Get ready for the completely apolitical chants of “USA! USA! USA!” just in time.
For two weeks, Americans will have something to unite and inspire. team America in the 2024 Olympics.
Around the world, the Olympics, which open in Paris on Friday, will mark a return to normalcy after the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics were interrupted by the pandemic.
After the assassination attempt on President Trump, last Friday’s cyber disaster, and the drama surrounding the Biden presidency’s fading fortunes, America certainly needs some normalcy right now.
Friday’s opening ceremony will see international athletes float down the Seine River against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower and other spectacular sights.
Four-time NBA champion LeBron James and either Katie Ledecky or Simone Biles will serve as U.S. flag bearers and lead about 600 U.S. athletes in the opening ceremony.
James will lead a star-studded U.S. basketball team, Biles will look to add to the seven gymnastics medals (four gold) she won in her first two Olympics, and Ledecky will add to the seven gold medals she won in swimming in three Summer Olympics.
Other expected stars include runners Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, Shakari Richardson and Noah Lyles of New Jersey.
Local perspective: Breaking, also known as breakdancing or b-boying, which originated in the Bronx in the 1970s, will make its Olympic debut as a dance event in Paris.
Let’s unite to support the Red, White and Blue on the world stage. USA! USA! USA!
