WATCH: Salma Hayek Prepares to Carry Torch at Olympics with Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’
Salma Hayek attends 77th Golden Globe Awards on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Latine representation at the 2024 Summer Olympics won’t stop at the several athletes who are competing in sports like gymnastics, tennis and track and field. Latines are also participating in traditional pre-Olympics events like the carrying of the Olympic torch as part of the official relay before the Games begin on Friday (July 26).
One of those Latinas who got the opportunity to carry the torch this year was Oscar-nominated actress Salma Hayek (Frida). On Tuesday (July 23), the Mexican star carried the torch through the Palace of Versailles in France.
“Yesterday, I had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame, a symbol of light, hope, peace, and unity,” Hayek wrote on social media. “If you believe in these values, know that you were with me every step of the way. As I passed the torch and took part in the relay, I was proud to represent the enduring spirit of the Olympics, bringing light, hope, and unity to all.”
Hayek’s husband is François-Henri Pinault, a French businessman and the CEO of luxury group Kering. She showed up to the event at Versailles alongside Didier Deschamps, the trainer of France’s national fútbol team, and French singer and songwriter Patrick Bruel, among others.
Prior to her trip to Versailles, Hayek posted a video getting ready for the big event by listening to rapper Eminem’s 2002 song “Lose Yourself” while riding in the backseat of a vehicle. “This opportunity only comes once in a lifetime,” she sang along.
According to Olympics.com, the relay to France started in May 2024 and will see 11,000 individuals carry the torch before the opening ceremony. The 2024 Summer Olympics take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.