There's a mixture of anticipation and excitement as you approach any arena, whether you're going to a sports game, a concert, or any kind of performance. However, knowing that you're about to watch an Olympic event with your own eyes is something else entirely.
By some stroke of random luck, I've had the opportunity to spend the summer in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Okay, my French grandmother needed some grandaughterly help, but still — I'm here! And what are the odds she would need that THIS summer of all summers?
Initially, I had no intention of attending the Olympics, and was rather peeved that the city would become a chaotic mess with all the tourists and infrastructure being built to host this worldwide celebration. But when the opportunity arose for me to attend beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower Stadium (and for only $30, no less!), I just couldn't pass it up.
As a former high school volleyball player, I marched into the stadium more excited than ever. The sun was shining, the vibes were high, and the views were breathtaking.
Morgan Legret
Once we sat down, the game started almost immediately. I kept thinking to myself how intimate the stadium felt. I mean, I’m at arguably one of the most important sports competitions in the world, and my college football stadium is bigger than this. As a result, you can’t help but feel grateful to be there.
For beach volleyball, you get to see two games. We started off by watching Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa from Brazil and Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho from Australia. In each of the three sets, the first team to reach 21 points wins. The first set went to Brazil, Australia took the lead in the second set, and ultimately won the game in the last set. As I watched them, I was sweating my butt off in the stands, thinking to myself how hot the athletes must be.
Morgan Legret
Between points, or when the players took breaks for water and shade, there were two main 'hype men' or MCs who really got the crowd going. We did the wave, we danced, we waved our flags, and just all around celebrated our respective countries. It was so beautiful to watch everyone being so prideful and patriotic, regardless of whether or not their team was on the field. We even got a visit from Phryge (the 2024 Olympic mascot and my favorite part, personally), who made his appearance as the crowd roared for the little red hat.
Morgan Legret
The second game was Spain vs. Switzerland. I was very excited for this because I have some skin in the game — my grandma is half Spanish and I have a lot of friends from there, so I rooted for España in solidarity! Liliana Fernandez and Paula Soria of Spain faced off against Swiss players Nina Brunner and Tanja Huberli. I was on the edge of my seat the entire game, but ultimately Switzerland took home the win in the first two sets.
This experience is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I feel extremely lucky to have witnessed such solidarity in a world of uncertainty and division. Not to mention, the incredible athleticism and sportsmanship displayed by these women (go girlbosses!) and what they're doing for their respective countries.
It is really true what they say: nothing compares to the real thing. Here are three ways watching the Olympics IRL are so different than watching it on TV.
Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images
1. Phryge is even cuter than pictures can do justice
If you're wondering what exactly Phryge, the Olympic mascot, really is — you're not alone. According to the Associated Press, it's been top of mind for a ton of Olympic-goers. And while it may look strange to some, it's actually a personified version of the "bonnet phrygien," a hat often worn to represent the revolutionary efforts in 1780s France. Regardless of the history, though, he was just adorable — basically the cute, less sassy younger sibling to the Duolingo owl.
2. The hype men are way better than commercial breaks
Instead of ads for cars and Coca-cola, when there are breaks in the games, hype me take the stage! They encourage group activities like the wave and other dances while the athletes towel off and grab some water. I honestly had such a good time while they kept us activated and excited!
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images
3. The games are way more intimate than the TV can show
There's something that feels so larger-than-life about the Olympics — and they really are in terms of the energy and excitement. But when it comes to the actual stadium, the entire experience felt intimate. Like I said before, the whole space felt smaller than some high school stadiums, so everyone was close to the action. Meanwhile, when I've watched other matches at home, I felt so detached and far away from it all...almost like it was this abstract thing that was happening, but wasn't particularly concrete.
4. Seeing the camaraderie amongst every country was electric
Even though everyone's specific teams and countries weren't necessarily represented in the matches at hand, the entire crowd pridefully waved their countries flags and cheered on the athletes in front of them alike. It was so incredibly different than being at home where you cheer with your friends and family, likely only watching specific events and usually for the same team. I adored seeing how it didn't matter where you were from or what the match was — everyone was happy to be here and cheer for the Olympics of it all.
