Paraplegic tennis player carries the Olympic torch, leaving crowds in awe


An inspiring case of technological development in sports goes viral online.

The official start of the Olympics is in just a few days, but the event has already provided viewers with some historic moments.

Today, Kevin Piette, a paraplegic tennis player, carried the Olympic flame while wearing an exoskeleton.

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The video of the sportsman carrying the Olympic torch soon went viral, and many expressed their amazement at Piette and this technological advancement.

11 years ago, the French tennis player was in an accident that left him paraplegic. Nevertheless, this didn't stop Piette from continuing his sports career. He "returned to tennis as a para-athlete and became an exoskeleton 'pilot' for a company developing a robotic walking device," the official Olympics website shared.

The robotic exoskeleton worn by 36-year-old Piette was developed by the French company Wandercraft. The device supports the user's legs and is equipped with sensors to detect whether the user wants to stand, sit, or walk.

"By carrying the Olympic Torch, Kevin inspires people to get involved in sport and promote innovation for the disabled!" concluded the International Olympic Committee.