Co-authored by Mallika Singh, this article takes you through Shreya’s exclusive, behind-the-scenes journey at the Paris Olympics—featuring athlete interviews, fan moments, and unforgettable Olympic experiences.

My ‘Paris Olympics Dream’ dream began in August 2021 when EssentiallySports set its sights on covering the Paris Olympics. Fast forward to 2024…Having already established a strong presence in live reporting with events like Talladega and Desert Smash, we aimed to elevate our on-field coverage to the grandest stage of all—the 2024 Paris Olympics. This wasn’t our first time breaking beyond online journalism; it was about bringing the stories that matter to fans by being on the ground, capturing the moments up close and personal.

I was honored to be the one covering the Paris Olympics for 15 days. From day one, it felt like stepping into a dream I never wanted to wake up from. Jet lag was the last thing on my mind as I jumped into the energy of the games. I had no idea what to expect, but what I got exceeded every expectation. Beyond meeting over 50 Olympians, I found myself face-to-face with none other than Tom Brady—a surreal encounter that I’ll never forget. 

So, let me take you through what made these 15 days unforgettable: the triumphs, the lessons, and the incredible people who left a mark on me forever in the City of Love, this time wrapped in the Olympics fever!

Exclusive Conversations with Legends: Carl Lewis, Laurie Hernandez, and More!

As an accredited media house for the 2024 Olympics, EssentiallySports had exclusive access to both the athletes and their stories. Our collaboration with Olympic sponsor Procter & Gamble opened doors to unforgettable interviews, starting with a candid sit-down with Laurie Hernandez. We spoke about Simone Biles and Team USA’s performance, and Hernandez shared a raw, emotional insight: “I’m friends with them, so if anybody gets hurt or has a fall, my heart definitely tears a little bit more than it normally would.”

My next interview took the nerves to another level. Meeting Carl Lewis—9-time Olympic gold medalist—was surreal. Despite his legendary status, Carl made the interview feel like a friendly chat, even expressing curiosity about my Olympic experience. His bold statement about Noah Lyles caught my attention: “Noah Lyles is the fastest man in the world. That’s not a diss to Usain Bolt; you see him as a world record holder, and that’s it.”

Beyond our collaboration with Procter & Gamble, we managed to secure a range of high-profile interviews. On the first day of the gymnastics finals, as Team USA celebrated its gold medal, I had a chance encounter with Olympic champion Carly Patterson. Having interviewed her virtually just a few weeks earlier on July 22nd, she recognized me immediately, which led to a delightful, impromptu conversation about Team USA’s stellar performance.

Later, after the 100m race, I had the privilege of meeting Fred Kerley, who confidently declared, “I am the greatest.” He went on to affirm his belief that, while he considers himself the fastest man, “on that day, Noah Lyles was faster.”

As part of our partnership with P&G, we also interviewed Noah Lyles, Grant Holloway, and Natalia Grossman. And here’s the golden moment – Grant Holloway did the unexpected! When he walked into the room, I wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Holloway offered me and my colleague the chance to try on his Olympic gold medal! Though we politely declined, he insisted, saying, “I won’t do the interview until you try it on.” The moment was truly surreal. The energy Holloway brought to the conversation, combined with his humility, made it one of the best interviews I’ve ever conducted.

Interestingly, he disclosed to me during an exclusive interview why he chose track and field over an NFL career, “Well, I’m not the best team player. I’m very, I’m very selfish. I need to have mine.” He further expressed, “So in the NFL, I would have played wide receiver. I wanted to go to the University of Georgia, but ended up decommitting, going to the University of Florida to run track. But I am a very selfish player. So we could win the football game, but if I didn’t have 10 catches for 110 yards, no pun intended, I would be very upset.” Holloway added, “If I play hurdles, I can only look at myself because that’s just how someone’s future is set up… “

Notably, I also bumped into Andy Murray after the gymnastics event. Andy came to watch the gymnastics game with her daughter. I was also fortunate to chat with other athletes like Ilona Maher, Kevon Williams, Quincy Hall, Jonathan Owens, and many more, making it a truly memorable experience.

It wasn’t just athletes; I also interacted with some of their families, including Simone Biles’ mother Nellie Biles, Jordan Chiles’ family, Suni Lee’s mother, and Katie Ledecky’s brother Michael. Emotions ran high as I was honored to share in their moments of victory.

Tom Brady, Katie Ledecky, and More: Inside Team USA House

One of the perks of the Olympics is being in the right place at the right time, and my entry into the exclusive Team USA House was a testament to that. It was a gathering of the nation’s top athletes, and I found myself mingling with stars like Katie Ledecky and Tom Brady. The moment was surreal—especially when Ledecky, standing tall at 6 feet, humbly crouched down for a picture with me, matching my 5’2″ frame! 

The Team USA House was where athletes could unwind and share personal moments with their families. The most touching experience was witnessing athletes dedicate their medals to their loved ones. This wasn’t just about gold—it was about heart and family, a reminder that behind every triumph is a team supporting the dream.

For the first time, the Team USA House opened its doors to fans, though at an exclusive price of 325 Euros. As part of the media, it was our job to offer fans a glimpse inside this exclusive space. On August 10th, I finally stepped into the house.

The steep price wasn’t just for entry; it was about access to something truly special. Unlike other Olympic houses, this one was a haven for Olympians and their families to relax and celebrate together. I found myself seated next to Tara Davis and Hunter Woodhall, cheering for Team USA, while Olympians savored American comfort food with their loved ones.

As the game ended with Stephen Curry leading Team USA to gold, the room erupted in chants of “USA! USA!” The celebration continued well into the night, with no one wanting to leave. Guess who I was celebrating next to? None other than UFC star and Olympic medalist Henry Cejudo.

Fans: The True Spirit of the Olympics

The Olympic Games aren’t just about athletes—they’re about the fans who make every cheer louder and every moment more memorable. The streets of Paris were filled with passionate fans from all corners of the globe. Whether it was in the stadiums, metros, or cafes, their energy was infectious.

These are the moments that truly stand out! I had the privilege of meeting a grandmother who brought her grandchildren to experience the magic of the Games, and a remarkable couple in their 70s attending their 11th Olympics. These devoted fans, many of whom spent over $10,000 just to be there, embodied the very essence of the Olympic spirit. When I crossed paths with Jamaican fans, we instantly bonded over our shared love for track and field. And as Brazil made history in gymnastics, tearful fans embraced me in pure joy as I shared in their celebration.

Moments like these truly highlight the significance of the Olympic experience, where the world comes together in unison. One of my most unforgettable memories was cheering for Team USA, shoulder to shoulder with passionate fans, our voices echoing in unison, day after day!

The Paris Media Center in the City of Love

As a journalist, the Paris Media Center made our work seamless. Located in the heart of the city, it was a hub of resources and conveniences, from workspaces to relaxation lounges. What truly stood out, however, were the cocktail parties hosted by the city, which fostered networking among journalists. Meeting the Mayor of Paris at one such event was a highlight, where she shared her insights on how the city orchestrated this monumental event.

The Paris Olympics was a life-changing experience, one that will stay with me forever. Covering the Games in person deepened my passion for sports journalism. From interviewing the world’s greatest athletes to celebrating alongside fans, I realized that the Olympics isn’t just an event—it’s a spirit that brings people together.

Now, as we look ahead to LA2028, I’m ready for the next chapter of this incredible journey!