Australia’s most loved and respected sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney returns for his 11th Olympic Games coverage.
Seven’s team featuring some of Australia’s greatest ever Olympians, who between them have racked up numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals, plus hundreds of Games both as competitors and broadcasters.
Seven’s coverage will be anchored by Hamish McLachlan, Abbey Gelmi, Johanna Griggs, Luke Darcy, Matt Shirvington, Edwina Bartholomew, Lisa Sthalekar and Andy Maher.
Leading Seven’s contingent on the ground in Tokyo, Mel McLaughlin, Mark Beretta, Jason Richardson and Nathan Templeton will make sure audiences are kept up to date with all the latest news, colour and atmosphere of the Games.
Seven’s commentary line-up includes Australia’s greatest-ever Olympian Ian Thorpe, whose nine medals across the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Games included a record five gold, and cycling golden girl Anna Meares, who won six medals including two gold across four Olympic Games.
They will be joined by fellow gold medallists Leisel Jones, Nick Green, Scott McGrory, Russell Mark, Debbie Watson and Kerri Pottharst, along with decorated Olympians Andrew Bogut, Andrew Gaze, Casey Dellacqua, Rachael Sporn, Tamsyn Lewis-Manou, David Culbert, Georgie Parker and Dean Pullar.
Former champion ironwoman Candice Warner, long-time Matildas team member Amy Chapman and Youth Olympic Games gold medallist and rugby league star Tiana Penitani will also be part of the team.
Broadcaster Basil Zempilas heads an impressive team of callers including cycling’s most authoritative voice Phil Liggett, rugby’s leading commentator Greg Clark, basketball expert John Casey, and accomplished callers Bill Woods, Jon Harker, Brenton Speed, Matt Hill and Alister Nicholson.
Jason Richardson will be trackside at the athletics, while Nathan Templeton will be poolside interviewing all the Olympic Games stars. – Seven will be the only Australian network allowed access inside venues.
As Tokyo welcomes a host of new sports to the Olympic Games, former Australian Skater of the Year Nick Boserio will commentate on skateboarding alongside Mitchell Tomlinson, who will also join Adam Stone to cover the BMX Freestyle.
Seven’s commentary line-up also includes the biggest-ever Olympic Host Broadcasting Service of international callers and experts.
Channel 7 Hosts
Hamish McLachlan
Hamish is one of Australia’s best and most experienced broadcasters, having hosted and commentated on a wide range of sports including the Olympic Games, AFL, horse racing, tennis and Commonwealth Games. He will co-host Seven’s prime-time coverage of Tokyo each night alongside Abbey Gelmi. Hamish boasts extraordinary Olympic Games knowledge and a passion and enthusiasm for all sporting disciplines.
Abbey Gelmi
Abbey has quickly become one of Seven’s most versatile hosts, having presented across the network’s AFL, cricket, horse racing and Brownlow Medal coverage with poise, grace and an infectious enthusiasm. As the granddaughter of Australian middle-distance great Herb Elliott, sport is in Abbey’s blood. She is fulfilling a lifelong dream in joining Seven’s hosting team for her very first Olympic Games coverage.
Social – Twitter:@abbey_gelmi; Instagram: abbeygelmi
Matt Shirvington
One of the greats of Australian track and field, Matt represented his country at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the 1998 and 2006 Commonwealth Games and seven World Championships. With 16 years’ experience as a host and reporter, Matt has an extensive background in the sports media, while he also sits on the board of the NSW Institute of Sport. During Tokyo 2020, he will bring his vast sports knowledge and warm personality to Seven’s afternoon coverage as co-host with Edwina Bartholomew.
Social – Twitter: @mattshirvington; Instagram: mattshirvo
Edwina Bartholomew
The Sunrise presenter returns for her third Olympic Games coverage with Seven. Edwina will host the afternoon broadcast alongside Matt Shirvington each day of the Games.
Social – Instagram: @edwina_b
Johanna Griggs
Joh represented Australia in swimming at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990, winning bronze in the 100m backstroke, before she went on to become one of the most popular television personalities on Australian screens. Joh has been part of Seven’s coverage of almost all major sporting events, including the past six Olympic Games, tennis and horse racing, as well as hosting top-rating programs Better Homes and Gardens and House Rules. Joh will also host Seven’s coverage of the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 alongside Paralympic gold medallist Annabelle Williams and Paralympics legend Kurt Fearnley.
