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2012 Olympics

Olympic Pundits

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jmo On April 29, 2021
Beruset af Julebryg





Yorkshire, United Kingdom
#1New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 11:53:12
Just a thread to discuss which pundits have impressed you on TV, and which have not.

I'll start with the three from the BBC who I think have been the best. First is Gary Lineker. Always knew he was a good football pundit but wasn't sure how he'd fair with other sports, but he is clearly knowledgeable and put time into researching the sports he was presiding over.

Second is Michael Johnson. Whilst other guests on the BBC have continually talked about how the Olympics are great for London, and how the atmosphere is electric etc etc Michael Johnson actually talks about the sports themselves and has great insight into Athletics that the British former Athletic Olympians don't seem to have. He also doesn't seem scared of talking about more controversial aspects of the Olympics that other pundits shy away from (doping scandals, talking about the dominance of black athletes etc)

Third is John McEnroe. Excellent in his Wimbledon coverage he's come across well in sports he admitted he knew little about before researching for the Olympics. Definitely got personality and just says what he thinks rather than pandering to the party line.

I might put a few commentators and pundits I've found to be poor later on. Anyone who has impressed you in your countries Olympic coverage?
Rehabilitation_Please On May 20, 2016
Has Tiger Blood





Peterborough, United Kingdom
#2New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 12:01:36
Whoever where the commentary team for the mexico Brazil match f***ing sucked...I just wanted to punch them in the face.
ninozara On April 30, 2020




Cheshire, United Kingdom
#3New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 16:05:36
I loved Steve Redgrave, not so much because he was an amazing pundit, but because he was there utterly for the rowers...and you could see that it wasn't just for that day. And he didn't ask them stupid questions.

Clare Balding was wonderful, but she always is. I usually think of her as just about horses, but she was good all over.

Whoever commentated for the sailing was really good too. I've never watched it before, but I always felt I knew what was going on, even with the confusion of long lense cameras.

The cycling guy was a bit rubbish though, not the main one, the one who had cycled last time who was meant to provide insight and explain things. He didn't.
jmo On April 29, 2021
Beruset af Julebryg





Yorkshire, United Kingdom
#4New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 16:14:53
Not one I initially thought of but Amir Khan is awful. He said 'He (British Boxer) needs to block out the crowd' then after another guest said the crowd would help him Amir Khan replied 'Yes, he needs to listen to the crowd to spur him on' in the space of about 30 seconds.
treebee On April 13, 2015
Government Hooker

Moderator




London, United Kingdom
#5New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 16:17:45
Michael Johnson has been f***ing brilliant. Trevor Nelson f***ing awful. Trevor Nelson at the opening ceremony "These are mostly real NHS workers, not dancers. They are not doing a bad job for people who have no natural sense of rhythm"
Jennifer1984 On July 20, 2022
Returner and proud





Penzance, United Kingdom
#6New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 17:24:37
Clare Balding is an absolute diamond. Whatever the BBC have to do to keep her, they must do it. She, Mark Foster and Ian Thorpe were exceptional during the swimming.

They had the right chemistry to make a first class team and I would love to see Ian Thorpe back for future swimming events. He was down at Tooting Bec Lido today, giving a swimming coaching class to a group of youngsters. He didn't have to do that but it shows his passion for his sport that he is willing to give freely of his time to encourage youngsters who are the future.

Loved Gabi Logan in the late night round up show which she anchored with style and class, even if her little dance when she plays Spandau Ballet isn't what you'd expect of a former Commonwealth Games gymnast and Strictly contestant. Gotta work on the moves, Gabi.

The only irritating piece of commentary came from Brendan Foster who insisted on telling us... repeatedly...over and over..... that Galen Rupp is Mo Farah's training partner. By the time the 5000 metres was due to start we put a bet on how long into the race it would be before BF told us again. I said it would be in the first minute, Amanda said he would be able to restrain himself no longer than two. He beat us all by saying it during the pre-race introductions.... "At the starting line, there's Galen Rupp, Mo Farah's training partner"....

Arrrrrrgghhhh..!!

But as usual, The BBC coverage has been exceptional. For what we've had during these Games, 40p a day is a pitifully small amount to be taxed for world class coverage and presentation.

Well done, Auntie Beeb. Like London, you rose to the occasion magnificently.


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jmo On April 29, 2021
Beruset af Julebryg





Yorkshire, United Kingdom
#7New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 17:37:13
Something about Clare Balding really annoys me, not even sure what it is, I just find her incredibly annoying.
Jennifer1984 On July 20, 2022
Returner and proud





Penzance, United Kingdom
#8New Post! Aug 12, 2012 @ 23:58:14
@jmo Said

Something about Clare Balding really annoys me, not even sure what it is, I just find her incredibly annoying.



It could be that she has a plummy Home Counties accent and knows a lot about horses, so it stands to Socialist reason that she must obviously be rich and is therefore a prime candidate to be the first parasite to be put against the wall come the glorious day.


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jmo On April 29, 2021
Beruset af Julebryg





Yorkshire, United Kingdom
#9New Post! Aug 13, 2012 @ 08:15:38
@Jennifer1984 Said

It could be that she has a plummy Home Counties accent and knows a lot about horses, so it stands to Socialist reason that she must obviously be rich and is therefore a prime candidate to be the first parasite to be put against the wall come the glorious day.


.



I like Zara Philips, it isn't class prejudice.
Jennifer1984 On July 20, 2022
Returner and proud





Penzance, United Kingdom
#10New Post! Aug 13, 2012 @ 14:46:23
@jmo Said

I like Zara Philips, it isn't class prejudice.



Well, that was just a suggestion, based on comments you've made in the past.

I'm not sure if Zara Phillips counts as Royalty, apart from the fact that her mother is the Princess Royal. She has no royal or noble title and is not entitled to Royal status by right of birth although she is about 15th or so in line to the throne because she is the Queen's grand daughter. She carries out no royal engagements but does a lot of work for charities. In many ways she is, to all official intents and purposes, a commoner. It's a bit confusing.

Be that as it may, I can't imagine why anybody wouldn't like luvverly Clare. From where I sit, she does a great job. I guess it's all a matter of personal taste, isn't it..?

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