Participating in the Olympics opening ceremony while proudly carrying your national flag is a dream for anyone. Unfortunately, this experience remains elusive for soccer players. Because teams are not permitted to attend the opening ceremonies; a rule that led to Emma Hayes and the USWNT missing the Paris Olympics grand opening day. Amid all this, USWNT legend Kelley O’Hara has called for a reevaluation of this tradition. Meanwhile, although she couldn’t attend, for coach Hayes, the ceremony was “Very French.”

Kelley O’Hara, who was part of USWNT’s 2012 Gold Medal-winning squad recently sat down in an interview. With the craze of the Paris Olympics in full force, O’Hara attended it wearing her dress from that year’s Olympic opening ceremony. She went on to lament and elaborate on why she and her teammates were unable to publicly showcase their attire at the event.

“I didn’t wear it in public because, with soccer, we don’t get to go because we start the Olympics too soon,” the 35-year-old explained. “We start before the opening ceremonies.” This policy is what precluded both Emma Hayes and other USWNT members from participating in this year’s ceremonial proceedings.

Kelley O’Hara then went on to advocate for change regarding this long-standing rule. “Anything that starts before the opening ceremonies doesn’t seem right,” she asserted. “Just like make the Olympics a little bit longer to be able to be inclusive for everyone to be at the opening ceremonies.”

This is certainly a noteworthy statement, which even received a nod from the interviewer Lisa Leslie, who remarked, “Kelley for president.”  Additionally, USWNT boss Emma Hayes also articulated her insightful perspective regarding the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

What the USWNT boss had to say about the opening ceremony?

Despite facing significant pressure during her competitive debut as head coach of the USWNT, Emma Hayes demonstrated strong leadership as the team achieved a decisive 3-0 victory over Zambia. Following this success, she provided thought-provoking commentary on the Opening Ceremony when journalist Meg Linehan inquired about her impressions of the event.

Her initial assessment was simply “Very French,” but she elaborated further by describing it as “quirky.” She further added, “But I like quirk.” The Opening Ceremony itself was nothing short of spectacular. Lady Gaga delivered an impressive performance to inaugurate the artistic segment of the event.

In a historic first, this year’s ceremony took place outside a traditional stadium setting. Rather than marching into an arena, delegations paraded along France’s iconic Seine River aboard their respective boats. This unique approach undoubtedly contributed to why Coach Hayes characterized it as ‘quirky,’ marking an unprecedented celebration never seen before.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.