Nadal adds special piece of Olympic history to his museum

Rafael Nadal has added a special piece of history, a torch from the 2024 Paris Olympics, to his eponymous museum at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar. The 22-time major champion, forever linked to Paris through his record 14 Roland Garros titles, now holds a piece of Olympic history in tribute to his role in the Opening Ceremony.

The Spaniard carried the torch through the heart of the city alongside legends including Serena Williams and Zinedine Zidane. A recognition of his contribution to the Games, the torch now shines among his trophies, embodying the spirit of competition and legacy.

"Thank you, @Olympics, for sending me this very special torch," Nadal shared on social media Thursday. "At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, I experienced one of the most emotional days of my career and I’m thrilled to keep this torch in a remarkable place in the Museum."

Thank you @Olympics for sending me this very special torch.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games I experienced one of the most emotional days of my career and I’m thrilled to keep this torch in a remarkable place in the Museum ☺️ pic.twitter.com/NPsnZpOHq8

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 13, 2025

In Paris last year, Nadal was at the centre of the Olympic spectacle, receiving the flame from football icon Zidane before boarding a boat on the Seine. Alongside Williams, Carl Lewis and Nadia Comaneci, he carried the torch towards the Louvre in a ceremony watched by millions. The flame ultimately reached its final destination, lighting a cauldron inspired by the Montgolfier brothers' first aerostatic flight.

Nadal’s connection to the Games runs deep, having won Olympic gold in singles in 2008 and in doubles in 2016 with Marc Lopez. Now, this torch serves as a lasting reminder of his role in one of sport’s most iconic traditions. Displayed alongside his trophies and memorabilia, it cements the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings legacy as a global sporting icon.