Announced Saturday at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, NBC says venerable sportscaster Al Michaels will be daytime and weekend host for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. It marks the third consecutive Olympics in which Michaels will participate for NBC. He returned to Olympics broadcasting in 2010 after being absent from the Games dating back to 1988 in Calgary.
In addition, NBC says multiple-medalist in Short Track Speedskating, Apolo Anton Ohno, will join the network as an analyst for the sport that made him famous. He’ll also contribute in other ways to the Olympics with features and he in the studio joining the various hosts whether it be Michaels, Bob Costas, Dan Patrick or on the various NBCUniversal cable networks.
Here’s the press release.
AL MICHAELS & APOLO ANTON OHNO NAMED TO NBC SPORTS GROUP’S SOCHI WINTER OLYMPICS TEAM
Michaels to Host Weekday Afternoon Coverage for NBC Sports Network & Weekend Daytime on NBC
Ohno, America’s Most Decorated Winter Olympian, Hangs Up Skates to Join NBC Sports Group’s Olympic TeamLOS ANGELES – July 27 – NBC Sports Group today announced key roles for Al Michaels and Apolo Anton Ohno on its Sochi Winter Olympics coverage. The announcement was made during NBC Sports Group’s presentation at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles, Calif.
Michaels will host daytime Winter Olympics coverage on NBC Sports Network (weekdays) and NBC (weekends), marking his third consecutive Olympics for NBC Sports Group after serving as host of NBC’s weekend and weekday daytime coverage from London (2012) and Vancouver (2010).
One of the most renowned commentators of all-time, Michaels’ legendary “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” call at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics stands as one of the most famous calls in sports history.
Ohno, the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history winning eight medals (two gold) over three Olympic Winter Games, has retired from short track speed skating and will serve as an analyst for NBC’s coverage of the sport, while also working on features and offering studio commentary during NBC’s extensive Olympic coverage.
“We are excited to have two Olympic icons in their own right on board to play an integral role in our Sochi coverage,” said Jim Bell, Executive Producer of NBC Olympics. “Al’s historical perspective and expertise will serve as a foundation for NBC Sports Group’s live daytime coverage, while Apolo will bring a fresh off-the-ice and pop culture perspective.”
NBC will begin its primetime coverage of the 2014 Sochi Olympics on Thursday, February 6, 2014 – featuring figure skating, snowboarding, and freestyle skiing – one night before the broadcast network provides its traditional primetime coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 7, 2014. NBC Sports Network’s Sochi Winter Olympics coverage begins Saturday, February 8, 2014.
That is all.
