Best Olympics commentators/analysts

[Lord Camomile]

In any given sport, the vast majority of us watching are relying on the commentators and analysts to understand just what's going on. Beyond the technical aspects, they can also draw us into the drama and emotion of the occasion.

So, who does everyone rate?

Currently watching the artistic gymnastics, and realised I've listened to these three for years, and from a total novice POV they seem pretty good. Of course, they could have huge blindspots and/or biases that I'm not aware of

Just to show willing, but very obvious, Michael Johnson is another I always appreciate hearing from. Will go into proper technical details about things, but able to do so in a way that is accessible and engaging. Plus, as serious as he is about sports, he also clearly just enjoys it too, and is not so super-serious that he doesn't have fun.

 

[Elpenor]

The woman who does the gymnastics is good, not sure of her name, but i know I think she’s good every four years when I watch gymnastics

Michael Johnson naturally.

 

[blairsh]

Who's the guy who sounds a bit like Johnny Vegas? Not saying they're good/shit just surprised by the English regional accent...

 

[smmudge]

Christine Still is the woman who commentates gymnastics, and Craig Heap is the northerner. And joined by Matt Baker! Of all people but it does work.

 

[Nine Bob Note]

Christine has always been top notch. Craig is mostly fine, though not a patch on the much missed Mitch Fenner. Matt Baker is an excitable moron who has no business being there - the gymnastics equivalent of John Virgo.

 

[Petcha]

Who's the guy who sounds a bit like Johnny Vegas? Not saying they're good/shit just surprised by the English regional accent...

That's the gymnastics guy. And I'm 90% sure it actually is Johnny Vegas.

I'm looking forward to the swimming being over so we can lose Rebecca Adlinglinton breaking down in tears every time a British swimmer wins or loses.

 

[felixthecat]

I'm looking forward to the swimming being over so we can lose Rebecca Adlinglinton breaking down in tears every time a British swimmer wins or loses.

I can ignore the repeated sobbing (does my head in too) because of the wonderful Clare Balding. I think she's great.

 

[Steel Icarus]

Aw, leave our Becky alone, she's just passionate is all.

Steve Cram is fantastic at communicating what we're all thinking and does it in a memorable way. When Bolt smashed the world record in 2009 I remember him during the race saying "But it's all about Bolt...2 meters clear...3 metres clear...5 metres clear...and away he goes!" and then afterwards going "19.2 - you've got to be kidding me!"

 

[Lord Camomile]

Christine has always been top notch. Craig is mostly fine, though not a patch on the much missed Mitch Fenner. Matt Baker is an excitable moron who has no business being there - the gymnastics equivalent of John Virgo.

I come from a very Matt Baker household. We've always had a soft spot for him, obviously cemented by "how on earth do you sleep at night?".

That said, I can appreciate how his presence in the commentary box may grate, regardless of opinion on him more generally either way.

 

[Lord Camomile]

Aw, leave our Becky alone, she's just passionate is all.

Steve Cram is fantastic at communicating what we're all thinking and does it in a memorable way. When Bolt smashed the world record in 2009 I remember him during the race saying "But it's all about Bolt...2 meters clear...3 metres clear...5 metres clear...and away he goes!" and then afterwards going "19.2 - you've got to be kidding me!"

Gah, I'm annoyed I didn't think of Cram myself.

As you say, he goes beyond simply being good at articulating technical points from an athlete's POV, he's actually very good at the other side of commentating too.

 

[Lord Camomile]

Just for kicks, here's the video

(Also rate Hazel Irvine as a presenter, too, fwiw)

 

[Boo Radley75]

Michael Johnson- best.
Worst? - well at least we haven't seen John Inverdale this time. Was great in Rio when Steve Redgrave got pissed off with him, shook an umbrella over him and walked off, leaving the production team to frantically search for a last minute replacement before settling on some random Kiwi rower.

 

[stavros]

Steve Cram is fantastic at communicating what we're all thinking and does it in a memorable way. When Bolt smashed the world record in 2009 I remember him during the race saying "But it's all about Bolt...2 meters clear...3 metres clear...5 metres clear...and away he goes!" and then afterwards going "19.2 - you've got to be kidding me!"

He also continues the legacy of Brendan Foster, whereby I pronounce all middle and long distance runner names in a north-eastern accent (I'm from the Home Counties).

 

[Elpenor]

Did love Ian Thorpe when he would always say “look” at the start of each sentence

 

[Richard46]

Michael Johnson- best.
Worst? - well at least we haven't seen John Inverdale this time. Was great in Rio when Steve Redgrave got pissed off with him, shook an umbrella over him and walked off, leaving the production team to frantically search for a last minute replacement before settling on some random Kiwi rower.

I was going to say Johnson; great range of knowledge as well as that smooth delivery. Interesting that the other day he said that Sue Barker was the sports presenter he admired most.

 

[Petcha]

I love Johnson too. He was ruthless against the British athlete earlier who was having a tantrum about being DQd for a false start. 'It's the Olympics. Nobody else heard a noise except for him' or words to that effect.

The guy did attempt to blame the pole vaulters for the 'noise' which was a bit wild. The look of disdain on Johnson's face.

 

[QueenOfGoths]

Andrew Cotter is great as an all rounder. Someone who doesn't have a background in any particular sport so he's not an expert but is good at commentating i.e. describing what is happening.

