Genie Bouchard’s Bold Push for Pickleball: As the Summer Olympics lights up Paris, the world watches with bated breath for the inclusion of new sports. While pickleball awaits its moment in the Olympic spotlight, former tennis star Genie Bouchard reminisces about her memorable Olympic experience in Rio 2016. Now a rising pickleball player, Bouchard’s reflections offer a glimpse into the unique and profound experience of Olympic competition.
Olympic Memories: A Special Chapter
Genie Bouchard, a Montreal native, still holds dear her time representing Canada at the 2016 Rio Olympics. For Bouchard, stepping into the Olympic arena was a defining moment in her career.
“It was such a special moment in my career. I walked in the opening ceremony, and that’s one of my favorite moments of my life. It just felt so special and surreal.” – (Bouchard)
Wearing the Canadian team’s red T-shirt alongside 300 fellow athletes, Bouchard felt a profound sense of unity and purpose.
“It gave me a feeling of camaraderie and a team aspect because you’re playing for something bigger than just yourself.” – (Bouchard)
The Olympic Village Experience
Bouchard’s Olympic experience extended beyond competition to the friendship and unique environment of the Olympic Village. Canada’s dedicated building, adorned with maple leaves and red and white decorations, was a vibrant hub of activity. This sense of belonging and shared experience was a cherished part of her Olympic journey.
“Canada had their own building because we had so many athletes. It was so fun hanging out with the other athletes, meeting them, and talking about our sports and our journeys to get here.” – (Bouchard)
A Fan’s Perspective: Enjoying Other Sports
While competing on the grand stage was a highlight, Bouchard also relished the opportunity to watch other Olympic events. “I enjoyed getting the opportunity to watch other sports I’d never seen live before,” she noted. From gymnastics to swimming, diving, and fencing, Bouchard appreciated the chance to witness top-tier performances across diverse disciplines. Her gratitude for the experience was clear:
“I’m so grateful I got to play, and I would advise anyone who has the opportunity to go as well. It’s really special and it doesn’t come around very often.” – (Bouchard)
First hit in Rio then it started pouring #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/hEe1oGRa8O
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) August 2, 2016
Demanding Pickleball’s Olympic Inclusion
Looking to the future, Bouchard is a strong advocate for pickleball’s inclusion in the Olympics. “I’ll be an advocate for it,” she stated. “I think it will definitely be in the Olympics.” With the upcoming global expansion of the UPA’s tour in 2025, including tournaments in Australia, India, Europe, Asia, and Canada, Bouchard’s enthusiasm for the sport’s growth is evident.
“I’m so excited. It will be so fun competing in Canada. I know Canadian fans will come out. It will be great for the Tour to expand by showcasing the sport in different countries and to a different audience.” – (Bouchard)
The Road Ahead for Pickleball
As the world eagerly awaits the next Olympic Games, Bouchard’s reflections show the deep connection athletes feel to the Games and their respective sports. Her passion for her Olympic past and pickleball’s future highlights the evolving landscape of sports and the enduring excitement of global competition. With advocates like Bouchard championing pickleball’s inclusion, the future of the sport looks promising on the international stage.
News in Brief: Genie Bouchard’s Bold Push for Pickleball
As the Paris Summer Olympics approach, former tennis star Genie Bouchard reflects on her memorable 2016 Rio experience. Bouchard treasures her Olympic moments, from the opening ceremony to the vibrant Olympic Village, where she bonded with fellow athletes. She enjoyed watching various sports and values the unique opportunities the Olympics provided.
Now a growing pickleball player, Bouchard is a strong advocate for the sport’s Olympic inclusion, expressing excitement about its global expansion and potential future in the Games. Her reflections emphasize the deep connection athletes have with the Olympics and the promising future of pickleball on the international stage.
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