By the Website Team

During the year (and for nine years now), Marie-Annick L’Allier is Alexandre’s press agent. At the Beijing Olympics, she’s part of the communications staff for the Canadian Olympic team, assigned to water-polo and diving. As a member of the delegation, Marie-Annick had the opportunity to walk in the athletes’ parade at last Friday’s opening ceremonies. We spoke with her about the experience.

“What an incredible moment! There was something so pure, intense and indescribable about it. I still get shivers when I think about it. There was a long wait before we entered the stadium, especially since the ceremony wasn’t being broadcast in the place where we were waiting.”

But, to hear her speak, it’s obvious the wait was well worth it.

“Right before we went into the huge, packed stadium, we went through a tunnel. This tunnel was the start of a magical moment. In the distance, you could see the stadium, you could see people, you could hear the crowd, the official announcer, you could feel the energy. It was as if suddenly everything became more real and everyone in the delegation—the athletes, coaches, the support staff, me—was bursting with pride. We all had giant butterflies in our stomach.”

For Marie-Annick, each member of the delegation has a reason for the stars in their eyes.

“The athletes who are competing at their final Games see their entire career in this tunnel; others, like the water polo team, who qualified for the first time in 24 years, see all their efforts rewarded. Sylvie Bernier (Canada’s chef de mission) is thinking back to her gold medal win in Los Angeles. There’s something really moving about it.”

In the picture: Alexandre, Marie-Annick L'Allier and Christiane Despatie at the July 17, 2008 press conference.