all.

There are a lot of people with disabilities who are not athletes who have watched you. What do you want to say to them?

To always want to persevere, to always try to start again, to try. And it’s true that after these five Paralympic Games without a medal for me, to go get a gold medal and a silver medal, that was beautiful. If this message can get across by saying that by persevering, we can achieve certain goals. That’s already a very, very beautiful message.

Is the “Paralympic Revolution” Irreversible?

When we see all the emotion of the athletes on one side, but especially of the public with these Paralympic Games, obviously it will change mentalities. That’s for sure. It’s obvious that these Paralympic Games will clearly change people’s view of disability. That’s really what we expect. Today, we see athletes for their performances and not in relation to their disability.

Are you no longer afraid of being anonymous?

That too will be a change. A few years ago, we weren’t even mentioned in the media when we achieved results. Today, it’s certain that it’s a window that’s completely opening. It’s certain that it’s going to be an important change for us as athletes. The place of people with disabilities will change in France.

Are you going to work to ensure that French people, particularly children, can join a club even if they have a disability?

Especially if they have a disability! It’s extremely beneficial. I was very lucky to be able to play a sport and find this balance which means that thanks to sport, I haven’t had my illness progress too much. For me, it’s beneficial. A huge amount of work has been done, particularly by the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, precisely to be able to welcome as many people with disabilities as possible. Here again, we’ll see the effects, in my opinion, quite quickly.