While it might not have been in the way his younger self imagined, Beam got to swim at the Olympics.
“I was a pretty good swimmer back when I was young and it was a dream of mine to be an Olympic swimmer," he said in an email. "So to get to actually swim at the Olympic swimming venue somewhat fulfilled that dream.”
Cory Smith, UNC class of 2016
For many, one of the highlights of every Olympics, both summer and winter, is the Opening Ceremony. For sports lovers, locals and athletes, it represents a once in a lifetime opportunity — going to the Olympics.
For UNC graduate Cory Smith, attending the Opening Ceremony proved to be that same opportunity of a lifetime. From the vibrant display of Brazilian history and culture to the exciting parade of nations, he said the official opening of the greatest sporting event in the world was an experience to remember.
His early concerns about security were quickly quelled as he watched Brazil show the world that they have more than just soccer and the samba — but it was the Parade of Nations that really struck him.
“The show itself was breathtaking, but the Parade of Nations was a sports lover’s dream,” he said in an email. “I got to see the world’s greatest athletes proudly representing their countries' colors at the greatest spectacle of sport in the world.”
For him — and for many — the Opening Ceremony was, unsurprisingly, a sensational experience.
Jenny Chiu, UNC Class of 2018
In Brazil, beach volleyball is second only to soccer in terms of popularity. It's no surprise that Copacabana Stadium, located on the picturesque beach of the same name, was packed to the brim on day four of the games, which saw April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings of the United States take on a talented Chinese duo in their second match of pool play.
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Chiu said there was an abundance of music and dancing, fitting for a country known for its expressive arts. The spirited environment certainly added to the anticipatory nature of the beach volleyball competition.
She watched the United States beat their opponents in straight sets.
“Just getting to be here to experience the pinnacle of sports is amazing,” she said in an email. Yet for Chiu, the excitement and energy of Copacabana was just beginning.
She was at the Men's Soccer final game — where Brazil won the gold, their first ever.
“It’s just unreal that we get this (opportunity) at such a young age,” she said in an email. “I know every journalist I’ve spoken to has said ‘Wow, I wish I had the opportunity you have now when I was young.’”
For Jenny Chiu, that night on Copacabana was nothing less than picturesque.
Rachael Scott, UNC Class of 2018
When watching the NBC coverage of the Olympic games, the viewer is given a certain perspective of both the games and the host city. Sure, they show a five minute spot on local culture or history here and there, yet the viewers never get to experience the host city like a local.
For Rachael Scott, the chance to go out into a favela, the high-density housing communities in Rio, seeing the city from a different angle and talking with the locals gave her an experience unlike anything she had before.
“Since I can remember, we’ve seen the Olympics covered by NBC,” she said in an email. “It was completely different to experience both the athletics and the surroundings in the host city itself.”
The view from the top of the favela left her with a different impression of the Olympics.
“It wasn’t just the athletics like you see on T.V.,” she said in an email.
For many of the athletes — and for these UNC students — it proved to be so much more.
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