Snoop Dogg adds sizzle to Paris drizzle by carrying Olympic torch
Get The Latest Sports News In Our Free Newsletter!
Get The Latest Sports News In Our Free Email
Legendary hip-hop star Snoop Dogg brought some star power to the Olympics torch relay in Paris. He proudly carried the flame through the streets of Saint-Denis before the opening ceremony tonight.
Wearing some stylish gold sneakers, the rapper and actor proudly held the Olympic torch during a brief run around the Stade de France in the suburbs of Paris on a rainy Friday morning.
The mayor, Mathieu Hanotin, shared earlier this week that Snoop Dogg would take part in the relay race, and the community showed up in full force to show their support. There was a big roar of excitement as Snoop Dogg emerged at the beginning of a bridge near the stadium, energizing the crowd as he walked down to the Seine River to pass on the torch for its last stretch along the water.
Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr, shared his appreciation for the chance during an interview on Wednesday.
"I see this as a very special privilege and something I deeply value. I never thought I would have the opportunity to experience something like this," he expressed. "I will make sure to act in the best way possible. I will bring my best performance. I will calmly walk fast and carry the torch with a smile, because I understand the significance of this event."
The Olympic flame has travelled through France since it began in May, with famous athletes and celebrities like retired Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, and actress Halle Berry taking turns to carry it. Additional torch bearers in Saint-Denis on Friday were French actress Laetitia Casta and rapper MC Solaar.
Snoop will have a lot on his plate this summer as he will be working with NBC to cover the Olympics. He has some experience in broadcasting, as he has commented on UFC fights in the past thanks to his friendship with Dana White, the boss of UFC. Additionally, he has worked with comedian Kevin Hart on NBC's Peacock online streaming service during the last Olympics in Tokyo.
This year, he will play a more official part in the Olympics Primetime coverage on NBC's primary channel every night.
He went to the training grounds to visit different teams like judo, weightlifting, 3x3 basketball and fencing.
"I will demonstrate why I am the one chosen for this task," he stated. "I will devote all of my efforts and enthusiasm to it, promoting peace, love, and unity. This is the essence of the Olympics. I believe this is why they selected me. This is what I stand for."
