American rapper Snoop Dogg surprised many as a torchbearer for the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony. While some expressed disapproval of his participation, the star shared his perspective on why he was selected for the honor.

The 2024 Olympic Games kicked off on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. The event officially launched with over 10,000 athletes gathering on boats on the River Seine for the opening ceremony.

Ahead of the much-anticipated international sporting event, it was announced that a renowned hip-hop icon would carry the Olympic torch on its last leg.

The musician fulfilled his duty by marking the 67th leg of the torch’s journey before the Eiffel Tower. He was joined by fellow entertainers including French rapper MC Solaar and French actress Laetitia Casta.

While carrying the Olympic torch which was aflame, Snoop Dogg danced around and waved to onlookers. He also showed a thumbs up with a big smile on his face while his song “The Next Episode” featuring Dr. Dre played in the background.

Interestingly, the decision to have Snoop Dogg as the torchbearer through the streets of Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris, caused quite a stir.

Many online users questioned why he was chosen among the many athletes who could have done the honors. Others were left confused and slammed the decision, deeming it degrading.

People expressed their frustration regarding the record producer’s participation with one writing, “Why is he there? The bar keeps getting lower and lower.”

“This is the best we could do??” remarked another. Someone else penned, “Why? How come every cultural institution has devolved into a joke these days?”

One said Snoop Dogg was an unexpected choice, “Well, there’s the last person I thought I would see carrying the torch in France. Why not use French citizens and athletes?”

Another online user concurred, adding that there were many other suitable candidates who could have done the job, “There are lots of people who dedicate their life to sport and help underprivileged children and families and they chose him.”

Before the commencement of the athletic event, Snoop Dogg prepared well in advance. He reportedly arrived in Paris ten days ahead of the opening ceremony and met up with athletes and their families.

Not only did he get to know them better by listening to their backstories, but he also visited practice facilities to meet various teams. This included fencing, basketball, judo, and weightlifting teams.

Of his involvement in the international multi-sport event, the actor, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, proudly expressed that he wanted to show why he was chosen to carry the torch.

“I’m going to show you why they made me the man to do it. I’m going to put all of my resources and energy around it with peace, love, and harmony. That’s what the Olympics is all about. I feel like that’s why they chose me. That’s what I represent,” he said.

“This is my own version of it. I don’t want to get too emotional, but I know this is special,” the award-winning rapper further stated.

When Snoop Dogg agreed to become an Olympic torchbearer, he reminisced on a memorable moment of watching a beloved world-famous individual doing the honors.
America’s decorated professional boxer, Muhammad Ali, lit the cauldron at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Because of that fond memory, the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” hitmaker hoped to recreate that same moment for the global audience at the Paris Olympics.

“It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there,” said the “Day Shift” star about the late Ali who died in June 2016. It was a surprising moment for those watching the sporting event including the hosts at the time.

Renowned sportscaster Bob Costas recounted the powerful moment when Ali, who had battled Parkinson’s disease for over three decades, unexpectedly lit the Olympic cauldron.

“It was a complete surprise for everyone in the stadium and everyone watching at home. And it was also a surprise to me and [fellow cohost] Dick Enberg,” he remembered in 2021.

Costas revealed that NBC Sports head Dick Ebersol intentionally kept them in the dark about the special guest. Ebersol had told them a day or two before the event that he would not reveal who would be the guest of honor, adding that no one knew except for him.

He wanted Costas and Enberg’s reactions to be as genuine as the audience. Therefore, Ebersol wanted the colleagues to find out at the same time as everyone else.

Costas detailed the dramatic reveal, explaining that Ali only emerged from the shadows to take the torch from swimmer Janet Evans. Despite the visible effects of Parkinson’s, which caused him to tremble and affected his speech, his appearance was profoundly moving.

Reflecting on the moment, Costas noted that the stadium erupted with an unprecedented mix of audible gasps and sustained applause. He described the event as not only exhilarating but deeply poignant, capturing the essence of Ali’s extraordinary life journey.

For Costas, a veteran host of twelve Olympic Games, this particular moment stood out from all the rest. He said it was a unique blend of emotions, encapsulating everything that defined Ali.In December 2023, Snoop Dogg detailed his love of the Games saying,

“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.”

The esteemed celebrity, who showed his support for Team USA in June 2024 when he attended the track and field trials, hails from Los Angeles where the 2028 Olympics will be held.