The Tokyo Olympics is underway, and Team USA got a major boost from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. During the opening ceremony, Johnson appeared on the screen to introduce the U.S. athletes. In the video, Johnson sent an emotional message to the athletes competing in the Olympics.
“Right now some of the very best athletes in all of America are gathered underneath the stadium where the show you’ve been watching has been taking place,” Johnson said at the start of the video, as transcribed by PEOPLE. “But in a matter of moments, everything changes. The longest wait of their lives is over and the culmination of their blood, sweat, and tears finally arrives.”
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“It’s not easy to bring the entire planet together, and it certainly wasn’t easy tonight, but here we are,” Johnson continued. “Tonight we are all so lucky to witness the hardest workers in the room; the athletes who are a brilliant tapestry of talent, commitment, and drive. And now what was once considered unthinkable one year ago is a glorious reality. We come together united to celebrate the Olympians who exemplify the very best in all of us.” Here’s a look at social media reacting to Johnson’s video.
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Itโs finally time to present: TEAM USA!@TheRock gets us HYPED by introducing @TeamUSA like only he can. #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/gRHkn3ad1I
โ #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2021
Here’s a look at the video. One person replied: “So many amazing outfits, yet our team USA looks like they’re trying out for an updated Jailhouse Rock video instead of AMAZING Athletes about to bring home Gold! Stay safe Team USA! So proud of each one of you! GO TEAM USA!!”ย
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Of all the Olympics, this one in particular will always be โthe oneโ.
โ Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 24, 2021
The unbelievable challenges & setbacks our USA athletes are facing.
Athletes representing every country as well.
Iโm very proud of and inspired by our TEAM USA๐บ๐ธ.
Im honored.
Now go take care of business. https://t.co/u9kNY1jaWJ
Johnson sent another message to the athletes to go along with the video. Another fan replied: “We can be proud of the athletes for enduring. But we can bemoan the muddled policy decision that did not mandate a vaccinate for any and all involved in these Olympic Games.”
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Watching @TheRock introduce #TeamUSA at the #OpeningCeremony of the @Olympics… ๐ฅฒ๐ฅฒ๐ฅฒ… No words, only pic.twitter.com/gzY7ro6xmb
โ A.J. Moreno (@AJ_Moreno) July 24, 2021
One social media user said: “Once again #NBC blows it w/ the opening ceremonies! We waited all night for the USA delegation & the announcers wouldn’t shut up! Not showing/panning over the delegation,focusing on the flag bearers. Learn when to tell the announcers to shut up w/ the endless banter!”
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#Olympics
โ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ (@GACEB_829) July 24, 2021
Immediately recognized @TheRock ‘s voice without even seeing him!!!! pic.twitter.com/buGhvB9qaV
One fan asked: “Can you please have Tara Lapinski and Johnny Weir cover the opening ceremonies next time? The fashion commentary on the team uniforms would be super fun!”
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Nice job @TheRock on the Olympic #TeamUSA intro.
โ Roger Grossman (@rogergrossman1) July 24, 2021
Good to hear our athletes chanting USA USA.
I think we all needed to hear that. @S10Bird well said! pic.twitter.com/jkm3EXcEyE
“You know what would have been awesome?” one fan asked. “If you let the athletes have that special moment you just spoke of, instead of bothering them with questions during their walk
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That @TheRock @TeamUSA @Olympics hype video was ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ. About to light my hair on fire and run through a wall. #Olympics #OlympicGames
โ Dominick Purnomo (@dominickpurnomo) July 24, 2021
One fan wrote: “ROCK … It means PERFECT .. my man you are above all … you have no moss … you are the greatest entertainer of all time … THOU SHALL IN HERIT …. our next president of U.S.A. …”
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When @TheRock introduces the USA Olympics teamโฆ
โ brb, sharpening my stick (@suzanne_young) July 24, 2021
Me: *tears up pic.twitter.com/QXJQ8jRkyV
“It was SO inspiring!” one fan replied. “I need an app where you just talk and push me to get all my sโ done all day! Can you imagine!ย