Snoop Dogg to Ignite Global Inspiration as Torchbearer at Paris Olympics Pre-Ceremony

Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper known for hits like “Gin and Juice” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot," is set to carry the Olympic torch on its final leg through Paris. He’ll be one of the final torchbearers of the Olympic flame ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony. 

This opportunity holds a special significance for the American rapper, who was inspired by the iconic moment when Muhammad Ali lit the cauldron at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Alongside his torch-bearing duties, Snoop Dogg will also serve as a prime-time NBC correspondent during the games, exploring the city’s landmarks and engaging with athletes. 

“It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there,” Snoop Dogg said Wednesday of the late Ali, who surprised the crowd when he lit the cauldron because he had Parkinson’s disease.

It's an opportunity that Snoop Dogg never imagined. “This is my own version of it,” Snoop Dogg said. “I don’t want to get too emotional, but I know that this is special.”

Words from the Town’s Mayor “Mathieu Hanotin”

“Snoop Dogg, aged 52, will bear the Olympic torch through Saint-Denis, the northern Paris suburb, en route to the Eiffel Tower.” Mayor Mathieu Hanotin announced this international moment with SnoopDogg as the torch’s final runner. 

The rapper, who is also contributing to NBC's coverage of the Games, is better known in the sports world for his Snoop Youth Football League. The championship game is called the "Snooper Bowl."

Who gets to light the iconic “Olympic Cauldron”?

Among the torchbearers in Saint-Denis on Friday are French actress Laetitia Casta and rapper MC Solaar. The identity of the Olympic cauldron lighter remains a secret, known to only a select few. Paris 2024 organizing committee president Tony Estanguet revealed that the chosen individual is still unaware of their selection. Possible candidates include track and field gold medalist Marie-Jose Perec and soccer star Zinedine Zidane, who led France to victory in the World Cup and European Championship. 

Snoop Dogg’s Insights: A legendary Rapper’s Perspective on the Paris Olympics

Snoop Dogg expressed gratitude for representing the U.S. and receiving support from France. He shared these sentiments during a conversation with sportscaster Mike Tirico and Molly Solomon, the executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production.

“This says a lot about America as far as where we’re at in this world,” he said. “At the same time, it says a lot about France as far as connecting the dots and allowing me to do this. I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect. I would have never dreamed of nothing like this. I’m going to be on my best behavior. I’m going to be on my best athleticism. I’ll be able to breathe slow to walk fast and hold the torch with a smile on my face, because I realize how prestigious this event is.” 

Snoop Dogg arrived in Paris ten days prior to the opening ceremony, engaging with athletes and their families while learning about their backgrounds. He also visited practice facilities, interacting with teams including judo, weightlifting, 3x3 basketball, and fencing.