Meet Nacer Zorgani, the vision-impaired Para-judo athlete who doubles as boxing’s Olympic voice

PARIS (AP) — The crowd at Roland Garros, the legendary home of French tennis that’s now hosting Olympic boxing, erupted in applause as Nacer Zorgani’s deep, resonant voice filled the venue.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in the red corner, representing France — Billal Bennama!” he announced in French, his words reverberating through the stands. The 20,000 spectators hung on his every word, unaware that the man captivating them with his powerful baritone couldn’t see a single one of them, because he’s acutely vision-impaired.

It wasn’t until the fourth semifinal match Thursday night — when Zorgani stood up from his seat and felt his way with a white cane — that some realized. As he and his volunteer guide, Laureline Jeunemaitre, made their way to the restroom, heads turned, and whispers filled the air.

“He’s tall, he’s big, and he carries a walking stick. You can’t help but notice him,” remarked spectator Florian Warth. “But when he got back to his seat and started speaking to the crowd, I realized he was speaking to us all along. That’s outstanding.”

By day, Zorgani is a fiercely dedicated Para-judo competitor, training tirelessly for the Paralympic Games that run Aug. 28-Sept. 8. This 38-year-old mountain of a man will compete in the men’s 90-kilogram division that includes athletes with acute visi...