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Andscape at the Olympics

Jewell Loyd Olympic diary: ‘You’re constantly reminded why you are here’

Six-time WNBA All-Star star talks about arriving in Paris, facing Japan in Game 1, Kobe Bryant, the opening ceremony and more


Andscape at the Olympics is an ongoing series exploring the Black athletes and culture around the 2024 Paris Games.


PARIS — Seattle Storm guard, two-time WNBA champion and six-time WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd is the latest player sharing insight into her life on and off the court through a video diary with Andscape during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal and former G League Ignite forward Ron Holland participated in a monthly video and diary for the 2023-24 season. NBA players Draymond Green, Vince Carter, Trae Young, CJ McCollum, Fred VanVleet, De’Aaron Fox, Cade Cunningham, James Wiseman and Josh Jackson have participated in previous diaries.

In Part 2 of her video diary, Loyd talks about arriving in Paris for the Olympic Games, appreciating the Olympics and reminders of Team USA’s goals, the excitement of meeting other Olympic athletes, the rain at the opening ceremony and preparing for the first game against Japan on Monday.

Loyd also talked about what happens when hunger struck athletes during the walk after the opening ceremony, and how USA men’s basketball forward LeBron James led the way to a restaurant.

“Luckily, LeBron found a place where there was a little food, so we all followed him,” Loyd said. “Out of nowhere, all of us just show up. Imagine you just being a normal worker, minding your own business, and you just see LeBron, Devin Booker, Stewie [Breanna Stewart], A’ja [Wilson], everyone just walking in.

“For us, we were drenched, we were cold, we were hungry. It’s just another reminder of regardless of how soggy my shirt is, and my socks are wet and all these things, this is why I’m here and I’m going to compete and play at a high level. Besides all that and the chaos, you’re constantly reminded why you are here.”

Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasn’t been able to in years and his knees still hurt.