XXXlll Olympiad closed out after two and a half weeks of sports and emotion with a star-studded show in France’s national stadium & from Long Beach in SoCal. Hosting duties have been handed over for the Summer Games 2028 to Los Angeles.
The ground breaking opening ceremony in the “City of Lights” had boats floating down the River Seine filled with athletes waving their country’s flags and torchbearers running across rooftops in iconic Paris locations. Lady Gaga performed a salute to the city’s Cabaret culture on the banks of the River Seine. Celine Dion returned in stunning fashion performing on the Eiffel Tower. She’s been suffering from Stiff Person Syndrome for the past two years. Celine said she feels like “fear of her condition has been replaced with hope.”
The epic closing ceremony was epic with a Hollywood twist. Just like a stunt straight out of “Mission Impossible,” Tom Cruise rappelled from the rim of the stadium to the field below as H.E.R. performed, then roared off on a motorcycle with the official flag. Snoop Dogg dropped a few bars, along with performances from Billie Eilish, Dr. Dre and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What’s your fave sport to watch? What team are you hoping takes home a gold medal in these Olympics? Have you ever thought about trying out to compete in one of the sports?
The GOAT Simone Biles, who struggled with mental health issues at the last Summer Olympics in Japan and had to drop out returned to Paris and is now the most dedicated Olympic gymnast in history. You have to respect Simone for her decision in Japan and her determination in Paris.
And of course, there was disappointment and heartache as well in the Paris games. Jordan Chiles was stripped of a gymnastics bronze medal over a technicality that is still being appealed. And Italian boxer Angela Carini stopped her fight after less than a minute because she was hit so hard by her opponent who was one of two female boxers who were disqualified from the 2023 World Championship after being judged to have failed gender eligibility tests. Angela was aiming for a medal to honor her late father & coach who died shortly after the Tokyo Games three years ago. It had to be a tough decision for Angela but she made a decision to put her health & safety ahead of a medal.
No matter who you were hoping to see win you have to respect the passion, dedication and perseverance of all the athletes. It’s amazing to watch as they push themselves to the highest level of skill. They are an inspiration to us all.
