Shining Bright: Arab and North African Stars Carry the Olympic Flame in Paris
The Olympic thrill is back, and this time the massive sporting event is lighting up Paris, just as we saw a couple of days ago. One of the coolest parts of this event is the Olympic Torch Relay, which heralds the start of the Olympic Games and sends a message of peace and friendship along its route.
The people who are honored to hold the torches are known as the torchbearers. These icons are handpicked for their commitment and dedication and for embodying the spirit of Paris 2024: sports, community, and unity.
This year, alongside big names like Snoop Dogg, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, we’ve got some incredible torchbearers with Arab roots who have made their mark.
Salma Hayek – Lebanon
One of the people who had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch this year is the drop-dead gorgeous Salma Hayek, whose father is of Lebanese descent.
Considered one of Hollywood’s most powerful and influential Latina actresses, Hayek has dazzled audiences for years. She even earned an Academy Award nomination for her brilliant portrayal of Frida Kahlo in Frida (2002).
Zinedine Zidane – Algeria
The legendary French-Alegrian Zinedine Zidane, who famously led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup, was captured on video receiving the torch from the charismatic French-Moroccan comedian Jamel Debbouze. But that was just the beginning.
An even more iconic moment followed as Zidane, in a breathtaking ceremony that left everyone in awe, passed the Olympic torch to tennis icon Rafael Nadal, marking a spectacular finale to the torch relay.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi – Qatar
Coming next is the one and only Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the powerhouse president of the top French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who also participated in the Olympic Torch Relay in Paris just before the grand opening ceremony.
Recognizing Al-Khelaifi’s immense contributions to French sport, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited the PSG president to join the relay.
Al-Khelaifi isn’t just a sports mogul; he’s a titan in entertainment, media, and business.
Christina Assi – Lebanon
Now, let’s speak about resilience and courage.
Christina Assi, a courageous Lebanese photojournalist, who was wounded by shellfire while covering cross-border clashes between the Israeli army and armed groups in southern Lebanon in October 2023, carried the Paris Olympics torch to honor all journalists harmed while reporting in conflict zones.
Almost a year after being gravely wounded, Assi shines a light on the bravery and resilience of journalists worldwide.
Yusra Mardini – Syria
From escaping war-torn Syria as a teenager to making waves in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, Yusra Mardini’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. This summer, at the Paris Olympics, the Olympic athlete, former refugee, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador proudly carried the Olympic flame.
A fun fact is that Yusra and her sister Sara are the real-life inspirations behind Netflix’s acclaimed drama The Swimmers and were also honored as two of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023.
Shining Bright in Paris
“The Torch Relay is, above all, a human adventure, represented by the stories of each Torchbearer,” said Tony Estanguet, president of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This captures the relay’s essence, highlighting each Torchbearer’s journey. It’s a celebration of life if you ask us.
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