Highly regarded sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley appears set to take the prized lead commentary role with Channel 9’s Olympic Game coverage in Paris
The Daily Telegraph reports the development follows an announcement from Fox Sports that it has granted permission for Whateley, known for his role as host of AFL 360 and as a commentator on SEN, to join Channel 9 on a temporary basis for the event in July.
In this role, Whateley will be the primary voice for track and field events, a position that holds considerable prestige in the sports broadcasting sector. The opportunity allows him to follow in the footsteps of celebrated commentators such as Bruce McAvaney of Channel 7. He will be accompanied in commentary by former Olympians David Culbert and Tamsyn Manou, enhancing the broadcast with their expertise and experience.
“It’s been Gerard’s dream to call a 100m final at the Olympics,”
remarked Steve Crawley, head of Fox Sports.
“I wouldn’t want to stand in the way of that, and I know he’ll do a great job.”
The arrangement for Whateley‘s participation with Channel 9 required endorsements from several high-profile figures in the industry, including Patrick Delany of Foxtel, Crawley, and Craig Hutchison from SEN. This collaboration underscores the mutual recognition of the unique opportunity presented by the Olympic Games for a broadcaster of Whateley‘s calibre.
“He’s very appreciative that we’ve given him the release,”
added Crawley, highlighting Whateley‘s gratitude towards his employers for accommodating his involvement in the Olympics. This engagement is viewed as a brief interlude from Whateley‘s commitments at Fox Sports, which is noted for its array of skilled commentators.
Whateley is celebrated for his adaptability and expertise in a wide range of sports, including the AFL, cricket, boxing, the Melbourne Cup, and the SuperBowl. His assignment to the Olympics represents a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and prominence in sports broadcasting.
With a long-term contract at SEN extending through 2028, Whateley remains an influential figure in the field, now poised to contribute his expertise to one of the globe’s most revered sporting events in Paris.
SOURCE – Daily Telegraph
One of the best all round commentators in Australia
I’m pretty sure that Bruce mcaveney will not call the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 – but i think Gerard Whateley might do a good job calling the athletics.
I am unsure about whatever had happened to freelancer Peter Donegan. Peter Donegan used to be a freelancer for the Olympics on Nine/Foxtel in 2012 where he called the athletics. He has scaled down back in 2018. He may have retired in 2020.