Monaco at the Beijing Winter Olympics

THREE MONEGASQUE ATHLETES IN CONTENTION AT THE BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS

19 January 2022: H.S.H. Prince Albert II, President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, at the Yacht Club de Monaco on Tuesday, presented the athletes who will fly the flag for the Principality at the 24th Winter Olympic Games in Beijing (4–20 February).

They are bobsledders Rudy Rinaldi (pilot) and Boris Vain (pusher), who will be competing in the two-man bobsleigh event, and skier Arnaud Alessandria (downhill, super G and Alpine combined). Anthony Rinaldi is the reserve for the bobsleigh event. Rudy Rinaldi and Boris Vain took part in the last Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang (2018), while Arnaud Alessandria took part in the 2014 Games in Sochi. This is the eleventh time in a row that Monaco has competed in the Winter Olympics since Sarajevo in 1984.

During the presentation, H.E. Ms Yvette Lambin-Berti, Secretary General of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, emphasised "the essential role of the coaches, medical and technical teams, and federations – all resources that Monaco makes available to support athletes’ success". She then offered the athletes her support and encouragement: "Make this event, which you’ve spent years preparing for, yours. I hope that it is filled with wonderful emotion thanks to your performances. Be generous and full of fighting spirit. Know that we share your dreams and will be living them alongside you".

"GREEN, INCLUSIVE, OPEN AND CLEAN" GAMES

H.S.H. Prince Albert II was keen to highlight the environmental aspect of these Games, "with the renovation of facilities at five of the six sites used for the Summer Games in 2008 to enable them to host the winter events, such as the Water Cube, which has become the Ice Cube for the curling competition".

The organisers are determined to host "green, inclusive, open and clean" Games. "Beijing 2022 is being held in line with the reforms undertaken following the adoption of the Olympic Agenda 2020 – a strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic movement, supplemented and strengthened by the 15 recommendations included in the 2020+5 initiative. The Games are also fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals".

The Sovereign Prince welcomed these achievements. "As a member of the IOC, but particularly as President of the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission, I am delighted to see the efforts that have been made on reforestation, use of renewable and recyclable materials for building infrastructure, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and innovative and responsible energy use". See the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbvU1p7DNGw

 

ARNAUD ALESSANDRIA (ALPINE SKIING) FLAG BEARER

Having competed in five Olympic Games as a bobsledder, H.S.H. Prince Albert II recalled that "it was a unique and intense experience. During competitions, as well as in many other areas of life around the Olympic village, unforgettable memories and emotions are created, a mix of honour, responsibility and great moments of brotherhood".

He addressed the Monegasque athletes, encouraging them to be worthy representatives of the Monegasque Olympic Committee and the Principality of Monaco. "It is an opportunity for our athletes, above all a fantastic development opportunity as part of a high-level sporting career". He expressed his hope "that they will commit fully and completely, achieve their goals, and conclude the competition with no regrets".

Noting the particular global context, the Sovereign Prince reminded the audience that "these Olympic Games, in addition to the Olympic Truce approved by the United Nations, offer a hopeful and joyful pause for each and every one of us. A moment during which we must demonstrate solidarity towards others".

H.S.H. Prince Albert II concluded the presentation by announcing the flag bearer. The honour of leading out the Monegasque delegation during the opening ceremony to be held on Friday 4 February at the Beijing National Stadium goes to skier Arnaud Alessandria