The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hardee, Richards-Ross join NBC Olympic broadcast team
07.26.2016 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Lifetime Longhorns headed to Rio in broadcast booth
AUSTIN, Texas – Lifetime Longhorns Trey Hardee and Sanya Richards-Ross had hopes of competing at the Olympic Games this summer in Rio De Janeiro for Team USA, but minor injuries prevented those goals from being achieved. Fans of track and field and the Olympics will still see them on their televisions next month but in a different role.
NBC announced both Hardee and Richards-Ross will be joining the network for its coverage of the Olympic Games as commentators.
"We're thrilled to bring the expertise of Sanya and Trey to our track and field coverage where they will take viewers inside the sport and provide specific details and insights about the athletes," said Executive Producer for NBC Olympics Jim Bell in a press release.
After Hardee and Richards-Ross both ended their competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials, they received invitations from NBC to assist in the coverage for the remainder of the meet as guest analysts. Those appearances on NBC and NBC Sports Network could be viewed as a tryout per se and their performances were enough to earn them a spot on NBC's crew for the Olympic Games.
"We're so excited to hear that Trey and Sanya are heading to Rio in this new role," said Texas Head Coach Mario Sategna. "I know they both would love to be there competing for Team USA, but I know they will do an excellent job in the broadcast booth. They are wonderful ambassadors for our sport and our University. I can't wait to get to Rio and have Longhorns on the track and on the mic."
NBC's track and field coverage will be led by Tom Hammond in his seventh consecutive Olympic Games. Ato Boldon will serve as an analyst for a fourth time and Lewis Johnson will be the track and field reporter for NBC at his ninth Olympics. Calling play-by-play for track events will be Kenny Albert and Todd Harris will handle field events. Craig Masback will serve as an analyst for the marathon and distance events, and Tim Hutchings will assist with the marathon.
Opening ceremonies for the Rio Olympic Games will be on Friday, August 5. Track and field events begin August 12.