BRB while I plot my way into the 2028 L.A. Olympics!
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Header image via Lars Baron/Getty Images
Gladiator 2 isn't even in theaters yet (mark your calendars for November 22!) and star Paul Mescal is already thinking about doing a threequel. Although, after raving about director Ridley Scott, and sharing the screen with Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn, who could blame him?! So if you're wondering 'Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?' then you've come to the right place.
Keep reading for all the latest Gladiator 3 news — and to see what Paul Mescal and Ridley Scott have said about returning.
Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures hasn't confirmed whether we're getting a Gladiator 3 quite yet, but director Ridley Scott is definitely on board. "I’ve already got eight pages. I’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint," he says. But he also mentions he'd like to make one huge change from the first two movies. "If there’s a Gladiator 3, I don’t think you’d ever go back into the arena. But I had to go back into the arena…"
And as for whether Paul Mescal would return? Well that's a resounding yes. “If there's going to be a Gladiator III, I hope I'm in it," he told Peopleat the LA premiere of Gladiator 2 on November 18, while adding to Variety that he'd be “massively down” for a third movie.
“I don’t think it will be [24] years — but I have no idea when it will be.”
But Paul's comments on a Gladiator 3 weren't the only reason he made headlines last night! He brought GF Gracie Abrams (who just broke the internet in her own right when she performed with Taylor Swift). And while they didn't make a red carpet appearance together, it seems like Gladiator's official TikTok account just hard launched their relationship.
"THEY HIT THE PENTAGON," one user commented, while another said, "I just fell to my knees." If you can't tell from the drama, fans are going crazy. (It's me, I'm fans).
Is Russell Crowe in the new Gladiator?
No, sadly, Russell Crowe doesn't make an appearance in Gladiator 2 (well, apart from Gladiator flashbacks, that is). And if you're wondering 'Is Maximus alive in Gladiator 2?' you'll just have to watch the first one!
Do you want to see Paul Mescal return for Gladiator 3? Check out the 10 New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For before the month ends!
From beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower to surfing in Tahiti, the Paris Olympics have blown my mind thus far. I'm always super into Olympic season because sportsmanship, community, and pride for your country are such beautiful things to witness and celebrate collectively. I'm currently in Paris and have even been able to see a couple of events myself — and I gotta tell you, it's incredible to watch live. History is made left and right, every single day — especially when it comes to Team USA!
While the games continue, here are all the incredible moments we've seen so far!
Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images
Two Words: Celine Dion
After her shocking documentary came out, Celine Dion made a triumphant return to performing during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dion's very rare Stiff Person Syndrome made many wonder if the superstar would be able to sing again, and this performance put those rumors to rest. She blew us all away with her stunning vocal performance of "Hymn A L'Amour" — can anyone pass some tissues? 😭
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Simone Biles Made An Epic Comeback — And Won Gold With Her Team
Team USA Women's Gymnastics is back and better than ever baby! After a devastating experience in Tokyo, Simone Biles made an epic comeback with this insane floor routine, starting off with an intro I could not deem more appropriate to Taylor Swift's "Are You Ready For It?" And boy were we! Not only did Biles start off her Paris games with a bang, but she did with such elegance and ease. We are so happy to have her back!
Alongside the amazing performances from Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey, the team took home the gold medal!
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Women In Fencing Make History
Another incredible win for Team USA, and another historical moment for women! Lee Kiefer won two back-to-back gold medals this week in foil fencing. Her teammate, Lauren Scruggs took home the silver metal and became the first Black fencer to ever win an Olympic medal! Not only is this an incredible moment for the country, but for humankind. This is also the first time the United States has dominated the fencing podium since 1904! History was definitely made, to say the least!
