Nantenin Keïta is albino and visually impaired. This “difference” is a fact, so we might as well settle the issue from the outset to better turn it into a “wealth”. At 4 years old, she calls her class together, explains her situation, says she is nice, always up for it and just wants to play like the others. One break later, it’s done. “I wanted to be part of it,” says the French-Malian sprinter, with her ever-mischievous look.
Assume, surpass, move forward. A mantra was born. It will take her to the top of her discipline and, this Wednesday, to the Champs-Elysées, where she will be the flag bearer (with Alexis Hanquinquant) of the Blue athletes for the opening of the “JP”, the Paralympic Games. She is keen on the term, does not like it too much when people say the “second Olympics”: “It is not a question of performance but we are running the JP because we are in a situation of disability. It is important to affirm it and to be proud of it to show to all those who are concerned that it is possible.”
