Ava Wallace, a reporter from The Washington Post, is joined by fellow journalists Rick Maese, who covers the Olympics, and columnist Jerry Brewer. They share their favorite moments from the Paris Games, including the emotional closing ceremony and standout performances like those of Katie Ledecky. The trio discusses the revival of Olympic spirit compared to Tokyo, touching on key triumphs and controversies from the event. They also look forward to the excitement building for the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics.
The Paris Olympics highlighted remarkable athletic achievements, particularly through standout performances from the US men's basketball and women's soccer teams.
The vibrant Paris setting not only enhanced the Games' atmosphere but also sparked discussions on maintaining excitement for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Deep dives
Highlights of Olympic Performances
The Olympics showcased remarkable athletic performances, with standout moments including the US men's basketball team's victory over France and a gold-medal win by the women's soccer team against Brazil. Steph Curry's impactful presence was noted, particularly during a memorable match where he showcased his talent and celebrated enthusiastically in front of an energetic crowd. Similarly, the excitement surrounding the US track and field events was palpable, with the American teams excelling in the 4x400 relays and athletes like Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Lavron earning multiple gold medals. These performances not only highlighted individual excellence but also fostered an electric atmosphere witnessed by fans in the stadiums.
Cultural and Energetic Atmosphere of Paris
The vibrant setting of Paris played a crucial role in enhancing the Olympic experience, drawing international celebrities and audiences alike to the events. The city’s beautiful venues and friendly time zone for American viewers contributed to heightened engagement, allowing fans to connect with the games more seamlessly. The coverage provided by NBC was praised, as it allowed audiences at home to easily access the excitement happening live. The presence of enthusiastic crowds, particularly during events like swimming and tennis, exemplified the revitalized Olympic spirit after previous games held under restricted conditions due to the pandemic.
Reflecting on Future Olympic Challenges
As the Paris Olympics concluded, discussions emerged regarding the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 games, particularly in how to maintain the momentum generated in Paris. Questions were raised about how LA can emulate the artistic appeal of Paris and whether it can attract the same level of star power and audience enthusiasm. The 2028 games may also witness a generational shift among athletes, prompting curiosity about who will emerge as the new stars on the Olympic stage. Despite the controversies faced during the Paris games, it seems the overall success has set a high bar for future editions of the Olympics.
After two-plus weeks of the Games, the Closing Ceremonies arrive today. Between the Parisian backdrop, the incredible athletic performances and celebrity buzz, these Olympics will stand apart – especially from the pandemic-era ones that preceded it.
The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace speaks with reporter Rick Maese and columnist Jerry Brewer about their favorite moments covering the Games.
This is our last episode from Paris. There will be more to come from The Post, so stay tuned to this feed, and to Ava’s Sports Moment newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.
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