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Team USA Proves Rugby Isn't Just For Boys
They have the beauty, the brains, and now they have the BRONZE! The USA Women's Rugby Team is bringing home their first ever Olympic win in history. Rugby is notoriously an intense contact sport — it's fast, it's rough, and often more associated with a male demographic. But this team is showing everyone how truly amazing women sports are. And hey, they got Jason Kelce as a superfan, so you should be too!
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
True Meaning Of Teammates
Team USA swimmers Torri Huske and Gretchen Walsh both bring home medals after they competed side-by-side in the 100 meter butterfly. Though Walsh was the previous record holder, she congratulated Huske on the Gold as they both celebrated their momentous win, wrapped together around the American flag. We couldn't be happier for these amazing Olympic swimming medalists!
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
One Trick Pony Brings Home The Win With The Men's Gymnastics Team
Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as "Clark Kent" on Tik Tok waited all day to perform his pommel horse routine. Before he began his routine, he took off his glasses — which was a little concerning for spectators — and started his routine. We all quickly realized that he was no joke. He seemingly came out of nowhere and snatched the bronze medal with the rest of Team USA. Now, he's a media phenomenon, and we can't get enough of him!
PS: This is Team USA's first medal since 2008 for men's team gymnastics — so exciting!
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Cook'N Bacon Are So In Sync
Synchronized diving has been one of my fave Olympic sports to watch since I was a kid! It's so mesmerizing and obviously incredibly impressive. I am so happy for Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook (affectionately known as "Cook'N Bacon") for brining home the silver medal! This is an amazing achievement for them both, but especially for Team USA who hasn't been on the diving podium since 2012. Wow!
Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images
Batten Biked To Silver
Haley Batten took home the silver medal for women's mountain biking race — the best finish for Team USA ever! Her wheel literally broke in the middle of the race, and she still managed to medal. So while the win was incredible to begin with, the fact that she persevered and overcame the odds makes it that much more amazing!
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Ledecky Lead The Pack
We already knew Katie Ledecky was incredible, but she only further cemented her jaw-dropping skills during the women's 1500 meter freestyle final! In the longest swimming event at the Olympics, Ledecky consistently lead the pack throughout, and finished over 10 seconds before her silver medal counterpart. She's currently tied with Dara Torres, Natalie Coughlin and Jenny Thompson for the most medals won by a female swimmer — and she doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon, setting her sights on the 2028 Olympics according to ESPN! We can't wait to see what she does next!
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Simone And Suni Stack The Podium
After dominating the team finals, Team USA brought home more hardware for women's gymnastics in the individual competition! Suni Lee faced fierce competition in the battle for bronze, needing to nail her final rotation on her floor routine, and did she ever! Lee scored a 13.666, cementing her spot on the podium.
Afterwards, Biles was neck-in-neck for the gold medal against Brazilian gymnast Rebecca Andrade. Andrade gave an incredible performance, definitely earning a lot of pride for Brazil, but at the end of the day Biles upped the ante with what Laurie Hernandez described as one of the hardest routines out there. Earning a 15.066, Biles won the gold medal — the first time an American gymnast has won two gold medals in the individual competition since 1968 according to Today!
Looking to stay in-the-know on all things Olympics? Be sure to follow us on Tiktok!
Header image via Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Working from home is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's great that you can get sh*t done virtually anywhere with WiFi, but on the other, you're constantly summoned to your couch (or in more severe cases, your bed) to take a "break" (a nap) that can impact your productivity. Having cute desk accessories and organization solutions on deck at all times is a must for anyone seeking to dial in and simply feel good about the whole 'working from home' thing. Whether you know the beauty of WFH life or not, these gifts for people who work from home will certainly liven up any workspace.
Our fave WFH gifts in this post:
- Papier Joy Weekly Desk Planner ($20)
- Kawaii Animals Erasable Gel Pen Set ($6, was $10)
- Tech Taffy Desk Duster ($12)
- Umbra Montage Wall Shelf ($65)
- Ergonomic Computer Mouse Pad ($10)
- Electric Coffee Mug Warmer ($25)
- Line Friends Cable Management Holder ($18)
- The Work Wellness Deck ($20)
Scroll on for more of the best WFH gifts to give in 2024!
