*Snoop Dogg carried the Olympic torch in the final leg of the relay hours before the 2024 Paris Summer Games opening ceremony.
The rapper danced and waved to a cheering crowd in the suburb of Saint-Denis on Friday, July 26. Snoop said the moment reminded him of when Muhammad Ali, despite battling Parkinson’s disease, lit the Olympic cauldron during the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there. This is my own version of it,” Snoop told NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico, the Washington Post reports. “I don’t want to get too emotional, but I know that this is special.”
Last month, Snoop participated in the mock race in preparation for his duties as a Special Correspondent at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. We reported previously via CNN, that he will provide special reports for the Olympics primetime show on NBC and Peacock, the network announced.
The music legend will “explore the city’s iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions and events, and visit with the athletes, their friends, and families,” according to NBC.
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“I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement.
In his interview with NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico, Snoop Dogg acknowledged the criticism surrounding his role as an American carrying the torch for the Paris Games.
“This says a lot about America as far as where we’re at in this world,” he said.
Snoop Dogg carrying the Olympic torch ? pic.twitter.com/Obrs0NFpcq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 26, 2024
“At the same time, it says a lot about France as far as connecting the dots and allowing me to do this. I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect. I would have never dreamed of nothing like this,” Snoop added.
“I’m going to be on my best behavior. I’m going to be on my best athleticism. I’ll be able to breathe slow, to walk fast and hold the torch with a smile on my face, because I realize how prestigious this event is,” he said.
Watch Snoop Dogg dancing with the Olympic torch in the clip below.
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