PARIS, France — We are celebrating the Olympics and a Western New York native who is in Paris right now volunteering at Team USA House.
Monday morning, 2 On Your Side caught up with Craig Gilbert, a 1984 Olympian who played Team Handball. He showed us around Team USA House, and we talked about what it's like to be in Paris right now.
"It's just a beautiful, gorgeous day in Paris," said Craig Gilbert. "Every corner you go to, there's a statue. All the buildings are beautiful. It's just a wonderful place to be and visit."
Forty years ago, Williamsville North graduate Craig Gilbert was busy competing in the Summer Olympics in LA. Today, he's paying it forward by volunteering at Team USA House in Paris.
"Team USA House is like a home away from home for Olympians and Paralympians. So I've seen some of the current athletes. Most of them don't come until they finish competing, but I've met a lot of alumni that have competed in the past, and it's just a wonderful place," said Craig Gilbert.
And as you enter, you're greeted by locks signed by current Olympians. Eventually Gilbert says the display will go to the Olympic Village before heading to the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum.
"We have Snoop Dogg here as well," said Craig Gilbert as he pointed to a lock.
Fans who bought tickets to Team USA House can explore the first floor, but there's a more quiet space for the Olympians and their guests upstairs.
"This happens to be a room that is only for Olympians and Paralympians, that, this happens to be the US Men's Rugby Sevens Team that are here. You're on, you can be on TV and been seen in Buffalo, New York," said Craig Gilbert.
It's the former Paris Stock Exchange, a building commissioned by Napoleon, and there are plenty of rooms for nostalgic displays.
"This is the torch from my 1984 team," said Craig Gilbert.
There wasn't a Team USA House in 1984 and Gilbert is enjoying his time volunteering and meeting the latest generation of Olympians.
"I think it's just a wonderful experience, and the Olympics is really about continuous improvement. Stronger, faster, higher, together, and to be able to work with families, and coaches, and Olympians that have previously competed or are here today," said Craig Gilbert.
Gilbert returns to home to the United States on Wednesday. He says he is looking forward to the next Summer Olympics in 2028 returning to LA, where he competed in 1984.
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