Papier
1. Papier Joy Weekly Desk Planner
Seeing every to-do item in one place (that's not a computer screen) is a major game-changer for staying on-task, and the ultimate hack is this structured notepad.
Amazon
2. Personalized Acrylic Name Plate
This custom, made-to-order name plate would make any WFH-er feel more dignified.
Amazon
3. Rossie Home Premium Acacia Wood Lap Desk
This way, they can take their work anywhere, whether it be the sofa or bed. The finished wood gives this lap desk an upscale feel that means business!
Amazon
4. Cute Duck LED Lamp
This cute, squishy desk-sized lamp is sure to alleviate The Horrors (work stress).
Amazon
5. Kawaii Animals Erasable Gel Pen Set
These top-rated animal pens are the perfect little workday cheerleaders when they hang out at anyone's desk.
Uncommon Goods
6. Tech Taffy Desk Duster
This gooey glob helps get the grime (like dust and dirt) out from in between their keyboard, mouse, and headphones.
Amazon
7. Bose Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
We're convinced that noise-cancelling headphones are a product directly from heaven. This pair does an excellent job at drowning out sonic distractions.
Amazon
8. Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser for Computer with Dry-Erase Board
This desk riser with an attached dry-erase board helps eliminate papers from piling up on their desk. It's the perfect vehicle for meeting reminders, brainstorms, and other important work items.
Amazon
10. Waterproof Desk Mat
This desk mat can handle it all – keyboards, notebooks, cold drinks, and basically everything else needed for the 9 to 5 grind.
Amazon
11. Ergonomic Computer Mouse Pad
Having an ergonomic setup can help prevent that infamous WFH-induced back pain. Start small with this soothing mouse pad!
Amazon
12. 12-Sided Fidget Toy
If your working-from-home gift recipient is on the anxious side, a fidget cube can be a real game-changer when it comes to letting out stress and pent-up energy.
Urban Outfitters
13. Little Glass Table Lamp
Shed some light on their daily work routine with an adorable tiny lamp, shoppable in a variety of playful colors and patterns.
Amazon
14. Colorful Sticky Notes
For helping them jot down genius ideas, look no further than gifting a hearty pack of sticky notes. The colors in this set will make working a lot more fun.
Amazon
15. Speks Crags Ferrite Putty
This super-satisfying stress ball alternative will keep their anxious hands busy during meetings and email sweeps.
Amazon
16. Electric Coffee Mug Warmer
Coffee is life, so make sure their caffeinated cup stays fresh all morning long. This gift is especially thoughtful if you know they're a slow sipper!
Loam Candles
17. Loam Harvest Basket Candle
Having a cute candle lit during the workday instantly improves morale. We don't make the rules.
Amazon
18. Ergonomic Laptop Riser
For the on-the-go worker, a laptop without a laptop riser is criminal. This easy-to-set up one has almost 12,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, most notable for its durability.
Umbra
19. Umbra Montage Wall Shelf
This lightweight, design-forward wall shelf is perfect for stowing away joy-inspiring knick-knacks and work necessities alike.
Amazon
20. Line Friends Cable Management Holder
Let these cutie little bears take the reins – er, rather, the cords – and create more space for a clear head.
Amazon
21. Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Notebook
This bound notebook will withstand any weather, plus it's the perfect place to write down great ideas!
ban.do
22. ban.do Sticker Book
This lively, colorful sticker book will make those long meetings much more entertaining. These would pair super well with the notebook above for a cutie gift set.
Amazon
23. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Don't let them fry their eyes all day – these blue light glasses work to filter out the harmful effects of [dun-dun-dunnn] computer screens.
Target
24. Owala Stainless Steel Tumbler
Hydration helps fuel a healthy mind, and that noggin is needed for making great things happen at work. This 40oz insulated tumbler keeps drinks ice-cold all throughout the day!
Urban Outfitters
25. Chromoeye Working From Home Art Print
This poster says what we're all thinking about WFH.
