“Rafa with the torch? Come on…” – Netizens criticize Paris Olympics for using Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal as torchbearers instead of French Athletes
Nadal and Williams took part in the torch ceremony in Paris.
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Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams (Via Imago)
Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams took center stage after being invited to be a part of the prestigious Olympic torch ceremony. This, however, did not sit well with everyone who watched the event.
As the Olympics always do, they begin their games with a celebratory opening ceremony, which ends with the torch ceremony. However, for the first time in the Olympic’s history, the ceremony did not start at the stadium but started on the Seine River.
Furthermore, even the torch ceremony took place on a boat amidst rain. Soccer great Zinedine Zidane passed the torch to Rafael Nadal, who then passed it to Serena Williams.
While it was a huge moment for tennis, the French fans were upset that they broke the chain of French athletes. Usually, it is the host city’s athletes that hold the torch high but this time, other athletes were also involved, which upset the French crowd.
Fans were upset that the chain of French athletes was broken by Nadal and Serena Williams
The 2024 Paris Olympics began with a banger of an opening ceremony. However, there was a slight twist as Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and other athletes were involved along with the French athletes. This upset a section of fans online.
Rafa with the torch? Come on…A fan said on X
Here are some more fan reactions:
Are you freaking kidding me?! France doesn’t have enough of their own athletes for the opening ceremony? Rafa with the torch ??♂️??♂️??♂️ Come on!!! BTW, I would’ve said the same thing if Novak did it! You’re hosting the Olympics- YOUR athletes should be only involved in it! pic.twitter.com/2LNlxbViyt
— Chelseaaaa (@ChelseaRulezzz) July 26, 2024
And I missed it, but Serena with the torch too?! Like WTF?! Is this Roland Garos II & not the summer Olympics? I’d be FUMING if I’m a current or former French Olympian. The dumbest shit I’ve ever seen in the Olympic opening ceremony! #OpeningCeremony #Paris2024
— Chelseaaaa (@ChelseaRulezzz) July 26, 2024
So Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams involved in the torch ceremony, and not from France, yet their biggest soccer/football star isn’t involved? Embarrassing France! Kylian Mbappé not involved is an awful look! SHAME! ??♂️ #OpeningCeremony #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/tfMPr5OYvU
— Chelseaaaa (@ChelseaRulezzz) July 26, 2024
Listen Rafa fans, our American broadcast even said the torch honor is RESERVED for the host nation athletes. Nadal and Williams being involved makes it ridiculous. And ignoring what I said about Novak (would be wrong for him too), earns you a block & a removal from this thread
— Chelseaaaa (@ChelseaRulezzz) July 27, 2024
Agree..but the whole ceremony was outrageous..this part was the least..
— Ruchi_t (@Ruchi_t) July 27, 2024
Just felt the whole thing with him, Serena, Carl Lewis and Nadia was so unnecessary as all the other ceremonies had their own athletes do it. I mean at the end they did, but felt an unnecessary step.
— Chelseaaaa (@ChelseaRulezzz) July 27, 2024
I so fucking agree ! I was disgusted to see Zizou give the flame to Nadal ! Give it to Mbappé, Dupont pr Wembanyama
— Tams ♊️⭐️⭐️ (@Koala_gentil) July 27, 2024
It’s sooooo ugh I hate it !
— C'est la vie ?❤️? ? N.D. (@Tennislove91ND) July 26, 2024
I don’t get it? What has Lady Gaga, the Minions, John Lennons Imagine, Rafael Nadal or Serena Williams to do with France?
— Joey Steel (@JoeySteel451) July 26, 2024
The tennis draw is out and Nadal will take on Marton Fucsovics in the first round of the singles. If he manages to win, then he could face Novak Djokovic in the second round. He will also take part in the men’s doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
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Laxman Naren
(1457 Articles Published)