Snoop Dogg to carry Olympic torch at opening ceremony

With the Paris Olympic opening ceremony just days away, popular American rapper Snoop Dogg has been revealed as one of the final torchbearers of the Olympic flame ahead of Friday’s ceremony. Snoop Dogg, whose full name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., will carry the torch through the neighbourhood of Saint-Denis, according to the town’s mayor, Mathieu Hanotin.

Saint-Denis marks the final stop of the Olympic flame’s journey before it reaches the renowned Eiffel Tower, symbolizing the start of the global event. The rapper has already touched down in Paris, sharing his excitement with fans by tweeting a photo of himself in the Olympic host city on Tuesday, captioned: “U ready? Paris 2024 Olympics ya digggg!”

In addition to his role as a torchbearer, Snoop Dogg will provide regular reports and explore the city’s history and landmarks for prime-time shows on NBC and Peacock. His involvement will undoubtedly add some flair to the U.S. broadcast.

The D.O. Double G has been heavily involved with track and field this summer, also making an appearance at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., last month, where he did some play-by-play commentary on the 3,000m steeplechase and the 100m, plus ran an impressive 200m race in 34.44 seconds.

Snoop Dogg will be joined by French rapper MC Solaar and Ukrainian pole vault legend Sergey Bubka as they carry the Olympic torch around Saint-Denis (home to the Olympic stadium and aquatics centre). The torch relay is a historic Olympic tradition, and the Paris flame was first lit in April during a ceremony in Olympia, Greece, the home to the ancient Games. It’s been relayed across France over the past two months.

After the flame is lit, the opening ceremony will begin on the River Seine, where approximately 10,000 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team are expected. Canada’s flag bearer(s) have not yet been announced for the opening ceremony. According to the Canadian Olympic Committee, the announcement will come Wednesday morning.

posted Wednesday July 24th
by Marley Dickinson