Every two years I, like so many others across the country and around the world, love watching the Olympics.
Two seasons of basketball poms were the extent of my athletic endeavors, so it's not an affinity with the athletes that draws me to the television set each night for 17 days. I do love watching people perform at their absolute best - and hearing so many inspiring stories about the athletes.
NBC broadcasters and TV personalities (mainly Jimmy Fallon) seem to agree that these were the best Summer Games in quite some time. (Especially when compared to the last Summer Games in Tokyo in 2021, which took place during the pandemic.) I think the view of the Eiffel tower from the broadcast area might have had something to do with it. But I will say I really enjoyed these games, too.
So, in homage to David Letterman (sorry Jimmy!), I present my top 10 list of things I love about the 2024 Paris Olympics. Plus three. It's a gold medal effort, here.
13. Discovering new sports
I knew absolutely nothing about kayak cross, but thanks to one late night of viewing, now I do.
12. Matching outfits
I have been mocked mercilessly for wearing matching outfits with my sorority sisters in college during membership drives. And what do all the athletes wear when their teams go up on the podium to get their medals? Matching outfits. Hah!
11. Athlete karaoke
Queen's "We are the Champions" was a great choice for this somewhat corny - but fun - closing ceremony segment.
10. New perspectives
Imane Khelif, who won the gold medal in women's boxing, taught many Americans something about jumping to conclusions.
9. Gratitude
Watching the excitement of athletes who never thought they'd be on the podium receive a bronze medal was a great reminder that winning really isn't everything.
8. 'Caeleb and the Critic'
Caeleb Dressel opened up in one segment about how strong his self-critic was after he earned five gold medals in Tokyo. He and other athletes like Simone Biles and Michael Phelps are helping to reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues.
7. Superbowl-quality commercials
From Leslie Jones using AI to come up with training routines to cute little Riley learning she made the team, the commercials were almost as much fun as the competitions.
6. So much jumping
Watching the athletes jump for joy after nailing a performance or winning a medal made me want to get up off the couch and jump around, too.
5. So much hugging
Athletes hugged their teammates, their coaches, their families and even their opponents. I think we all could use more hugs.
4. The Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower
These two iconic symbols were dynamite together.
3. Snoop
I had not expected to be so entertained by a 52-year-old rapper from the '90s, but I couldn't get enough of him - from his gold shoes to his Olympic ring glasses. My favorite moment was when he crowned Caeleb Dressel's son "Augie Dogg."
2. We're not worthy
Floor exercise gold medalist Rebeca Andrade from Brazil received the best congratulations from opponents when Simone Biles (silver) and teammate Jordan Chiles (fifth) bowed down to her in Wayne and Garth fashion.
1. Parting message
International Olympic Committee President Tom Bach offered this wonderful sentiment during his speech at the closing ceremonies.
"The Olympics cannot create peace. But they can create a culture of peace that inspires the world."
Let's hope the world responds.
- Pamela Lannom is editor of The Hinsdalean. Readers can email her at [email protected].