Social – Twitter:@JohGriggs7; Instagram: johgriggs7
Luke Darcy
A former AFL star with the Western Bulldogs, Luke is regarded as one of the best ruck-forwards of the modern era, winning the Leigh Matthews Trophy as the AFL Players Association’s MVP in 2002. Since his playing retirement, Luke has carved out a burgeoning career as a radio and TV personality, establishing himself as a key caller with Seven’s AFL commentary team. He will co-host Seven’s morning coverage of Tokyo 2020 each day alongside Johanna Griggs.
Lisa Sthalekar
The former Australian women’s cricket captain carved out an impressive career as an all-rounder that saw her honoured as Australian Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Lisa has since made an impactful transition to the commentary box with her inside knowledge of the women’s game at the highest level. Thoughtful and articulate, Lisa brings a fresh perspective to Seven’s late-night coverage alongside Andy Maher.
Social – Twitter: @sthalekar93; Instagram: Isthalekar
Andy Maher
Describing himself as the “unfunny one” from The Front Bar and “least swashbuckling” member of Seven’s BBL commentary team, Andy is also a highly respected journalist and sports presenter on radio and television. Andy’s extensive media commitments cover a variety of sports, including AFL and cricket. He will co-host Seven’s late-night Tokyo coverage alongside Lisa Sthalekar and Andrew Gaze.
Social – Twitter: @AndyMaherDFA; Instagram: andymaherdfa
Annabelle Williams
During her swimming career, Annie captained the Australian Paralympic swim team, broke five world records and won numerous medals for Australia, including gold at the Paralympic Games London 2012. Her achievements out of the pool are just as impressive. An accomplished sports broadcaster, international speaker and former corporate lawyer, Annie’s humorous and heart-warming storytelling captivates, entertains and inspires.
Social – Twitter:@anniejowilliams; Instagram: anniejwilliams
Mel McLaughlin
Mel leads Seven’s broadcast and 7NEWS contingent on the ground in Tokyo. The highly respected sports anchor and live-to-air broadcaster has covered a host of major international sporting events, including both summer and winter Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, the FIFA World Cup, cricket and tennis. Mel will be in her absolute element in Tokyo.
Social – Twitter: @Mel_Mclaughlin; Instagram: mel_mclaughlin
Mark Beretta
Mark, or “Beretts” as he’s more affectionately known, is one of Australia’s best known and most admired sports commentators. He has covered almost every major Australian and international sporting event in an incredible career spanning three decades, including every Olympic Games Seven has covered since 1996, the AFL, Australian Open tennis and Supercars. For the past 17 years, Mark has been a much-loved member of Australia’s #1 breakfast show, Sunrise, keeping viewers up to date with all the latest sport headlines from Australia and around the world, while he is also a 10-time Australian water ski champion.
Social – Twitter: @MarkBeretta; Instagram: markberetta
Jason Richardson
“Richo” is a Stawell Gift winner who has carved out an impressive broadcasting career with Seven. He has hosted and commentated on various events including the Australian Open tennis, Olympic Games Rio 2016, Spring Racing Carnival, Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Social – Twitter:@JaseRicho; Instagram: jaserichardson7
Nathan Templeton
With close to two decades’ experience in sport reporting from events such as the Australian Open tennis, the Ashes in the UK, the World Swimming Championships in Russia and three Commonwealth Games, Nathan will be in Tokyo for his second Olympic Games coverage.
Social – Twitter:@nathantemp7; Instagram: nathantemp7
Commentators
Bruce McAvaney
On the world stage, Bruce is one of the greatest sport broadcasters we’ve ever seen and heard. He returns for his 11th Olympics Games coverage for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and to call the athletics. In recognition of his outstanding career, last year Bruce was honoured with the Melbourne Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award. This follows his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2002, and a Medal of the Order of Australia that same year. Bruce’s depth and breadth of sporting knowledge is peerless, while he brings an unbridled passion and enthusiasm to the Olympic Games and track and field.
Ian Thorpe
Ian is Australia’s most successful Olympian, having won a record five gold medals at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. At 15, he became the youngest male world champion when he won gold in the 400m freestyle at the 1998 World Championships, while he went on to set 13 long-course world records and won 11 gold medals at the World Championships and 10 at the Commonwealth Games. Affectionately known as ‘Thorpedo’ at the height of his career, Ian continues his expert commentary with Seven for Tokyo 2020.
