Excitement for Paris Olympics growing in central Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – With the summer Olympics underway in Paris, many in central Arkansas are watching the games with excitement. From people to businesses, many are hoping that everyone representing America brings home gold.

Ron and Elinda West from Little Rock say they watch the Olympic games every year and have even gone to three in person.

“We went to Beijing, we went to the Atlanta Olympics, and Seoul, Korea,” West said.

They both say how they love what the games represent.

“People all over the world come together and in the spirit of cooperation, it’s just a fun time and we share the love of sports,” West enthused.

Although they didn’t go to Paris this year, they’re still enjoying what they’re seeing so far.

“Gymnastics is the favorite part so far,” West stated.

No surprise at Rock City Gymnastics, where young gymnasts say they love to watch the gymnastics Olympic team.

“I’m intrigued by how gymnastics changes every 4 years and I like seeing Simone Biles dominate even more,” Mia Evans, 15-year-old gymnast explained.

Simone Biles is an inspiration for many like 13-year-old gymnast Sloan Cody.

“I feel like she really shows what gymnastics is as a sport and she in 2020 wasn’t afraid to step out because of her mental health and I think that shows how great she really is,” Cody said.

Evans has some words for the Olympian Biles.

“You have so many supporters and you will do great,” Evans expressed.

Cody says every sport in the Olympics gives others hope.

“Just kind of seeing all the people cheer after and the team being so supportive,” Cody stated.

With still more sports to come, they say they will be rooting for Team USA.

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