A Ukrainian gymnast carried the Paris Olympic torch with an EU team, in a sign of support

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Ukrainian gymnast Mariia Vysochanska led a group of European athletes carrying the torch for the Paris Olympics through the Mediterranean city of Marseille on Thursday, in an important symbolic moment for her war-ravaged country.

The torch relay in Marseille marked the start of an 11-week journey across France ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony on July 26. The ambiance was electric as crowded Marseille streets cheered the relay of torchbearers that included athletes like basketball player Tony Parker or former soccer player Basile Boli.

The big moment for Ukraine came at midday, when a collective of 27 athletes and para-athletes from each EU country took the torch and joined the relay in celebration of Europe Day on May 9. They formed a guard of honor to welcome Vysochanska, who won two gold medals at the 2020 European Championships and competed at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021.