Paris brought the love back

I have had the privilege of working on the Olympics since Rio in 2016. The event has always represented something unique in my mind. In a world full of diversity and misunderstanding, it stands as a place where people from all walks of life come together on the premise of passion around progressing a shared love of one’s sport. It doesn’t matter that people can’t speak the same language, look different, believe in different things, or may be completely at odds with each other. At the end of the day, they can still bond over that passion and respect for their sport.

I still have the memory of the Miracle on Ice moment in the 1980s, when the US went on to beat the Soviets in hockey. That feeling of collective celebration and achievement shared by millions gave me an understanding of what energy the Olympics can bring to the world. It is one of hope and progression, that we can achieve things and are moving forward. That type of memory is one that I’ve always looked for with the games.?

Going into Tokyo, I desperately hoped that the Olympics would have its “moment”. Coming out of a pandemic, giving the world a showcase, it had potential. However, it wasn’t meant to be. With no spectators, lack of storytelling, and just an overall anxiety that seemed to hang in the air, it was gray and empty. Needless to say, it had me questioning its future.

Enter Paris. From a social interaction standpoint, the world had returned to “normal.” The venue was easily accessible from all of Europe and the US. The time zone was “close enough” that you could follow it without spoil from delay. Most importantly, spectators were back, the world was back, and they were all there to celebrate. It brought the energy back to the event and the event brought the energy back to the world. There were so many moments and stories that came out of this year's event that really showed the world what the Olympics is and why it is important.?

You could feel it, but you could also see it in the numbers. https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/tres-magnifique-nbcuniversals-presentation-of-spectacular-paris-olympics-dominates-media-landscape-across-all-platforms.?

• Almost 31 million viewers
• 23.5 billion minutes streamed
• Boosted NBC to #1 in Adults 18-49 for TV Season

It goes without saying I have always felt honored to play a role in this no matter how big or small. The amount of effort that went into it behind the scenes was A LOT. Not only that, but the cross team collaboration that had to take place would make your head spin. I applaud and thank everyone for their work. No matter how big or small, nothing happens without that collective push. In the end, the reality is that someone out there seeing/using what we created is probably going to be inspired and go on to create a future moment in the event. Thus that is the beauty of it all, we all move forward together. With 2028 being in Los Angeles, I can only dream what level that will be.

Shout outs to some of the incredible folks that I interacted with in this venture (if you aren’t listed, remember I have 4 kids and I miss things, just ask them ;) Thank you so much for letting be a part of this journey!

Alejandro Gutierrez Franco Daniel Smith Claudio Annunziata Emily Loggia Chris Muench Arathi Subramanian Reshma Jain Albert C. Korry Bass Filip Luchianenco Dora Witherspoon David Wilburn Richard Trinh Jim W. Alan Page Dave Plant Lauren Shields Lia Rose Stango Tyler Knight Amanda Salmon