Amandine has been a mechanical design engineer at MECAGINE since early 2022 and is actively involved in the Social and Economic Committee (CSE). This summer, she had the unique opportunity to volunteer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This role allowed her to experience the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the world’s largest sporting events, in the prestigious setting of Versailles, and to share the adventure with her sister, Philippine.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Olympics

As a volunteer, Amandine not only contributed to the organization of the Games but also lived every moment up close to the competitions and behind the scenes, an experience she never could have had as a mere spectator. Assigned to the equestrian site at Versailles, she discovered the château from a new perspective while helping to manage the flow of accredited individuals. Her main mission was to operate the APM (Accessible People Mover) vehicles, specifically designed to transport people with reduced mobility, putting her at the heart of the inclusion challenges faced during major events. In parallel, she welcomed athletes and officials and coordinated access for VIPs. This deep dive into the Olympic backstage, coupled with the beauty of the setting, gave her role an exceptional dimension.

“Seeing the Château de Versailles from that angle while being in the heart of the action was truly incredible,” she says.

The Art of Pin Trading

One of the most memorable aspects of her experience was discovering the Olympic tradition of pin trading. Once she learned about this practice, she decided to create bracelets to exchange with athletes, federation members, and accredited individuals. This allowed her to forge unexpected connections with people from around the world. By the end of the Games, she had collected over 50 pins, including some rare ones like those from the Calgary and Sochi Games, and a pin from Jordan given by a rider (even though the country was not competing in the equestrian events), symbolizing the cultural diversity and richness of this international experience.

“Every pin had a story; it was much more than just an object,” Amandine recalls.

Collection of pins collected during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, accompanied by souvenirs such as a French flag, a badge, and a foam hand, arranged on a towel in Advans Group colors.

Inclusion and Invisible Disabilities: A Heightened Awareness

Thanks to her role as an APM manager, Amandine was daily confronted with the issue of disability. Already aware of this cause, she was able to observe the challenges related to inclusion firsthand during the Games, particularly for spectators and team members with disabilities. What struck her the most was the issue of invisible disabilities. She became even more aware of the invisible pain some people experience and the burden of constantly having to justify their condition. As a volunteer, she refused to demand such justifications, preferring to trust people, even if it meant that occasionally someone might take advantage of the transport.

“I’ve always been sensitive to these issues, but experiencing this event from the inside opened my eyes even more to the importance of inclusion, especially for less visible disabilities,” she explains.

A Family Olympic Adventure

Amandine’s experience was made even more enriching because she shared it with her sister, Philippine, who also volunteered. This family connection made every moment even more precious, adding a personal dimension to an already exceptional adventure. Together, they faced challenges and shared moments of joy, enhancing the unforgettable nature of their participation in the Games.

Looking Towards the Winter Olympics in Milan 2026?

Although some organizational challenges, related to managing over 200 volunteers on such a vast site, occasionally marked her experience, Amandine holds unforgettable memories of this adventure. The opportunity to experience the Games from the inside, to interact with athletes, and to participate in the pin-trading tradition far outweighed any minor inconveniences. This first Olympic adventure was so impactful that she now plans to renew the experience with her sister, this time at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan.

“Despite the small hiccups, it was an incredible human adventure that I will never forget,” she concludes.

In the end, for Amandine, being a volunteer at the Olympic Games was much more than just a mission. It was a complete immersion in a global event, a lesson in inclusion, and a personal and family adventure that will remain etched in her memory forever.

Amandine, at the 2024 Olympic Games, posing smiling in front of an autonomous vehicle used on the Olympic site, equipped with her orange vest.