In a surprising and historic moment, American rapper Snoop Dogg carried the Olympic torch through Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, on Friday, July 26, just hours before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics. Wearing a white Olympic jumpsuit and custom-made gold sneakers, the 52-year-old entertainer danced and waved to cheering fans as he made his way around the Stade de France.Snoop Dogg, one of the final torchbearers in the relay that began in Greece in April, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect. I would have never dreamed of nothing like this,” he stated. The rapper’s participation has been widely celebrated, with Flavor Flav calling it “a very, very big moment for rap history”.Beyond his role in the torch relay, Snoop Dogg will serve as a special Olympic correspondent for NBC during the Paris Games. This marks the first time a rap artist has played a significant part in the live broadcast of the Olympics. NBC’s decision to include Snoop Dogg in their coverage is part of an effort to boost ratings by infusing pop culture into their Olympic programming.The torch relay has featured a diverse group of bearers, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and individuals with disabilities. The Olympic flame arrived in Paris on a boat via the Canal Saint-Martin, after traveling across France since May 8th.As the Games begin, anticipation builds for the opening ceremony. While Snoop Dogg’s participation in the torch relay has garnered significant attention, it remains unclear who will light the Olympic cauldron during the official ceremony. The Paris Olympic flame is located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde.
Key points
- Snoop Dogg carried the Olympic torch in Saint-Denis, Paris, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.
- The rapper will serve as a special correspondent for NBC’s Olympic coverage, marking the first time a rap artist has played a significant role in Olympic broadcasting.
- The torch relay featured diverse bearers, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and individuals with disabilities.
Contradictions👾There is a minor discrepancy in reporting Snoop Dogg’s role with NBC, with some sources stating he will be a ‘special correspondent’ and others referring to him as a ‘commentator’.