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via Imago
Image courtesy – Imago
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via Imago
Image courtesy – Imago
There is nothing more thrilling than the Paris Olympics currently. Starting this Friday, many athletes have worked hard for four years or more to earn prestigious recognition for their country. While there has been anxiousness and enthusiasm, athletes are charged up by the presence of two talented Spaniards in the Olympic Village. Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz‘s presence in Paris not only fuels the Olympic fever but also showcases people’s unimaginable admiration for the ATP stars.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal’s presence has stormed the Olympic Village, with many renowned athletes trying to make the moment with them memorable with selfies. The duo will be playing doubles together at the event. Fans have taken the X platform to share how athletes are overwhelmed by sharing the screen with two Spanish ATP stars. A reliable tennis fan, Llama Says, shared two photos. In one, the Spaniards were spotted clicking a selfie with Rafael Lozano Jr., a renowned boxer, and the other one showed Nadal with Hillary Heron, a gymnast from Panama.
Rafa and Carlos with Rafael Lozano Jr (Boxing)
Rafa with Hillary Heron ( Gymnastics Panama) pic.twitter.com/NUVcVx5Yny— Llama 𝕊𝕒𝕪𝕤 ☄🌠🚀 (@tennis_lol) July 22, 2024
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Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Who do you think is the bigger draw at the Olympics Village?
Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz
Both equally
Neither
Do you think LeBron James' fourth-quarter dominance is the key to Team USA's success?
Absolutely
Not really
It's a team effort
Depends on the opponent
Whats your Perspective on:
Nadal and Alcaraz stealing the show—are they the biggest stars at the Olympics this year?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think the Jamaican Track and Field team made the right decision in their selection?
Yes
No
It's complicated
They need a better selection process
Is Jewell Loyd the most underrated player in the WNBA right now?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe
Not sure
Fans also got to see their favorite Australian tennis player Ellen Perez, who was spotted fan-girling over Rafa while clicking a photo with the Mallorcan legend. “I’m looking terrible but hi Rafa”, she wrote, channeling her happiness.
👑👑 omg pic.twitter.com/zbKuKvEyCd
— Owen (@kostekcanu) July 22, 2024
The Olympians’ fanboying over Carlos Alcaraz took a crazy turn. One X fan page shared a snippet from the famous cartoon Simpsons to show how Alcaraz’s manager is tackling his fans for safely taking him to his bedroom. Sharing the video, that fan page wrote, “Albert Molina (Carlos Alcaraz’s manager) taking Carlitos to his bedroom in the Olympic Village through a bunch of athlete fans asking him for selfies”.
What’s your perspective on:
Nadal and Alcaraz stealing the show—are they the biggest stars at the Olympics this year?
Have an interesting take?
Albert Molina (Carlos Alcaraz's manager) taking Carlitos to his bedroom in the Olympic Village through a bunch of athlete fans asking him for selfies pic.twitter.com/ueCLpTk3tG
— TheNewGen 🐝 (@thenewgenatp) July 22, 2024
People also spotted Egyptian table tennis star Hana Goda all smiles as she clicked a selfie with Rafa and Alcaraz, showing her absolute delight in meeting the Spanish tennis stars.
Things that make you smile 😃
Egypt’s table tennis teen prodigy @HanaGoda_ snags a photo with Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal at the Olympic Village#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/iBmTMkcYX9
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) July 22, 2024
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Other Olympians’ enthusiastic attitude in meeting Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz showcased the craze of these two ATP stars worldwide. Alcaraz himself expressed his sheer delight in partnering with the Mallorcan legend for the Olympics.
Carlos Alcaraz wants to keep his mouth shut and “just listen to” Rafael Nadal in Paris
It is not just the athletes from other sports or countries who are going gaga over Nadal’s presence in Paris, but Alcaraz is equally thrilled to play doubles with the Mallorcan legend. “I’m not nervous right now. When the time comes, I will be. And yes, obviously, he’s already experienced this, he already knows what it’s like to play in the Olympics, to win a gold in both singles and doubles. I’m new, I’m the rookie here, so I have to keep my mouth shut and just listen to him,” Alcaraz said.
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Nadal, on the other hand, also shared his joy in representing his country in the Paris Olympics. “I’m really looking forward to being part of the Olympic team and representing Spain. This is the most important event in sport. I hope I can find the energy I need and do good training,” he said.
Athletes’ craze over Rafael Nadal’s attendance in the Paris Olympic Village showed people’s admiration for this Mallorcan legend. Such respect makes Nadal a legend in his field, showcasing how love is the greatest achievement for any athlete.
Debate
Nadal and Alcaraz stealing the show—are they the biggest stars at the Olympics this year?