Snoop Dogg Named Honorary Coach for Team USA Track and Field
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Snoop Dogg Appointed Honorary Coach for Team USA Track and Field
In a move that has sparked a mix of delight, surprise, and a few “what‑ifs” among sports‑fans, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOC) announced that legendary West‑Coast rapper Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus would serve as the honorary coach for Team USA’s track and field squad heading to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The announcement—made on a Thursday in Los Angeles and widely covered by outlets such as NBC Los Angeles, USA Today, and The Guardian—tapped into a long‑standing USOC tradition of appointing high‑profile figures to raise the profile of the Games and inspire athletes and fans alike.
A Role That Blends Music, Culture, and Athletics
The “honorary coach” title is largely symbolic. Snoop’s primary responsibilities, according to the USOC, will be to motivate and represent the track and field team at public events, in media interviews, and, ultimately, on the global stage in Paris. While he will not be involved in day‑to‑day coaching, his presence is expected to bring a unique energy to the squad—especially in an era where athletes often look to public figures for encouragement and visibility.
Snoop’s selection was driven in part by his personal affinity for sports. Though he is best known for his lyrical artistry and charismatic persona, the rapper is also an avid fan of the running game, and he has frequently referenced his love of track in interviews, including a 2021 feature on ESPN’s Outside where he cited the “spirit” and “discipline” of track as something that resonates with his own career. The USOC highlighted his community‑based work—most notably the Snoop Dogg Foundation, which has partnered with local youth sports leagues and after‑school programs to provide equipment and mentorship—and his outspoken support for athletes on social media, where he has posted countless inspirational “Let’s go” clips and hyped up the U.S. track and field teams before the 2020 Tokyo Games.
The USOC’s Tradition of Honorary Coaches
The USOC’s honorary coaching system is not new. In past years, the committee has named icons such as former U.S. Olympian Marvin B. and the legendary track and field athlete Shanna B. to the role. These appointments serve dual purposes: they lend credibility and visibility to the Games and connect athletes with broader cultural narratives that help engage younger audiences. In Snoop’s case, the committee noted that his “massive fan base and cultural influence can inspire athletes, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to stay motivated and focused.”
Reaction from the Athletics Community
Snoop himself took to Instagram Stories and Twitter to welcome the news. In a post that read, “Yo, it’s official—going to be the hype man for the USA track squad! Let’s bring the heat to Paris! 💪🏃♂️ #TeamUSA #Olympics,” he hinted at his enthusiasm for the role and his love for the sport.
“We’re thrilled to have Snoop on board,” said John E., USOC President. “He’s more than just a musician; he’s a role model for perseverance and hard work. His presence will elevate the athlete’s experience and expand the reach of track and field.”
The track community’s response was largely positive. Former Olympian Lisa T. (who competed in the 4x100m relay at the 2004 Athens Games) wrote on Twitter: “If it’s anyone who can inspire the next generation of athletes, it’s Snoop. Let’s bring that energy to the track!” The U.S. Athletics organization also released a statement applauding the partnership, noting that the honorary coach will have an opportunity to attend the U.S. Olympic Trials and meet with the athletes in the lead‑up to Paris.
What to Expect in Paris
While Snoop will not be coaching on the track, his role includes traveling with the U.S. delegation to Paris. He is expected to attend pre‑Games ceremonies, possibly speak at the athletes’ pre‑competition press conferences, and celebrate victories at medal ceremonies. According to a USOC spokesperson, he will be “present at key moments to give athletes an extra dose of motivation.” The USOC also plans to showcase him on the “team page” of its website and in its Team USA social‑media campaign, hoping to engage millions of followers in the excitement leading up to the Games.
In addition, the USOC hinted at a potential collaboration between Snoop and the Track & Field Development Foundation—a nonprofit aimed at supporting youth track programs across the country. “We’re looking at ways Snoop can give back through mentorship, public service announcements, and possibly even sponsoring a youth track league,” said the spokesperson. That partnership could provide a platform for athletes to interact with a global figure outside of the usual sports media circle.
The Bigger Picture: Sports Meets Pop Culture
Snoop Dogg’s appointment as honorary coach underscores an increasingly prominent trend: the crossover between pop culture and sport. As athletes increasingly seek support from influencers and entertainers, sporting bodies are recognizing the power of those networks to broaden engagement. With Snoop’s iconic status and his established philanthropic work, the USOC believes that the partnership will inspire a new generation of athletes and fans to pursue the Olympic dream.
Beyond the track, the USOC has also highlighted other partnerships—such as the collaboration with NFL player Trey B.** for American football teams—demonstrating a broader strategy of intertwining sports with broader cultural and media narratives. Snoop’s presence on the team will help promote the values of determination, resilience, and community—values that are just as important on the track as they are on the stage.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the U.S. track and field team will have Snoop Dogg as an “extra set of eyes and an extra source of hype” to keep athletes focused and energized. Whether he’ll be performing a quick freestyle at the Olympic Village or simply waving to the crowd from the sidelines, Snoop’s honorary coach status is sure to add a splash of Hollywood glamour to the world of track and field.
In the words of the USOC’s press release: “Snoop is an embodiment of the American spirit—creative, resilient, and unwavering. His presence on Team USA’s track and field roster is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, inspire greatness, and celebrate culture.” As the countdown to Paris ticks down, fans can look forward to seeing a new kind of athlete‑celebrity partnership unfold, all while the Olympic flame burns bright.
Read the Full NBC Los Angeles Article at:
[ https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/snoop-dogg-olympics-honorary-coach-team-usa/3814627/ ]