Nation's Sports Heroes Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Several national sports heroes are choosing to spend the festive season with Olympic champions from other countries, inviting them over for Christmas dinner to swap stories and gain valuable insights.

Brazilian rugby sevens player Yasmim Soares has invited gymnastics superstar Rebeca Andrade to be the guest of honor at her holiday celebration. Soares praises Andrade's achievements on the global stage, particularly her consistent first-place finishes in competitions against top-ranked opponents like Simone Biles.

"He would definitely bring Brazil to life," Soares said about his inspiration. "For us here in Brazil, she is the greatest in the world."

Mexican diver Paris 2024 double medallist Osmar Olvera has a different kind of Olympic hero in mind for his Christmas gathering. He would love to sit down with Melbourne 1956 diving champion Joaquin Capilla, who won multiple medals and holds the record for most decorated Mexican Olympian.

"I'd ask him many technical and mental things about diving," Olvera said with desire. "What was he thinking in those moments of great pressure when he knew it was the last dive for the gold medal and he couldn't fail?"

For British figure skater Lewis Gibson, Christmas is just another opportunity to chat with his idol Tom Daley, a fellow athlete who shares similarities as an admirer of their respective queens.

"I'd like to invite him because I feel like we have a lot in common," said Gibson. "It would be great to imagine us talking about all our favourite queens."

These Olympic superstars are using the holiday season to share values and connect over shared passions, offering a unique opportunity for fans of different sports backgrounds to learn from their experiences on the biggest stage.