Who is carrying the Olympic torch through Paris? A BTS star, a garbage collector and more

Olympic torch relay through Paris celebrates unity, culture, and athleticism ahead of Summer Games in Tokyo.

From the Louvre Museum to the Eiffel Tower, from Paris' posh districts to working-class neighborhoods, hundreds of people have carried the Olympic torch through the French capital for two days of celebrations before the Summer Games kick off at the end of the month.

Joyful crowds lined up along the route Sunday and Monday.

“I got super emotional,” BMX world champion Matthias Dandois said after carrying the torch in front of the Eiffel Tower. ”I’m from Paris, and I grew up playing so much sport and watching the Olympics, and it was a dream to be a part of it."

About 10,000 people were chosen to carry the flame across France from the southern city port of Marseille, where it arrived on May 8, to the opening ceremony on July 26. Many are athletes. Others were picked because they represent art, culture and gastronomy, volunteer for charities or are deeply involved in community life.

Dressed in white, they ran at a slow pace to the cheers of spectators. The flame reached the top floor of the Eiffel Tower on Monday with French judoka and Olympic champion Clarisse Agbegnenou.

Francky Mbotto, a 26-year-old middle-distance runner from Central African Republic who lives in Paris, carried it near the Arc de Triomphe.

"This is incredible! It’s so emotional. It’s Olympism that is being highlighted," he said, adding that the relay is meant to deliver a “message of peace.”