My first memories of the Olympic Games are ones that I will never forget. Swimmer Mark Spitz capturing seven gold medals, gymnast Nadia Comaneci scoring perfect 10s and wrestler Dan Gable not allowing a point en route to a gold medal. The Olympic Games are an incredible event that is like no other.
For me, the Summer Games that are staged every four years are a 16-day extravaganza packed with extraordinary moments. That same scenario has played out again as we are now over halfway finished with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. With Paris providing a picturesque setting in one of the world’s most beautiful and captivating cities, the 2024 Olympics have been a smashing success.
The Games have made a resounding comeback after the delayed and COVID restricted Olympics in Tokyo in 2021. The Olympic Games are back. And in a very big way.
It’s been awesome to watch. And one of my favorite Olympic sports to watch, wrestling, is just starting. The greatest thrill and honor of my professional career was covering the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
It is such a special and meaningful event. This year’s Olympics have already provided so many magical moments. Here are some of my favorite parts of the event so far: Simone Biles is the greatest gymnast of all-time.
She came back with a vengeance in Paris with an outstanding performance that resulted in three gold medals. Her impressive combination of speed, power and athleticism may never be replicated again. American sprinter Noah Lyles somehow prevailed in a photo finish in an epic 100-meter race on the purple track in Paris.
It was the best 100 final in the sport’s storied history. The unflappable and incomparable Katie Ledecky won the 800 in swimming for the fourth straight Olympics. That’s a remarkable and unprecedented feat.
And she’s hoping to return in 2028 in Los Angeles. He only does one event, but pommel horse specialist and self-proclaimed nerd "Super Steve" Nedoroscik became one of those unlikely heroes that everyone falls in love with. What other Olympian could win two bronze medals and solve Rubik’s Cube in less than 10 seconds? American shot putter Ryan Crouser overcame a torn pectoral muscle just a few months ago to win his third straight Olympic gold medal in track and field.
The hulking and powerful 6-foot-7, 320-pound Crouser is entertaining to watch. I had never heard of French swimmer Leon Marchand, but I have now. He was one of the biggest stars of these Games.
He’s a multi-talented star who excelled before his boisterous home nation's fans. American gymnast Suni Lee overcame tremendous adversity to earn three medals after capturing the all-around gold in Tokyo. She’s an impressive and clutch athlete who delivered under pressure.
The synchronized diving tandem of Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon -- Cook N' Bacon -- kicked the Olympics off by winning the first U.S. medal with a silver.
These divers are unbelievable athletes who are nearly flawless in their routines and techniques. I really don’t know who the athletes in this sport are, but table tennis is one of my favorite Olympic events. I watched it in person in London in 2012 and I love the fast pace and high skill level it brings to the table.
NBC’s Mike Tirico may be the best studio host the Olympics have ever seen. He is so knowledgeable, and he really captures the essence of what this global event is all about. He is phenomenal.
It was neat seeing how much winning an Olympic gold medal meant to golfer Scottie Scheffler. He became emotional on the podium, wiping away tears Sunday when the Star-Spangled Banner was played. A moment like that is what the Games are all about.
Even with all of the political differences between nations and with the turmoil going on in the world, the Olympics continue to bring countries from all over the planet together for the ultimate sports showcase. Even rapper Snoop Dogg somehow became a big part of these Olympics and provided his own unique perspective for this event. No doubt, the Olympics are here to stay.
I can’t wait to see how the rest of the 2024 Olympics play out. And I am ready for the buildup to start for when the Olympics return to U.S.
soil in 2028 in Los Angeles. Not sure what exactly will happen in the final week of the Olympics, but I can promise you this: I will definitely be watching..