Amazon
26. Pomodoro Timer
The Pomodoro technique is a killer method for staying tuned-in. With this timer, the work time versus rest time is left up to the user.
Uncommon Goods
27. The Work Wellness Deck
This box o' cards comes ready with 60 different prompts that help your local worker at home destress and recharge before, during, or after the workday.
Day Designer
28. Day Designer 2025 Daily Planner
A planner is going to help facilitate the utmost organization and productivity for your giftee that works from home.
Uncommon Goods
29. Stay Cool Adjustable Laptop Desk
This lap desk makes it easy for them to slouch on the couch (we're guilty!) or laze in bed while still getting sh*t done while they work.
ban.do
30. Hot Stuff Ceramic Mug Book Person
If it's not being used for coffee, consider this the cutest catch-all for miscellaneous desk junk.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
As much as I love an ugly Christmas sweater party, a small part of me still cringes at just how wacky they can be. There's a very fine line between 'ugly Christmas sweater' and 'playful holiday get-up' – but I think these fun holiday sweaters strike the perfect balance of the two. They're all colorful, festive, and so much fun to wear to any and every holiday get-together you've got going this year.
Scroll on for our favorite fun holiday sweaters for every party!
Anthropologie
1. The Violette Short-Sleeve Tinsel Sweater by Maeve
With 'tinsel' literally in this sweater's name, you'll be making a shiny statement wherever you wear this piece. It also comes in silver, gold, navy blue, and brown to suit your personal holiday style.
Abercrombie & Fitch
2. The A&F Madeline Crew Sweater
This femme 'fit boasts a bow that's reminiscent of holiday gifts and all things merry. It only helps that this sweater is super soft to the touch!
Urban Outfitters
3. Out From Under Catching Feelings Fairisle Print Cropped Pullover
This sweet holiday sweater has an adorable reindeer design along the front, so it's instantly going to fit in for any holiday party. You can also snag the pair of matching shorts to complete the coziness if you'd rather stay in.
Urban Outfitters
4. BDG Stella Star Graphic Oversized Pullover Sweater
With this sweater, you'll literally be a star. The color palette challenges holiday tradition in the best way, though you could totally make it a better fit for a party with a black mini skirt, tights, and metallic boots.
Anthropologie
5. Maeve Faux-Fur Collar Cropped Cardigan Sweater
Oh, so fancy! This cardi's collar is lined with faux fur to make it feel ultra-luxe. Layer it over your best party dress, and voila!
Nordstrom
6. ASTR the Label Velvet Bow Cardigan
Bring on more bows, please! This tie-up cardigan secures with two oversized velvet bows that speak to the holiday season flawlessly.
Gap Factory
7. Gap Factory Peanuts Relaxed Gap Logo Sweatshirt
Snoopy is truly a holiday icon, especially in his dramatic puffer jacket. Don the famous dog on this cozy sweatshirt – it's so much cuter than an ugly Christmas sweater, plus you'll earn mega compliments (everyone loves Snoop!) wearing it.
Free People
8. Free People Festive Frost Sweater
This fuzzy sweater is downright festive, thanks to the traditional stripes across the top half. We love it because it still leans very 'holiday,' but isn't explicitly so, since the color palette isn't just reds and greens.
Nordstrom
9. Vinyl Icons Martini Embellished Off The Shoulder Graphic Fleece Sweatshirt
Espresso martinis are a hallmark of the holiday season, and you simply can't change our minds on that. Get playful with your holiday sweater selection with this design that evokes a happy hour at any time of day, especially on a holiday break away from school or work!
Free People
10. We The Free Flower Patch Sweater
You'll be able to get a lot of wear out of this sweet red sweater around the holidays! The slouchy fit is ideal for pairing with even more winter layers to stay warm.
American Eagle
11. American Eagle Whoa So Soft Oversized Grinch Holiday Sweater
With Christmas' favorite villain on it, this super-soft sweater will always be in style around the holidays.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.