"I will be extremely proud if Paris and France are chosen to welcome the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012", Mr. Riou said. "The Games are the biggest sporting event imaginable, one that encompasses all nations, all sports, and the best athletes in the world", he added.

During his own "water marathon", which lasted 87 days 10 hours 47 minutes and 55 seconds, he sailed around the three great capes, marking the southern tips of Africa, Australia and America.

 

As he prepares for his next challenge, Riou is hoping to welcome the world to France for the 2012 Games, a passion he shares with his fellow athletes.

"I know that Paris and France would organize the most beautiful Games", he said. "Our country has already hosted a number of magnificent sporting events".

A shining star of the sailing world today, Vincent Riou is far from being a beginner. As the French Champion in Match Racing in 1994 and double French Champion in First Class 8 (1997 and 1998), he awaits the July 6 decision by the International Olympic Committee on the host city for the 2012 Olympics and hopes to reserve his place at La Rochelle to watch the sailing stars of the future.