America’s cheerleaders prepare to take on Paris: ‘This is the Olympics we’ve been waiting for’
Ahead of the 2024 Games, the “TODAY” show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin reflect on Olympics past and present, what they’re packing — and the moments they’ll never forget.
HODA KOTB: THE CHEERLEADER
What she’s most excited for at this year’s Games: “I’m looking forward to the feeling of just elation, unity, inspiration … all the things that the Olympics brings.”
On why the Olympics are humbling: “The Olympics always reminds me of how small the world is, and I think it’s such a good thing to remember. You look around, you realize, ‘Wow, here we all are in one tiny spot on this globe. People from all over the globe are right here together competing, whether win, lose or draw — whatever it is, you are doing it as a team.’”
Why she can’t actually watch gymnastics: “It’s my favorite sport, except for I can’t watch it because I’m like, ‘Oh, God, don’t look. Don’t. Tell me when it’s over! Tell me when it’s over! Did she stick it?’ Then everyone’s screaming. ‘She made it!’ And I’m like, ‘I can’t believe I missed that moment because I couldn’t bear to watch it.’ But sometimes it’s too much to bear. You get all freaked out.”
The Olympic event she’d compete in if she could: “I think I would probably do something like one of the track events. There would be something really fun about the feeling of being in the starting blocks, being with all the fastest people in the world.”