Don’t Bogart That Torch
There’s been a lot of news about passing the torch this week, but Joe Biden isn’t the only one doing it. There’s another torch making its way to the Olympics opening ceremonies in Paris. Among those passing that torch: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. You might know him better as Snoop Dogg, who perhaps has the most extensive experience passing the torch of any participant in this ritual’s history. Whoever is next in line should expect a contact high. While cannabis is still illegal in France, Snoop can probably get away with using the Olympic torch to spark one up. Just about every police officer and private security employee is focused on the incredible challenge of keeping the Olympics safe: France prepares for biggest security operation in the country’s history. The security efforts will be especially focused on Friday when the Games begin with a floating Opening Ceremony. “Friday’s opening ceremony will be the first of its kind held outside the confines of a stadium, bringing a unique set of security challenges. The 10,500-athlete, 90-boat flotilla will travel a 3½-mile route down the Seine through the middle of Paris.”
+ 1,000 people suspected of spying have been blocked from Olympics, French official says.
+ In recent years, the most pressing security question regarding the US Olympic team was whether we could keep our athletes safe from abusive coaches and monstrous predators. How are we doing? WaPo (Gift Article): Accused of abuse — and back in the gym. “Gymnasts’ allegations of physical and emotional abuse in their clubs have been met largely with inaction … leaving hundreds of young gymnasts still in the care of coaches accused of serious misconduct.”
+ Simone Biles was among the athletes to testify to Congress about the abuse she suffered. The trauma related to that abuse and the pressure of being the GOAT in her sport for so long wasn’t nearly enough for some people to give her a break when she suffered from the twisties during the Tokyo games. Netflix has a documentary on that experience and Biles’ efforts to make a comeback in Paris. It’s a documentary about her, but it’s really a story about us. Simone Biles: Rising.
+ “Mutsumi Harada – the 19-year-old athlete’s personal coach – called the Miyata’s actions reckless but acknowledged that she was struggling with the “pressure” of competing at the Games. ‘She was spending her days really burdened with so much pressure. I would implore people to understand that.'” Japan’s gymnastics captain out of Olympics for drinking, smoking.
+ One key competition to watch over the next few weeks: Can Peacock use the Olympics to become more relevant in the streaming game. Comcast Bets on Paris Olympics to Make Peacock a Must-Have. (First, let’s see if the games can be more popular than the app’s current juggernaut: Love Island 6.)
+ Tom Daley on the glamour of the games: Diver shows off Paris 2024 Olympic Village’s cardboard beds.
