Snoop Dogg — and the Olympic torch — is lit!
The rapper, 52, danced whereas carrying the Olympic torch by way of the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, as one of many last torchbearers forward of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, July 26.
In a video on the Paris Olympics’ Instagram, Snoop — wearing a white Olympics tracksuit and gold sneakers — was proven taking up the flame from the final torchbearer earlier than dancing his approach by way of the streets and waving to followers.
Snoop mentioned that when he took on the position of torchbearer, he thought again to the shock second Muhammad Ali, who was fighting Parkinson’s illness on the time, lit the Olympic cauldron throughout the 1996 Atlanta Video games.
“It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and strolling up there. That is my very own model of it,” Snoop mentioned on a name with NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico on July 24, the Washington Submit reported. “I don’t wish to get too emotional, however I do know that that is particular.”
paris 2024/instagram
He additionally acknowledged the criticism that he, as an American, would carry the torch for the Paris Video games.
“This says quite a bit about America so far as the place we’re at on this world,” he mentioned. “On the identical time, it says quite a bit about France so far as connecting the dots and permitting me to do that. I take a look at this as a prestigious honor and one thing I really respect. I’d have by no means dreamed of nothing like this.”
“I’m going to be on my finest conduct,” he continued. “I’m going to be on my finest athleticism. I’ll be capable to breathe sluggish, to stroll quick and maintain the torch with a smile on my face, as a result of I notice how prestigious this occasion is.”
Alongside together with his torchbearing duties, Snoop may also be a correspondent for NBC throughout the Olympics. Together with offering shade commentary throughout primetime broadcasts, the “Drop It Like It is Scorching” rapper will go round Paris and hang around with Olympians and their assist crews.
Marcus Brandt/image alliance by way of Getty
“He’ll discover town’s iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions and occasions, and go to with the athletes, their associates and households,” the community mentioned.
“We’re going to have some superb competitions and, after all, I will probably be bringing that Snoop model to the combination,” Snoop mentioned in a press release forward of the Video games. “It’s going to be essentially the most epic Olympics ever, so keep tuned, and hold it locked. Let’s elevate, rejoice, and make these video games unforgettable, smoke the competitors and will the perfect shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?”
To be taught extra about all of the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to folks.com to take a look at ongoing protection earlier than, throughout and after the video games. And join Going for Gold, our Olympics e-newsletter, to get the largest tales from the Video games delivered straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, starting July 26, on NBC and Peacock.