Dutch skiff sailors Bart Lambriex and Odile van Aanholt got engaged less than a month before the Olympics, with Lambriex proposing in a romantic gesture at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The couple had been friends since childhood and began dating when they were 18 or 19. Building on their strong bond, they are now competing together in the 49erFX event at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, in Paris, political figures like Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron attended a reception ahead of the opening ceremony. Istanbul is bidding for the 2036 Summer Olympics, highlighting its experience in hosting major international events. Ukrainian officials have expressed a strong stance against Russian and Belarusian athletes, stating that they do not exist for Team Ukraine due to ongoing conflicts.
In a bid to promote peace, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire during the Games as part of the Olympic truce. The Games were hailed as an opportunity for unity and peace in a world marred by conflicts.
Rapper Snoop Dogg made a confident debut as a primetime Olympics correspondent for NBC, embracing his authentic self for the role. The theme of doping in sports resurfaced during the Games, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining fair competition. Amidst all the excitement and anticipation, athletes from various countries prepared to showcase their skills and represent their nations on the global stage.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
