PARIS (WOOD) — An exciting Olympics with athletic superstars competing in a city famed as one of the most beautiful in the world: The Paris Games have not failed to impress.
NBC’s ratings for the Paris Olympics are up 74% over the Tokyo Games.
“I think the Olympics needed a boost. I think the Olympics needed some energy. And no COVID and fans (allowed to attend) … but I also think it’s Paris” that are behind the increase, NBC Sports anchor Mike Tirico said. “And credit the organizers for putting the venues around some of the most iconic spots in the world.”
Equestrian competitions are being held at Versailles and beach volleyball in front of the stunning backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.
“(Organizers) had a vision that we all said, ‘Oof, this is bold.’ They’re pulling it off so far,” Tirico said.
American women have dominated in Paris, with Katie Ladecky becoming the most decorated female swimmer ever with 14 Olympic medals, nine of them gold; gymnasts Simone Biles reinforcing her accolades as the G.O.A.T. with two more gold medals and a silver; and women’s rugby sevens taking the bronze with a thrilling last-minute run — to name only a few.
“I think it’s a benefit of the early 1970s and Title IX. This is now really the fourth generation, three to four generations, of women have gone to high school and college with the opportunity to compete on close to, if not equal, numbers as boys … and men’s sports,” Tirico said. “And now that we’re seeing the growth of leagues and the success of the WNBA and other sports, too, I think it is giving more women the chance not just to compete in these sports, but in other sports growing up.”
Tirico said week 2 of the Olympics is “track and team” week, with a strong USA track and field contingent and team’s sports like men’s and women’s basketball and soccer.
