Taxi drivers often aim for five-star reviews, but volunteer chauffeur Elisabeth Lomholdt has her sights set on meeting real-life stars. The Danish native is spending her summer navigating Paris, providing transportation services as part of her Olympic volunteer role.
While she has yet to transport any medal-winners, Elisabeth has had plenty of engaging conversations with officials and participants at the Games. “The longer the ride, the better,” she shares, noting how inspired she feels from hearing diverse stories during her drives.
Residing in Copenhagen, Elisabeth is curious about the favorite sports from different countries. “In Denmark, soccer and handball dominate, but those aren’t necessarily the main sports everywhere else,” she explains.
Now living in Paris for five weeks, she recalls how many people warned her about driving in the capital, known for its notoriously challenging traffic. “In Paris, motorcycles zip in and out, beeping as they maneuver between cars. It’s an entirely different experience compared to driving with defined lanes back home,” she admits.
Many graduates choose to volunteer after finishing school, but Elisabeth is collecting stories like no other. Passionate about sports, she was eager to get a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate workings of such a major global event after applying over a year and a half ago. “It’s not just what you see on television; it’s about understanding the logistics behind it all,” she notes.
Among the 45,000 volunteers selected from over 300,000 applicants, Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of their contributions: “The Olympics wouldn’t be the Olympics without volunteers.” Her enthusiasm for the experience reflects a strong sense of community and cooperation.
The Paris 2024 Games are committed to sustainability, emphasizing eco-friendly measures like accessible public transport to all venues and the creation of 400 kilometers of new bike lanes. Elisabeth’s electric taxi further showcases this commitment, as fewer vehicles have been deployed compared to past events.
The 25-year-old hopes her experience will motivate more individuals to consider volunteering. “While it may not offer financial gain, the perspectives you gain are invaluable,” she insists. With the closing ceremony approaching, Elisabeth remains hopeful for a chance to drive some of the Danish athletes she’s eager to meet. “It would be fun to have them on board, but I admit I’m a bit biased,” she adds with a smile.