Becky Addington is just so lovely and I really like Claire Balding who is a steady hand

 

[Bus Honeygun]

The swimming three are really good. Rebecca Adlington has a lovely, natural air to her and combines well with Mark Foster's more intense style.

But Michael Johnson. Had a chuckle the other day when he momentarily got caught out by an early 'back to studio'. So he is human! Never wastes a word. Consummate professional.

 

[Saul Goodman]

 

[Sue]

I'm always really surprised Johnson -- who I think is great and was obviously a phenomenal athlete -- commentates on the BBC and has done for years. I mean he must surely be in great demand by US networks. (Unless he does both but can't see how he'd have the time.)

 

[Sue]

I also like Jessica Ennis-Hill but i liked her a lot anyway.

 

[Elpenor]

I'm always really surprised Johnson -- who I think is great and was obviously a phenomenal athlete -- commentates on the BBC and has done for years. I mean he must surely be in great demand by US networks. (Unless he does both but can't see how he'd have the time.)

My understanding is that he didn’t do American TV back in the day as their coverage was quite parochial and only focussed on American athletes and he wanted to discuss the whole of the field. Perhaps the bbc coverage is like that now though as they don’t have as much rights as they had a few years ago?

 

[Lord Camomile]

My understanding is that he didn’t do American TV back in the day as their coverage was quite parochial and only focussed on American athletes and he wanted to discuss the whole of the field. Perhaps the bbc coverage is like that now though as they don’t have as much rights as they had a few years ago?

Could well be that, but my understanding is that US coverage also simply doesn't (or didn't) actually care that much about athletics, far less than the BBC/British audience, and so he preferred to be there where it was taken more seriously and given more attention, and so he was given more time to discuss it.

 

[JimW]

Smithsonian article on some of the tech innovations over the years: From Sleek Swimsuits to Specialized Running Shoes, These Five Innovations Transformed the Olympics

 

[baldrick]

Another one here who really likes Michael Johnson's style. From a technical standpoint he can explain running mechanics and tactics better than almost anyone without being patronising.

I can't recall who was in the studio at the time of the mens 100m heats who described Louie Hinchliffe's style as "chaotic" but he was gently reprimanded by Johnson who emphasised how young he is and his inexperience.

I've not seen Colin Jackson this time round - absolutely love his puppyish enthusiasm.

But Steve Cram yes - as a commentator he is absolutely brilliant. Jessica Ennis is so gentle and kind about everybody. Love her and Denise Lewis - I guess heptathletes have to know a lot about a number of track and field disciplines so they are very knowledgeable.

 

[Sue]

I can't recall who was in the studio at the time of the mens 100m heats who described Louie Hinchliffe's style as "chaotic" but he was gently reprimanded by Johnson who emphasised how young he is and his inexperience.

Yeah and he was like they'll work on that and tidy things up and he'll be even faster.

 

[Elpenor]

Back when team GB were not as good as athletics as they were now, MJ was very happy to call out poor British performances too, unlike the BBC presenters, so I think the lack of BS too. Clearly very brainy too.

 

[Ted Striker]

Andrew Cotter is great as an all rounder. Someone who doesn't have a background in any particular sport so he's not an expert but is good at commentating i.e. describing what is happening.

Becky Addington is just so lovely and I really like Claire Balding who is a steady hand

Andrew Cotter has 2 key qualities that make him a pretty good events anchor:

1. I listen to all of his events smiling and wondering when Olive and Mabel are going to make their move steadily up the back straight
2. He's not John Inverdale. Actually this is quite rare for the BBC for them to get it this wrong, but I don't know of anyone so featureless and dull, getting repeated bookings for such gilded roles. When I listen to him I wonder what relationship (or dirt on someone!) that hoisted him into this position. I'd rather have literally anyone. Even promoting Michael Owen to main anchor duties.

I find the Colour commentators (or, who makes a good one and who doesn't) fascinating. I concur with the surprise that BBC still are able to call on Michael Johnson, he was such an achiever (probably second only to Bolt in my lifetime on the track) and scientist. I wonder if it came off the back of original 'discovery' of McEnroe made a second career out of being outstanding in that role (and like Linekar even really taking on presentation duties).

The thing is, every elite sportsman has the knowledge in them - I don't really get surprised a the level of detail they are willing to go into, they have all had that beemed into them like it's their day-job. It's not the deepest thinkers/studiers that make the best commentators, but the chattiest. As someone who loves any kind of detail, from legit people that have been there, and often starting a fairly specialist level...feed that shit into my veins. It makes the banal stuff from the main presenter even more jarring tho, almost like they're trying to sound as if they've never even done PE at school. "So, did you prepare for this event? Does the Olympics mean a lot to you?"

I bet (sportsmen becoming commentators) is double hard tbh. The ones who make it look so effortless have a real talent (again). Overachieving buggers.

That said, "Ex Sports Stars at Their One and One Only Attempt At Commentary/Presenting" would be a good Youtube channel tbf.

 

[Ted Striker]

Who's the guy who sounds a bit like Johnny Vegas? Not saying they're good/shit just surprised by the English regional accent...

I always heard them as Johnny Vegas talking to Polly Toynbee

 

[Steel Icarus]

It seems effortless when it's done well but it's very noticeable when it's not. The rowing commentary team of Katie Smith and Moe Sbihi are terrible IMO.