Social – Twitter: @IanThorpe; Instagram: ian.thorpe
Andrew Bogut
Australia’s first #1 NBA draft pick – and one of just two ever – Bogut enjoyed a decorated 14-year career in the world’s best basketball league, most memorably playing a key role in the Golden State Warriors’ 2015 Championship team as the starting centre. From 2004-16, Bogut was a star of the Australian men’s team at three Olympic Games (he missed London 2012 through injury) leading the Boomers to a fourth-place finish at Rio 2016, which equalled their best Olympic result. Bogut will join fellow Boomers great Andrew Gaze and leading basketball caller John Casey to cover the men’s basketball in Tokyo for Seven.
Social – Twitter: @andrewbogut; Instagram: andrewbogut
Leisel Jones
One of Australian swimming’s all-time greats, Leisel won nine Olympic medals including three gold across a glittering career. One of the greatest breaststrokers ever, Jones made her Olympic debut at just 15 at Sydney 2000, while at London 2012 she became the first Australian swimmer ever to compete at four Olympic Games. A multiple world-record holder in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke, Leisel will commentate on the swimming during Tokyo 2020.
Social – Twitter:@leisel_jones; Instagram: leisel_jones
Tamsyn Lewis-Manou
A three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and winner of 18 Australian Championships at 400m, 800m and 400m hurdles, Tamsyn will join Bruce McAvaney for expert commentary at the athletics.
Social – Twitter:@tamsynlewis; Instagram: tamsynlewismanou
David Culbert
A long jump finalist at the Olympic Games Barcelona 1992 and two-time silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games, Dave has established himself as a renowned Olympic Games broadcaster and will provide expert athletics commentary, along with calling the canoe and kayak events.
Social – Twitter: @Culbert_Report; Instagram: culbert_report
Basil Zempilas
Basil has been a commentator with Seven’s Olympic Games coverage since 2000, including his famous call of Steven Bradbury’s unbelievable come-from-behind win and Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medal in Salt Lake City in 2002. Basil will again be a valued member of Seven’s commentary team when he dives into his sixth summer Games as the lead swimming commentator.
Social – Twitter:@BasilZempilas; Instagram: basil_zempilas
Anna Meares
A champion and true sportswoman, Anna is one of Australia’s favourite sport stars. She is a four-time Olympian, having won a total of six Olympic medals including two gold in Athens and London, an 11-time world champion across four different disciplines and a five-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Anna was the flag bearer for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games Rio 2016, where she was also the Australian Olympic Team Captain. Anna brings unrivalled insight to the cycling competition.
Social – Twitter:@AnnaMeares; Instagram: annameares
Andrew Gaze
An Australian basketball legend, Andrew led the Boomers at five Olympic Games and was the Australian flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Sydney 2000. On the 21st anniversary of that unforgettable moment, Andrew joins Seven’s broadcast team to provide expert commentary of the basketball, while the viewer favourite will also join Andy Maher and Lisa Sthalekar to co-host Seven’s late-night Tokyo coverage.
Social – Twitter:@AndrewGaze10; Instagram: andrewgaze10
Candice Warner
The youngest ever Australian ironwoman to turn professional, at just 14, Candice went on to become a state ironwoman champion and won 20 national and three world championship medals in surf lifesaving and ironwoman events. Candice will draw on her experiences in elite sport when she joins Seven’s team to commentate on the men’s and women’s triathlon and marathon swimming.
Social – Twitter:@CandiceWarner31; Instagram: candywarner1
Phil Liggett
Phil has entrenched himself as international cycling’s most authoritative voice over a glittering 54-year career. This year he will cover a remarkable 49th Tour de France, while Tokyo 2020 will be his 16th Olympic Games. Among a litany of professional accolades, Phil was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005 for services to cycling and inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame in 2009. For Tokyo 2020, he will join two of the greats of Australian cycling, Anna Meares and Scott McGrory, to cover all the action on the road and the track racing.
Social – Twitter: @PhilLiggett
John Casey
One of Australia’s best-known commentators and journalists with more than three decades’ experience broadcasting at home and abroad, John has covered multiple Olympic Games, four basketball world championships, AFL, NBL, WNBL and SANFL. He will commentate the men’s basketball matches alongside Andrew Gaze and Andrew Bogut.
Social – Twitter:@JohnCasey2880; Instagram: johncasey2880
Rachael Sporn
One of Australia’s basketball greats, Rachael was a key member of the Opals teams that won bronze at Atlanta 1996 and silver medals at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. A dual WNBL MVP and part of five WNBL championship teams, she also played in the WNBA with Detroit Shock. Rachael will call the women’s basketball, with Team Australia an undeniable medal chance.
