Born on September 2, 1923 in Saint-Amand-Montrond in Cher, Maurice dedicated nearly 80 years of his life to the world of sport.
In 1942, his dream of becoming a hydraulic engineer was interrupted by the war, bringing him back to Berry.
After these difficult years, he studied at the École Normale Supérieure d'enseignement physique in Paris, now closed.
Maurice Chatelet subsequently became a sports teacher for two decades in Orléans (Loiret).
It was then that his commitment to the sporting field began.
" An honor "
However, the man full of energy told us of his regret at the loss of the symbol of the Olympic flame.
“Unfortunately, the Olympic flame no longer has the value it had in ancient times.
Back then, she stopped wars during the Games.
Today, this is no longer the case,” referring to the armed conflict in Ukraine.
Despite everything, the centenarian is delighted to have been selected and to represent the region's seniors alongside six other Loirétains, also symbols of the action of the departmental council.
When asked about its longevity and exceptional shape, Maurice tells us his secret.
“The recipe I would give is to always stay active.
You have to walk, take part in activities, not be afraid of getting tired but also eat healthily” even if he admits to not having always been wise about his consumption, the man made up for it a lot by cooking and eating vegetables from his garden for many years.
A recipe that allowed him to retire only at the age of 78.
Today, Maurice Chatelet lives in a small apartment near Orléans.
He can't wait to experience this exceptional day of July 10, holding the Olympic flame in his hand and standing upright.
A day that will undoubtedly make his 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren proud.
“Carrying the Olympic flame is an honor, even if I was surprised that it was offered to an old man like me,” he smiles.
And to conclude our exchange, Maurice Chatelet ends with these words: “embrace life with energy”.