At the Olympics: Michael Phelps, Christine Lagarde & Michele Kang 07/29/24
Jul 29, 2024
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In Paris, 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps discusses his health and rest routines while celebrating America's win in the 4x100 men’s freestyle relay. Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank and former artistic swimmer, shares how her sports background shapes her leadership in finance. Businesswoman Michele Kang talks about her investments in women’s soccer and her new global multi-team organization, Kynisca, aimed at enhancing women’s sports visibility and opportunities.
Christine Lagarde emphasizes how the Olympics can enhance national confidence and stimulate long-term economic growth through increased tourism and infrastructure investment.
Michele Kang advocates for greater investment in women's sports to address underfunding and promote the business potential of female athletics.
Deep dives
Celebrating Olympic Spirit in Paris
The 2024 Olympics in Paris unite diverse nations and cultures, creating an electrifying atmosphere that goes beyond sports. Athletes like Simone Biles and Michael Phelps highlight this unity, exemplifying the Olympic spirit as they compete for gold and share their journeys. Biles, despite facing challenges, leads the U.S. gymnastics team into finals, showcasing not just her talent but also resilience. This unique environment fosters a sense of camaraderie that had been missed during the Tokyo Games, with spectators excited to rally behind their teams and celebrate achievements.
Historic Achievements in Fencing and Swimming
The Games have seen historic moments, particularly in fencing and swimming, illustrating the competitive prowess of the U.S. team. American fencers Lee Kiefer and Lauren Scruggs made headlines by securing gold and silver medals, with Kiefer defending her title successfully. Similarly, swimmers Tori Husk and Gretchen Walsh captured gold and silver in the women's 100-meter butterfly, deepening the U.S. lead in the overall medal count. These accomplishments not only signify individual excellence but also elevate the nation's standing in the international sports arena.
Importance of Confidence and Infrastructure in Sports
Confidence is key for athletes and the economy alike, as highlighted by Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, during the Olympics. Large sporting events like the Olympics can positively influence national confidence and stimulate economic development through infrastructure investments. Lagarde emphasized the importance of the Games in bringing people together, creating a spirit of community, and contributing to economic growth through increased activity and tourism in Paris. The influx of visitors and global attention during the Olympics will likely boost local industries and investment, yielding economic benefits in the long term.
Promoting Women's Sports and Investment Opportunities
The growing interest and investment in women's sports is underscored by Michelle Kang, who owns multiple professional women's soccer teams and launched Kinsuka, a global initiative for women's soccer. Kang pointed out that women's sports are currently under-researched and underfunded, with only 6% of athletic performance research dedicated to female athletes. She's committed to bridging this gap and promoting female sports as a viable business opportunity, recognizing the untapped potential for growth and viewership. With increasing attendance and engagement in women's sports, Kang's vision aims to capitalize on this momentum and inspire future generations of female athletes.
The Olympic Games are underway, and Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin are catching up with business and sports leaders who are in Paris for the spectacle, as well as NBC’s Sam Brock, who has the latest gold medal count. European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde is also in Paris, as both a global leader and a former competitive artistic swimmer. She shares how her sports background informs her career in finance and leadership. 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps reacts to America’s win in the 4x100 mens’ freestyle relay and explains his health and rest routines. Plus, businesswoman Michele Kang owns three women’s soccer teams and has launched Kynisca, a global multi-team women’s sports organization. She discusses her investments in sport, and her push for more women’s sports exposure and research. Tune into the Olympics on NBC for all the Games!