Elisabeth Lomholdt, a recent university graduate from Denmark, is making waves at the Paris Olympics as a volunteer chauffeur, hoping to pick up real-life stars instead of just five-star reviews.
Selected from a pool of 300,000 applicants for volunteer roles, Elisabeth is one of 45,000 people lending a helping hand at the Games. Despite the chaotic Paris traffic, she navigates the city with ease, ferrying officials to and from venues while engaging in interesting conversations along the way.
“I feel so inspired after hearing people’s stories,” Elisabeth tells BBC Newsbeat. “Every time I have passengers, I have one question, because I’m really interested in learning what the biggest sports are from their country.”
With a passion for sports and a desire to see behind the scenes of such a massive event, Elisabeth applied for the volunteer role over a year-and-a-half ago. She is thrilled to be a part of the Olympics and believes that volunteers play a crucial role in making the Games a success.
As Paris 2024 aims to be the most sustainable Games yet, Elisabeth’s electric taxi is just one example of the eco-friendly initiatives in place. With the closing ceremony approaching, Elisabeth still hopes to pick up some Danish athletes as passengers, adding a personal touch to her Olympic experience.
Volunteering at the Olympics may not come with a paycheck, but for Elisabeth, the experience is priceless. “It gives you perspectives on life,” she says. And as she continues to drive through the streets of Paris, she remains hopeful for more inspiring encounters and memorable moments before the Games come to a close.
