'I Was Proud to Represent the Enduring Spir...

Salma Hayekis beaming with pride after participating in the Olympic Torch Relay

Published Time: 25.07.2024 - 02:31:10 Modified Time: 25.07.2024 - 02:31:10

Salma Hayekis beaming with pride after participating in the Olympic Torch Relay.

With days until the 2024 Paris Olympics officially begins, Hayek, 57, was among the 175 torchbearers who helped the torch make its way from Rambouillet to Versailles on Tuesday.

The actress reflected on the milestone moment in an Instagram post on Wednesday, July 24, filled with photos and videos at the Château de Versailles palace, calling the experience an "honor."

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"Yesterday, I had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame, a symbol of light, hope, peace, and unity ♾️. If you believe in these values, know that you were with me every step of the way," she wrote. "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. #Olympics #Paris2024."

Hayek also included photos of herself dressed in her ceremonial attire with politician Rachida Dati, French soccer player Presnel Kimpembe and singer/actor Patrick Bruel.

According to the Olympics' official website, torchbearers are "selected based on their commitment, dedication and how they embody at least one of the core tenets of Paris 2024," which include "sports and the Games," "communities" and "the collective."

"The Torch Relay is, above all, a huma -

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n adventure, represented by the stories of each Torchbearer," said Tony Estanguet, president of the 2024 Paris Olympics, in a statement.

"Be they athletes or sports enthusiasts, committed to their local communities or involved in meaningful community projects, the people we call the Forerunners represent the richness and diversity of our society. With them, the Torch Relay will be a wonderful moment of openness, transmission and sharing," his statement continued.

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To prepare for the relay, Hayek pumped herself up by listening to Eminem's "Lose Yourself."

The Frida star posted behind-the-scenes photos and videos onInstagramTuesday, describing the process: "Getting ready to participate in the Olympic torch relay in Paris! Feeling the excitement and unity the Olympics brings. Stay tuned for more photos with the torch tomorrow???? ."

Hayek's next movie, the Angelina Jolie-directed Without Blood, will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come topeople.comto check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up forGoing for Gold, our Olympics newsletter, to get the biggest stories from the Games delivered straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, beginning July 26, on NBC and Peacock.