TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – For years, News 4 Tucson has followed the Brandt family as they've made it a family tradition to go to every Olympics possible, and the Paris Olympics are no exception.
“We are very excited to go to Paris because number 20 is finally going to happen. We have 11 family members coming and it will be a great time,” said Charles Brandt.
Charles Brandt and his family have been competing in the Olympics for 60 years, and News 4 Tucson has covered their family adventures over the years.
“Sapporo, Japan, and Montreal, Calgary, Barcelona, Atlanta. These tickets are from Sydney,” Charles said, showing tickets from all the different places. “We enjoyed those Olympics in Australia, but when we got home, we had our first granddaughter. And they decided to name her Sydney. So we have a granddaughter named after the Olympics.”
The tradition had to take a break.
“I was hoping to go back to Tokyo,” Charles said. “And then Covid happened and they didn’t allow spectators. Then the next Olympics was in Beijing and that was another event where no Olympic spectators could come.”
But it's back for the Paris Olympics this year!
“We're looking forward to seeing beach volleyball next to the Eiffel Tower,” Judy Brandt said. “And then there's the opening ceremony on the Seine.”
Charles showed News 4 Tucson all the different tickets the family has this year.
“We have field hockey and beach volleyball. We're even going to see a rugby match. We've never been to one of those games. We have football, swimming and two days of athletics.”
The Brandt family has made it their mission to continue collecting memories, meeting new people, and of course, creating new memories.
“You can watch sporting events, meet people from many places and try new foods,” Charles said.
“Everyone is happy at the Olympics. It's a wonderful time,” Judy said.