When San Francisco Bay Times friend and supporter Beth Schnitzer, the President of SpritzSF, told us she could represent the Bay Times at the Summer Olympics in Paris, we responded with an enthusiastic, “Oui!” As the Bay Times goes to press, she is still in The City of Love with her niece Alexa “Lexi” Westley enjoying the trip of a lifetime. Lexi is a long-distance runner who just graduated from the University of Wisconsin where she was on the cross country/track team and ran the 10k & 5k.
Here is a look at their adventures so far.
At SFO on August 1, 2024, they were “popping out of their seats with excitement” as they boarded an Air France flight—San Francisco Bay Times flags and t-shirts in tow—and enjoyed a delicious array of European fare along with other passengers who were eagerly anticipating their visit to Paris for the XXXIII Olympiad.
The next day, they settled into their apartment in the 2nd arrondissement located on the right bank of the River Seine. Although often overlooked by tourists, this section of Paris is a favorite of locals for its hidden, picturesque streets, history, cultural offerings, and more.
Beth and Lexi had time to finalize their event schedule. It should be noted that Beth’s late great mother Bette— so popular that she was known a/la James Bond’s “Q” or “M” by just a single initial “S”—was a legendary high school teacher for decades who championed women’s sports, particularly track and field and gymnastics. Her influence is reflected in this itinerary:
• Saturday, August 3 – Swimming 11 am, Men’s Basketball 5:15 pm;
• Sunday, August 4 – Beach Volleyball 9 am, Gymnastics 3 pm, Athletics/Track & Field 6:30 pm;
• Monday, August 5 – Badminton 9:45 am, Volleyball 5 pm, Beach Volleyball 9 pm;
• Tuesday, August 6 – Athletics/Track & Field 7 pm;
• Wednesday, August 7 – Women’s Basketball Quarterfinal 9:30 pm;
• Thursday, August 8 –
Women’s Volleyball Semifinals 4 pm, Athletics/Track & Field 7 pm;
• Friday, August 9 – Table Tennis 10 am, Diving 3 pm, Athletics/Track & Field
7 pm;
• Saturday, August 10 – Athletics/Track & Field 6:30 pm
• Sunday, August 11 – Au revoir, Paris. Bonjour, San Francisco!
Shortly after their arrival in Paris, Beth and Lexi met the owners of a restaurant near their apartment “and they told us about a fab LGBTQ bar overlooking the Seine.” There, these forever passionate allies of our community had an incredible time where they met new friends from around the world. With their can’t-miss U.S.A. cowgirl hats, other colorful attire, and bubbly personalities, they were a magnet for all kinds of good energy, from Olympic athletes and coaches to fellow sports fans.
On August 4, for example, Beth told the San Francisco Bay Times that she and Lexi “woke up at 6 am and left the apartment at 7 am. We walked by the USA House near one of the Métro lines. We had to take two different Métro lines to the Eiffel Tower for Beach Volleyball. We got out of the Métro station with so many Olympic fans—we met people from France, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, China, Israel, and Switzerland! It was so fun connecting with so many international sports fans with a common love and passion for sports and Olympic values. There are so many flags here, with people sporting their cultural attire and speaking a number of different languages.”
She added, “We have also met Americans from Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, SoCal, Oakland , Chicago, New York City, Alabama, Oregon, North Carolina, and Florida.”
Beth continued, “We arrived near the Eiffel Tower at 8:15 am and were instantly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the tower and that the Beach Volleyball venue was created at the base. The entire park surrounding the tower was transformed to make way for hospitality areas, queueing lines, merchandise and concessions stands, different activations, and photo spots. There were so many volunteers helping to direct people, to welcome them, and to assist in every possible way. We were totally impressed by the warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm displayed by each and every volunteer and staff person we encountered.”
The French have a reputation for not speaking English with American tourists, but Beth and Lexi said they did not experience that cold shoulder at all, and far from it. Nearly all locals whom they encountered spoke impeccable English and were warm and kind.
“Every French person asked how we liked France and thanked us for being there in their city and in their country,” Beth explained. “They were truly grateful for the international community for the event (while most Parisians left the city to avoid the crowds). Many French people said they’ve never seen the city so clean and so empty!”
Beth and Lexi were encouraged to continue to take the Métro as vehicular traffic has been kept to a minimum during the Games.
“It has been more fun and engaging to walk and take the Métro everywhere,” Beth said. “We’ve had to allow for time to walk to the Métro, find the right train, ride the train, get off, and walk outside and then walk to venue. For some venues, we have had to allow for at least 45 minutes to an hour extra walking time. Then we proceed through queue lines for security before digital ticket scanning.”
In short, attending major sporting events like this can be a physical endeavor in and of itself! Beth has been to multiple Super Bowl games in the states where she experienced similar challenges. Nevertheless, she said, “The process has been efficient and things move smoothly.”
Beth and Lexi were able to watch Simone Biles during some of her most impressive Olympic moments. The San Francisco Bay Times shared a video via social media taken by Beth from the stands. With U.S.A. and even rainbow flags flying in the stadium, and cheers for Simone echoing through the rafters, the hopes for Simone were palpable and likely helped propel this already decorated athlete to win 3 gold medals and 1 silver as of this writing.
In addition to flags and t-shirts, many sports fans brought pins. Savvy Beth and Lexi knew this and came well supplied. Beth explained, “Pin trading is an Olympic tradition. We even had the French Gendarmerie (oldest police force in France) trade pins with us, as well as security, staff, and volunteers. It is a beautiful way to meet people, engage with them, and have fun no matter the language spoken.”
She added, “All of the French people we have met have asked us for American pins. We have also traded pins with Brazilians, Swiss sports fans, Germans, and new friends from Ireland, the U.K., Australia, and Spain.”
The international vibe was especially evident during their journey to a Team USA Men’s Basketball game versus Puerto Rico. On the train they sat next to Chinese students. Shirts emblazoned with LeBron James and Steph Curry were everywhere. While chatting with the students, they met some fellow basketball fans from Israel and various European countries. Basketball seemed to be a great leveler, at least on this upbeat train ride.
Beth and Lexi have also enjoyed the swimming competitions. “The LGBTQ-looking lighting paired with great energy music has made those events so much fun!” Beth shared. “We got to see Léon Marchand, an amazingly talented swimmer who is following in the footsteps of Michael Phelps (the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time).”
Beth and Lexi are gaining some fame too. Their San Francisco drag queen know-how has served them well, since their eye-catching looks continue to be a beacon for visitors looking for photo-ops. “Whenever we become ‘twins’ with our matching cowgirl hats and red, white, and blue outfits, we are approached nonstop by people asking to take pictures with us. We say ‘yes’ to all and it has been so much fun, even though it adds more time to our schedule before entering venues.”
This dynamic duo is not done yet! We will share more about their Olympic adventures in the next issue of the San Francisco Bay Times.
From Paris to the Castro
Published on August 8, 2024
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