Olympic memories last a lifetime for these sports fans

PEORIA (25News Now) – Some local sports fans said they’re excited for the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris because of nostalgic memories they have from past Games.

They said there are many names and moments that stand out to them in Olympic history, like Jesse Owens, Simone Biles and the 1992 U.S. men’s basketball team, nicknamed the “Dream Team”.

“In different years, there are different sports you gravitate to depending on where the action’s going to be or where the record is going to be broken,” Don Baker said. “Some things I most remember are the hockey game between Russia and the United States and women’s soccer.”

For Larry Williams, watching the Olympics has been a lifelong tradition. Basketball, track and field and swimming are his favorite sports to watch.

“I first started watching the Olympics in 1960, and I remember Rafer Johnson won the decathlon,” Williams said. “So, I became a follower after that.”

“I think we’ll win in basketball,” Mark Abraham said. “We should beat everybody. We’re the pros, but we’ll see what happens.”

Baker said he’s excited about recent additions like skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing.

“Sometimes you’re waiting for one sport to come on and another one happens to be there, and it’s like ‘Well that’s kind of fun to watch. I’ll watch it while I’m waiting for my other sport.’ Pretty soon maybe you’ll like it better than the one you’re waiting for.”

The opening ceremony for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris is Friday, July 26. The Games run through Aug. 11.

The Paris Games will be broadcast on the networks of NBC.

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