Emile Amoros and Lucas Rual: a look back at their first participation in the Tokyo Olympic Games

From 27 July to 2 August, athletes Émile Amoros and Lucas Rual took part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The skippers, both from the Atlantic coast (Pornic), represented France in the 49er category. A look back at this incredible sporting adventure.

Special conditions for the Olympic Games this year

The regattas (sailing events) were held in Enoshima, in Sagami Bay, only a few kilometres from Tokyo. But this year, due to the health crisis, the Olympic Games were unfortunately not attended by the public. The events were therefore very special for the athletes, who were deprived of the encouragement of the local crowd. They were also obliged to stay permanently in their hotel rooms, avoiding contact with the other participants as much as possible, far from the usual festive and friendly atmosphere.

Emile and Lucas were able to take a bit of NatéoSanté with them: an EOLIS Air Manager 600S air purifier, which accompanied them throughout their Olympic adventure, in their hotel room. The device allowed them to benefit, in a country with such a high level of air pollution, from permanently purified air like on the Pornicais coast, and from an additional protection against possible contamination from Covid-19.

Lucas Rual and Emile Amoros with the NatéoSanté EOLIS Air Manager air purifier that accompanied them during the Games

"More than just a little piece of the Pays de Retz, NatéoSanté really brought the fresh air of Pornic into our room in Japan."

Emile and Lucas

An encouraging 15th place for our crew

After 4 days of sailing, with a total of 12 races, Emile and Lucas are in 15th place overall. (Details of the races can be found here).

The different 49er crews that participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

This ranking did not allow them to enter the final medal race on 2 August, but for our skippers this result is very encouraging for a first Olympic participation. They gave it their all and are proud of how far they have come.

"We fought until the end and didn't give up! Our first Olympic Games were an extraordinary experience. We worked for a whole Olympiad to reach the first grail of selection. We tested our mental strength and we came out stronger and taller."

Emile and Lucas

Great Britain (D. Fletcher / S. Bithell), New Zealand (B. Tuke / P. Burling) and Germany (T. Ploessel / E. Heil) stood on the podium of these Games, winning gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.

As in Tokyo, the athletes were able to take an EOLIS Air Manager air purifier with them on a previous sporting adventure in Australia.

NatéoSanté: All together with Emile and Lucas! More about our commitment with Emile and Lucas