Who Will Light the Cauldron at the 2024 Paris Olympics? The Countdown Begins!
The wait is almost over, folks! The 2024 Summer Olympics are just around the corner, and with it, one of the most highly anticipated and closely guarded secrets of the sporting world: Who will light the Olympic cauldron?
The honor of lighting the cauldron is a time-honored tradition reserved for Olympic figures of the highest standing. From the likes of Muhammad Ali to Naomi Osaka, we’ve seen some of the greatest athletes take the stage to ignite the Olympic flame. And now, as the world gathers in Paris, the buzz is building around the next torch-bearer.
While we know that Snoop Dogg will be carrying the torch for part of its final run, we can’t help but speculate on the identity of the lucky person who will do the final honors. Here are 10 potential nominees who could shine bright:
- Renaud Lavillenie: The pole vaulter won gold in 2012 at London and silver in 2016 at Rio. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the athletic world, with a total of 20 medals across various international competitions.
- Laure Manaudou: France’s first-ever gold medalist in women’s swimming, Manaudou won gold in the 400m freestyle event at the 2004 Athens Games. Her remarkable career spanned three Olympic Games, making her a household name.
- Kylian Mbappé: The superstar soccer player, known for his electrifying pace and precision on the pitch, could be a dark horse contender for the cauldron lighting duties. Don’t count him out just yet!
- Tony Parker: The French basketball legend won four NBA championships alongside Tim Duncan, playing for the San Antonio Spurs. With a strong athletic background and global recognition, he could be an attractive candidate.
- Marie-José Pérec: A track and field star, Pérec won three gold medals at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. An Officer of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest commendation, Pérec is a role model and national hero.
And here are the remaining 5 contenders:
- Michel Platini: A three-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, Platini is an all-time great in French soccer. His stature and popularity could make him an obvious choice.
- Thomas Pesquet: This astronaut has earned his stripes with his space-traveling achievements, including a Saxophone rendition of the French national anthem during the 2020 Summer Olympics.
- Teddy Riner: Judo’s finest export, Riner, stands 6’8" and weighs 290 pounds. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, his imposing stature and impressive career achievements could make him an attractive choice.
- Omar Sy: France’s answer to Will Smith, actor Omar Sy, has been making waves with his performances in movies like "Intouchables" and TV shows like "Lupin."
- Zinedine Zidane: The former French soccer player, known for his sublime skills on the pitch, won the 1998 Ballon d’Or, led France to the 1998 World Cup, and was named the 2006 World Cup Player of the Tournament.
So, who do you think will light the Olympic cauldron? Will it be an athletic legend, a sports icon, or a celebrity superstar? Keep an eye on our social media channels for live updates and reactions from the 2024 Paris Olympics!