Hip hop legend Snoop Dogg has been everywhere during the 2024 Paris Olympics, being a torchbearer, news correspondent and all-around super fan.
It was announced ahead of the opening that he would be participating in the Olympic torch relay, running through the streets of Saint-Denis.
After the relay, Snoop told reporters:
“I felt like Muhammad Ali… I found out that when you hold the torch, you’re a peace messenger.”
In 1996, Muhammad Ali lit up the ceremonial flame during the opening in Atlanta. At the time, the boxer’s Parkinson’s symptoms had become more evident since his 1984 diagnosis. Ali surprised the world with his appearance, standing defiantly holding the torch.
Snoop shared more details about the experience of carrying the torch:
“I was waving, shaking hands, kissing the babies — doing what I do, you understand me? Putting my foot in the pavement, letting the people know that we’re here. We’re here for peace, love, unity and great sportsmanship.”
Ahead of the opening ceremony, he also had his portrait taken and tried on some Ralph Lauren Olympic clothing.
Snoop has been reporting for NBC as well, delivering entertaining commentary on the competitions, including a badminton game.
“As you see, it don’t stop ’til the casket drop. They rocking and rolling. Back and forth. Give me that. No, I need that. Nope, over here. No, over there. What about over there? Nope. What about over there? Nope,” the rapper said in his badminton commentary.
The 52-year-old rapper has also been showing his support to athletes and hanging out with ex-Olympians.
During a gymnastics competition, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles were seen pointing at Snoop, who was wearing his Team USA jacket. The two gymnasts started dancing with Snoop while he was in the stands.
The rapper also featured in a video with Michael Phelps promoting the Paris Olympics. Phelps said that swimming requires great lung power and a wide wingspan.
“You just described me! You said wingspan, lung power — I definitely have great lung power,” Snoop said, referring to his love for marijuana.
Snoop and former tennis player Billie Jean King also met at the Olympics and took a photo together, along with the rest of the USA Olympic swimming team.
“Met the incomparable Snoop Dogg. Both of us were born and raised in Long Beach, California, and graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School,” the tennis player wrote in an Instagram caption.
