The 2024 Paris Olympics officially kicked off on July 26 in the French capital. Interestingly, it was the first time an Olympic Games opening ceremony was held outside a stadium. The parade of athletes took place in boats on the Seine river, floating past many Parisian landmarks in the process.
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For each Olympic Games, the torch relay starts months in advance. More than 10,000 torchbearers participated in 2024. And one of them was Mexican, American, and French actress/producer Salma Hayek.
Salma Hayek shared photos of preparing to carry the Olympic torch.
On July 23, Salma took to Instagram as she prepared to become one of the torchbearers for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Getting ready to participate in the Olympic torch relay in Paris!" she wrote alongside a carousel of photos and video clips of herself dressed for the occasion. "Feeling the excitement and unity the Olympics brings. Stay tuned for more photos with the torch tomorrow ."
She also reflected on the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Salma returned to Instagram on July 24 with powerful images from carrying the torch.
"Yesterday, I had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame, a symbol of light, hope, peace, and unity ♾️," the Frida actress wrote. "If you believe in these values, know that you were with me every step of the way. As I passed the torch and took part in the relay, I was proud to represent the enduring spirit of the Olympics, bringing light, hope, and unity to all. #Olympics #Paris2024."
In the comments, many Instagram users were confused about why Salma got to carry the Olympic torch.
Unfortunately for Salma, the majority of Instagram commenters were confused about why she was chosen to carry the torch.
One critic wrote, "I love Salma but she hasn't done anything to deserve the honor to carry the antorch, this just means that money can buy any silly wish, it just get dirty olimpic games."
Another commented, "Not to rain on her parade, but why is she carrying the torch? She is not an athlete," while someone else echoed, "Bro isn’t even an Athlete ."
Why was Salma Hayek selected to carry the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony?
In short, Salma Hayek is kind of a big deal in France. She is married to French billionaire François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, which owns luxury brands like Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Saint Laurent, per InStyle. Additionally, Pinault is the president of the investment firm Artémis.
Snoop Dogg also carried the torch.
Salma was not the only non-athlete to carry the Olympic torch in 2024. Rapper Snoop Dogg also had the honor. Video clips of Snoop dancing while serving as a torchbearer started circulating online soon afterward.
They weren't the only celebrities to have the honor.
Other celebrities also participated in the torch relay. They included Halle Berry and F1 driver Charles Leclerc, per the Independent. Additionally, French actress Laetitia Casta and rapper MC Solaar had the honor.
