If you need swimming lessons, who better to teach you than a 23-time Olympic gold medalist?
In a special for NBC, rap icon Snoop Dogg teamed up with former professional swimmer Michael Phelps in hopes of learning how to swim like the Olympic champion.
“Now, MP, how does one get fast in the pool?” Snoop asked Phelps before they both jumped into the water. Phelps explained that wingspan and lung power are crucial for being a fast swimmer, though Snoop Dogg didn’t seem too concerned about these factors.
“You just described me! You said wingspan, lung power— I definitely have great lung power,” Snoop joked.
Then, the pair dove into the water to start their lesson. Snoop wore the official swimwear, including a swim cap, and initially refused to wear goggles. However, he quickly regretted that decision once he experienced firsthand how harsh pool chlorine can be on his eyes.
After a few moves, techniques, and freestyle moments, it became clear that swimming alongside an Olympic gold medalist might not be the best way to showcase your own abilities if you’re trying to prove yourself.
“Mike, you make this look too easy,” a very tired Snoop said. “Oh God. As you see, I’m in gold medal condition and he’s still in gold medal condition as we speak. Shout-out to the Phelps family and the team that’s gonna get me some oxygen right now.”
Snoop Dogg not only received swimming lessons from the most decorated Olympian of all time but was also honored with the privilege of carrying the iconic Olympic torch in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
The world’s top athletes are currently competing for gold at this year’s Olympics, hosted in Paris, France. Before the opening ceremony began on Friday, July 26, the historic torch relay took place, transporting the flame all the way from Greece.
With the transportation of the torch being such an iconic moment in sports history, it’s a significant honor to carry this symbol of unity. This year, Snoop Dogg was one of the final bearers of the flame as it made its way to the Olympic cauldron.
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Along with being a torchbearer, the 52-year-old is also a correspondent for NBC Sports this time around. His duties will involve going behind the scenes with athletes, their families, and friends. He will also showcase some of Paris’ historical landmarks and provide coverage of Olympic events.
Perhaps we’ll see Snoop Dogg tackle more sports-related content, as an Olympic swimming career didn’t quite seem to be in the cards.
Watch Snoop Dogg receive a swimming lesson from Michael Phelps in the video below.