Scott McGrory
An outstanding Australian cyclist and sport broadcaster, Scott won gold in the Madison at the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 in one of the most remarkable stories every told. His accomplishment alongside Brett Aitken is the stuff of legend and he will be ready to carry that knowledge and emotion into his Tokyo commentary.
Social – Instagram: scottmcgrory
Nick Green
One of Australia’s Olympic heroes as a member of the iconic “Oarsome Foursome”, Nick has won nearly every individual and team honour in rowing, including two Olympic gold medals, in Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996. At the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony, Nick was invited to carry the International Olympic Flag. Nick leads the rowing and canoeing calls for Tokyo 2020.
Kerri Pottharst
Became a darling of the Australian public when she and Natalie Cook won gold in the women’s beach volleyball in Sydney 2000, with the star duo having won the bronze medal four years earlier in Atlanta. Kerri joins Seven’s team to cast her expert eye over all the action in this year’s beach volleyball.
Social – Twitter: @kerripottharst; Instagram: kerripottharst
Matt Hill
Matt is a leading Australian race caller and sport broadcaster. Recognised throughout the industry for his flair, commitment and accuracy, he has honed his art over many years calling a myriad of sports from horse racing to greyhound racing, tennis, AFL, the Olympic Games and more. During Tokyo, Matt will call the rowing, canoeing and kayaking.
Russell Mark
Russell is an Olympic gold medallist having won the double trap shooting in Atlanta 1996, along with silver in Sydney 2000. Russell will deliver expert commentary on the shooting in this year’s coverage, helping viewers to understand the intellectual and psychological skill required in this demanding sport.
Social – Instagram: russellmarkgold
Casey Dellacqua
Casey was a favourite of Australian tennis fans during a stellar career that saw her reach career-high rankings of #26 in singles and #3 in doubles. Casey won the 2011 French Open mixed doubles title and made the finals of all four Grand Slam events in women’s doubles, while in 2014 she reached the fourth round of the women’s singles in both the Australian Open and US Open. She also represented Australia at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Casey joins Seven to commentate on the tennis during Tokyo 2020.
Social – Twitter: @caseydellacqua; Instagram: caseydellacqua
Debbie Watson
One of the best water polo players to have graced the pool for Australia, Debbie’s the only Australian female player to have won gold at World Cup, World Championship and Olympic level. She’ll provide expert commentary and analysis on our water polo teams as they vie for gold in Tokyo.
Georgie Parker
Georgie is a former long-time member of the Australian women’s hockey team, having represented the Hockeyroos in more than 100 games at international level, including the Olympic Games Rio 2016, 2014 Commonwealth Games (gold) and 2014 Hockey World Cup (silver). She will commentate on the hockey in Tokyo.
Social – Twitter: @georgieparker; Instagram: georgie_parker19
Dean Pullar
Dean shot to national prominence after winning the bronze medal alongside Robert Newbery in the men’s synchronised 3m springboard at Sydney 2000, having also finished third in the same event at the 1998 World Championships in Perth alongside Shannon Roy. Dean also enjoyed success competing in individual events for Australia, winning two silver medals at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in the 1m and 3m springboard. Dean will bring his expert insights to Seven’s coverage of the diving in Tokyo.
Social – Instagram: dean.pullar
Fiona Crawford
Fiona won medals with the Australian softball team at two Olympic Games, claiming bronze at Sydney 2000 and silver at Athens 2004. Fiona will commentate on the softball as the Aussie Spirit strive for gold in Tokyo.Ku
Social – Instagram: feecrawford
Tiana Penitani
Tiana captained Australia to the gold medal in Rugby Sevens at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, having a year earlier become the youngest player ever to represent Australia at a Rugby World Cup in the Sevens tournament in Russia. In 2019, Tiana switched to rugby league and currently plays for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL Women’s Premiership. She will commentate on all the Rugby Sevens action in Tokyo.
Social – Instagram: tianapenitani
Nick Boserio
Nick is a professional street skateboarder who was named 2012 Australian Skater of the Year. A prominent figure in Australian skateboarding for more than two decades, Nick has made the cover of every major skate magazine across the world, and has commentated on a host of national competitions. He will commentate on the skateboarding as it makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo.
Social – Instagram: nickboserio
Adam Stone
Adam has ridden BMX for nearly 20 years, competing as an amateur in Australia between 2008-17. Since 2010, he has primarily focused on street riding, and has been heavily involved in running BMX events across Australia. A qualified BMX coach, Adam will commentate on the BMX Freestyle action during Tokyo 2020.
