NATCHITOCHES – A Northwestern State University physics professor is one of over 20,000 individuals from all over the world selected to participate in the Marathon Pour Tous during the Paris Olympic Games this summer. Dr. Damien Tristant, a native of France, was selected for the event that will feature both amateurs and athletes alike, with a 50/50 split of male and female participants regardless of ages, physical condition or sporting level.
The Marathon Pour Tous will take place on Aug. 10, beginning at the Hotel de Ville and will follow a historic course through Paris and along the Seine that is a tribute to the thousands of people – mostly women — who in 1789 marched to the Palace of Versailles to demand bread and the Declaration of Human Rights from King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Along the route are many famous landmarks including the Paris Opera House, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower before it ends at the Esplanade de Invalides. The route is 42.195 km equal to 26.219 miles. An engaging map of Marathon Pour Tous route and its historic significance can be viewed here with English subtitles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzNfHRo2t-g.
“I’m excited and happy,” Tristant said. “This opportunity shows that everyone has access to their dreams, not just athletes.”
The selection process for the mass race began nearly two years ago, open to participants from around the world.
“I decided to sign up for fun, not expecting to be selected. Running is a good way for me to clear my mind,” he said. “I had until December 31, 2023, to accumulate a total of 100,000 points. These points were earned by wearing a watch that recorded my activities, such as running, walking, biking and swimming, as well as participating in games and quizzes.
Tristant upped his points by running in the Louisiana Marathon last year. In addition, he ran 343 miles and earned 108,299 out of 100,000 points last September.
“I finished 16,889th out of 616,027 participants. Following this there was a lottery among all participants who had accumulated at least 100,000 points. Though I was happy just to have participated in something unique and enjoyable, I received an email stating that I had been selected to the Olympic marathon.”
After signing several documents, Tristant will undergo a mandatory medical checkup, submit his paperwork and complete final steps. He was already planning to visit France this summer to see family and is pleased to be running in the Olympic Marathon.
2024 marks the centennial of the last modern Olympic games hosted in France. The XXXIII Olympiad will take place July 26-Aug. 11.
“The Marathon Pour Tous is also a tribute to Pierre de Coubertin, who initiated the modern Olympic Games,” Tristant said. “In honor of the occasion, France has decided to modify the opening ceremony, traditionally held in a stadium, to take place entirely on the River La Seine.”
Tristant participated in his first big race, a 20 km course, with his family in Paris in 2013, but didn’t start running regularly until 2017. He has also been a swimmer and practitioner of Aïkido (Japanese martial arts) for 10 years.
He arrived in Natchitoches last August and began the Fall 2023 semester as assistant professor of physics. Tristant completed his Ph.D. in nanophysics at Paul Sabatier University / INSA in Toulouse, France, in collaboration with Rice University in Houston. During that time, he traveled to Rice University to conduct research on carbon nanotube fibers, measuring their properties and comparing experimental results with theoretical findings calculated in France.
“This adventure also marked my first immersion in the U.S.A. in 2015,” he said.
After completing his Ph.D., he returned to the U.S. for a post-doctoral position at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, then pursued another post-doc at Louisiana State University.
“The objective behind these two post-doctoral positions was twofold: to delve into new research and to immerse myself in Louisiana’s culture,” he said. “In 2023, I applied to the online posting for the assistant professorship in physics at NSU. Sensing the opportune moment for a transition, I opened a new chapter, aiming to impart my knowledge in a manner distinct from conventional academic publications – through teaching. My decision to join NSU was motivated by the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse student body with varying backgrounds and perspectives.”
Upon relocating to Natchitoches after having lived in other countries and cities, Tristant was surprised by the lack infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities, especially in a college town, but is encouraged by discussions of the city’s master plan aimed at addressing those issues. He particularly likes the Sibley Lake area and hopes to see connectivity with existing paths, such as NSU’s walking trail along Chaplin’s Lake.
“Walking, running or biking are vital activities, echoing the sentiments of the Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin, who stated “‘Sport is part of every man and woman’s heritage and its absence can never be compensated for.’”
Pictured: Dr. Damien Tristant runs along Chaplin’s Lake on the NSU campus.
