The Paris Games saw the debut of new Olympic events, with US climber Sam Watson setting a new world record in speed climbing, sparking a unique “Selfie Olympics.” “I was hoping that one person from each of the various delegations could take a selfie with me,” Watson said. This idea led to his own “Selfie Olympics.” Watson admitted that “some of the delegations have already gone home, so I think it will be difficult to take a photo with all 203 countries.” 204 countries are participating in the Paris Games, and Watson is very proud of the one photo he took. “They are from a small island nation called Tuvalu. When I looked at where they entered, they were only doing surfing and sailing. Surfing is in Tahiti, sailing is in Marseille, so there are almost no people in Paris,” he explained. Watson understands that the athletes he is taking selfies with have different cultural and political views. “All of these countries share the same human beings, they're Olympians, they're competitors, so to get a result like this is really special,” Watson said. Watson, 18, set a new world record in qualifying earlier this week. He will compete in the speed climbing medal event on Thursday. Climbing at the Paris Olympics ends on Saturday. When asked about the difference between speed climbing and traditional climbing, his climbing coach likened it to the difference between the 100-meter sprint and the marathon in athletics.
Paris, Israel Defense Forces —
A new Olympic event was introduced for the first time at the Paris Games, with US climber Sam Watson setting a new world record in speed climbing and launching the unique “Selfie Olympics.”
“I was wondering if representatives from the various delegations could take a selfie with me,” Watson said.
His idea led to his own “Selfie Olympics.”
“I don't think we'll be able to visit all 203 people because some of the delegation have already left,” Watson acknowledged.
204 countries are taking part in Paris and Watson is extremely proud of the photo she won.
Watson explained: “They are from the small island nation of Tuvalu and when you look at where they have entered they are only doing surfing and sailing. Surfing is in Tahiti and sailing is in Marseille so there are very few in Paris.”
Watson understands that the athletes he's taking selfies with hold different cultural and political views.
“All of these countries are human beings, they're Olympians, they're athletes and we share that in common, so to be able to do all of this is really special,” Watson said.
Watson, just 18 years old, set a new world record in the qualifying round earlier this week.
He is scheduled to compete in the speed climbing medal event on Thursday. Climbing competition at the Paris Olympics concludes on Saturday.
When asked about the difference between speed climbing and traditional climbing, a climbing coach likened it to the difference between the 100m sprint and the marathon.
