Paralyzed Tennis Player Kevin Piette Makes History Carrying the Olympic Torch: See Viral Moment
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris have not even officially begun, and history has already been made. Para-athlete Kevin Piette made headlines after a video of him carrying the Olympic torch, using an exoskeleton to help him walk upright, was posted online. While many take part in getting the torch to where it belongs for the Games, which start Friday, July 26, Piette's circumstances are a bit different.
The tennis player was in an accident 11 years ago that left him paralyzed. Piette has continued as an athlete, competing as a para-athlete in multiple different sports over the years. He has now made history as the first real para-athlete to use an exoskeleton to carry the Olympic torch closer to the finish line.
See the heartwarming moment below:
What is an exoskeleton?
The black exoskeleton that Piette is seen wearing was developed by Wandercraft, a manufacturer in Paris that produces these new forms of rehabilitation. The Atalante X is a new hands-free walk exoskeleton. According to the website, the exoskeleton "enables patients with severe gait impairment, including those with upper extremity dysfunction or cognition challenges to stand up and walk hands-free."
The exoskeleton was created to "minimize training time for both patient and therapist... [and] optimize your sessions, by increasing treatment productivity and step dosage." Although Piette used the device for the Olympics, it is not yet available for commercial use. According to a post from Wandercraft, the exoskeleton will be entering into clinical trials in the United States soon "with the goal of commercial availability in the next few years." About 20 of these exoskeleton devices have been used in hospitals to assist in patients' rehab and help them to walk again.
The self-balancing device is battery operated and offers a new solution for those with limited or no ability to walk due to a health condition, from strokes to types of paralysis to spinal cord injuries. While the device is not yet available for use by the public, they do cost about $176,000 a piece. But with the ability it gives back to patients, they are growing in popularity.
The exoskeleton uses 12 motors to power the device: six at the hips, four at the ankles and two at the knees. There are also sensors at the back that can detect when the upper body is ready to stand. The device can "[carry] out lower limb, posture, balance and upper limb reinforcement exercises in a safe upright position."
Piette makes history ahead of the Olympic events
Kristy Sparow / Stringer / Getty
Piette, who was in a motorcycle accident in 2012, was chosen to use the device to "embody sports engagement, inclusivity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit." Piette has since become a pilot for the exoskeleton, contributing to the evolution of the project and this new technology.
Piette himself shared an emotional post to social media about his history-making moment. "A big thank you to everyone who was able to come and follow me and support me for this incredible emotional day," he wrote online. "It is with pride and honor that I was able to carry this flame that represents so many beautiful things: Commitment, sport, innovation, inclusion, hope, the future... I will never forget this day, thanks again!" Piette also shared a series of photos from the special day, no doubt boosting mental health and excitement for those involved in the modern games.
In a report from 2022, Piette explained, "The first time you stand up is pretty impressive because you can do it very easily, very quietly, comfortably. And then you have this upright posture that you had actually forgotten about."
As the X, formerly known as Twitter, post continues to go viral, Kevin Piette's history-making walk is getting fans all around the world ready to watch Paris host the Olympic Games.
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