By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 23 - Annecy 2018 have signed-up Christophe Lemaitre, the first white sprinter to break 10 seconds for 100 metres, who was born in the town, as the latest ambassador for its bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.


The 20-year-old made history in Valence earlier this month when he ran 9.98sec.

That made him the 72nd runner in history to break 10 seconds for 100m but the first white one, an achievement that earned him publicity around the world. 

Lemaitre, who represents the local club Athlétique Sport Aixois, is now being marketed by Annecy as the spearhead for a generation of talented new youngsters based in the area.

Lemaitre said: "I was born in Annecy, I grew up in this region and it’s where I live.

"Its my passion today.

"Everyone who lives here shares the same love of sport. I dream of seeing the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in my home town.

"It promises to be a wonderful festival which will inspire young people from Annecy, France and the whole world to make sport a real way of life."

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