Mitchell Tomlinson
Mitchell has been heavily involved in the action sports world since he was 14. For the past six years, he has been a presenter on the Vans Park Series Tour, in addition to commentating on skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding competitions around the globe, including the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympic Games for the Seven Network. Mitchell will commentate on the skateboarding and BMX freestyle during Tokyo 2020.
Social – Instagram: mitchelljtomlinson
Greg Clark
The voice of rugby in Australia, Greg’s stellar calling career has spanned more than 20 years, over 200 Test matches and countless Super Rugby classics. Greg will bring his trademark accuracy and entertaining commentary style to the Rugby Sevens in Tokyo.
Social – Twitter: greg_clarkie; Instagram: greg_clarkie
Brenton Speed
Brenton is one of Australia’s most well-rounded sport commentators, having called athletics, rowing, football and swimming. During Tokyo 2020, he will call football, beach volleyball, tennis and basketball.
Social – Twitter: @BrentonSpeed; Instagram: speedbrenton
Alister Nicholson
Alister has become one of Australian sport’s most recognisable voices over the past decade as an ABC Grandstand commentator on cricket and AFL football, while he has been a popular member of Seven’s BBL commentary team in recent years. His broadcasting experience extends to the NRL, A-League, Commonwealth Games, Australia’s major golf tournaments and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. For Tokyo 2020, he will be calling the hockey and diving.
Social – Twitter: @AlisterNicho
Jon Harker
Over more than 35 years, Jon has forged a highly successful media career, working as a journalist, host and commentator across TV, radio and print media. Jon has vast commentary experience at the Olympic Games and during Tokyo his duties will include one of his great passions, boxing, and the tennis.
Bill Woods
Bill has enjoyed a long and distinguished sports journalism career across TV and radio dating back to the early 1980s. He has covered Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games as both host and news anchor, along with a wide range of other sports. He’ll be commentating on the water polo and tennis for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Social – Twitter: @bmrwoods; Instagram: bmrwoods
Andy Harper
Andy played more than 300 games in the former National Soccer League from 1986-2001, scoring 101 goals including the match-winner in the 1993 Grand Final for Marconi. After beginning his commentary career while still playing, he has become one of the leading football voices in Australia, covering the A-League and multiple World Cups and European Championships. Andy will cover the men’s football during Tokyo 2020.
Trent Copeland
The NSW fast bowling great, who also played three Tests for Australia, has established himself as one of sport commentary’s rising stars on Seven’s cricket coverage since the 2018-19 international summer.
Social – Twitter: @copes9; Instagram: copes9
Chris Stubbs
Chris is a highly respected sport host and reporter with more than 15 years’ experience covering some of the world’s biggest events, including the Olympic Games, Winter Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Australian F1 Grand Prix, AFL Grand Final, Presidents Cup, Melbourne Cup, World Cup Cycling, Australian Open Tennis and World Superbikes. Since joining Seven, Chris has worked as a sport reporter with 7NEWS and as a host and commentator on Seven’s motorsport coverage including Supercars.
Social – Twitter: @ChrisKStubbs; Instagram: stubbs_chris
Emma Freedman
Emma is a popular television and radio presenter with extensive experience across a wide range of sports. She joins Seven to host the morning coverage on 7mate throughout Tokyo 2020.
Social – Twitter: @emma_freedman ; Instagram: emma_freedman
Paul van der Ploeg
Paul is a former professional bike rider who won several national championships in the mountain bike and Cyclo-cross disciplines, along with the 2011 World Cup Sprint Eliminator in England and the 2013 XCE World Championship in South Africa. Paul will provide his expert insights to the mountain bike competition in Tokyo.
Social – Twitter: @Paulvanderplow; Instagram: paulvanderplow
Hammer doesn’t have a broadcast experience he hosting was no good it’s very annoying just not that entertaining.
Graham Thorpe commentary – Gold again. He is the Dr Fauci of swimming comentators
Who is the female commentator for the Australian Women’s Hockey matches?
Debbie is excellent commentating the men’s waterpolo.
Thanks for your coverage,comments on second week.Love Tasmin,very clear and very knowlegable.Hated Richardson,never completed in any atheletes and his knowledge was zero and was asking dumb and boring questions when interviewing.The major over all winner surveyed by 50 sports personnel was Shirvington,absolutely brilliant,has competed and new the ins and outs of all sports,hope to see him again.
Commentry overall was great! Except commentatirs talking during the closing ceremony in particular when one of the performers was singing, very rude.
Don’t mind a short and soft voice during ceremony occassionally to explain something but not constantly. It make it difficult to appreciate the ceremony; music, songs and performed when loud commentary drowns everything!