American rap legend Snoop Dogg has been appointed an “honorary coach” for Team USA ahead of next year’s Winter Olympics in Italy. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) confirmed the announcement on Thursday, noting that the 54-year-old will take on a volunteer role aimed at celebrating and supporting American athletes away from the competition arenas.
The appointment follows Snoop Dogg’s widely praised presence during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where he served as a special correspondent for NBC’s coverage and performed during the Los Angeles 2028 handover ceremony. His humour, charisma and love for sport made him a standout figure of the Games.
“Team USA athletes are the real stars – I’m just here to cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines,” said the rapper, affectionately called ‘Coach Snoop’ for the new role.
According to the USOPC, Snoop Dogg will bring his “signature humour and heart” to help motivate and inspire Team USA as they prepare for the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina from 6 to 22 February.
USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland described his enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic movement as “contagious,” adding that his presence will provide an extra layer of energy and positivity for athletes.
Beyond entertainment, Snoop Dogg has a deep history in sport. In 2005, he founded the Snoop Youth Football League, an initiative created to give inner-city children opportunities to play American football in major stadiums across the United States. The programme has since helped nurture both athletic talent and community values.
Reflecting on his new Olympic role, Snoop Dogg said: “This team represents the best of what sport can be: talent, heart and hustle. If I can bring a little more love and motivation to that, that’s a win for me.”
As Team USA gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Snoop Dogg’s involvement promises to bring a vibrant mix of entertainment, encouragement and cultural flair to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Melissa Enoch
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