Olympics - Michael Johnson
Discussion
Given the enormous and deserved stature that Johnson had and still has within athletics and sport in general, I have always wondered how the BBC manages to get him in their studio for so many events.
How come the extremely well-funded American networks haven't sewn him up into a pundit or commentary contract long ago?
Does he choose the BBC for some reason or is it purely about money and we seem to be offering the most?
How come the extremely well-funded American networks haven't sewn him up into a pundit or commentary contract long ago?
Does he choose the BBC for some reason or is it purely about money and we seem to be offering the most?
It is a strange one but I for one am glad that he does work for the BBC, a true Olympic athletics champion, not taking anything away from people like Dame Kelly, Lord Coe, etc but I think his comments and knowledge is pretty much un-rivalled and what he says is pretty much spot on.
I do get the impression though that he was never that well accepted in the States for whatever reasons.
I do get the impression though that he was never that well accepted in the States for whatever reasons.
The BBC do seem to be able to attract some of the best athletes into the studio.
Unfortunately they ruin this by doing interviews with mostly British athletes, some US, and ignoring the many other countries out there. This seems to be becoming more and more prevalent too.
We never get to hear who won many events, unless there is some British interest and then they show only that bit of the medal ceremony.
Unfortunately they ruin this by doing interviews with mostly British athletes, some US, and ignoring the many other countries out there. This seems to be becoming more and more prevalent too.
We never get to hear who won many events, unless there is some British interest and then they show only that bit of the medal ceremony.
I think it comes down to a general non-interest in athletics in the US. For example, after the mens 100m final was the front page of ESPN highlight this quite remarkable race or was it twittering on about how the US mens basketball team had beaten Spain in the qualifying rounds by 119 to 82?
I'm not defending the BBC but how easy is it for them to get an interview with a winner straight after the event from the other contries though? If you saw some strange English chap pointing a microphone at you and are from Russia or your saw some attractive young lady from Greece poiting a microphone at you who would you make the time for?
GBRM said:
I'm not defending the BBC but how easy is it for them to get an interview with a winner straight after the event from the other contries though? If you saw some strange English chap pointing a microphone at you and are from Russia or your saw some attractive young lady from Greece poiting a microphone at you who would you make the time for?
It would also help if BBCs trackside reporter wasn't such an absolute tool and asked the most blindingly obvious questions.Sharron Davies has a better non-GB hit-rate in the swimming...
Highway Star said:
GBRM said:
I'm not defending the BBC but how easy is it for them to get an interview with a winner straight after the event from the other contries though? If you saw some strange English chap pointing a microphone at you and are from Russia or your saw some attractive young lady from Greece poiting a microphone at you who would you make the time for?
It would also help if BBCs trackside reporter wasn't such an absolute tool and asked the most blindingly obvious questions.Sharron Davies has a better non-GB hit-rate in the swimming...
130R said:
GBRM said:
If you saw some strange English chap pointing a microphone at you and are from Russia or your saw some attractive young lady from Greece poiting a microphone at you who would you make the time for?
That is when the BBC send in the eye candy - Clare Balding.
...female shot-putters...
Broccers said:
Wonder if he will be as popular when Bolt robs his wr
...which he just has...http://www.skysports.com/olympics/story/0,23911,14...
Edited by im on Wednesday 20th August 15:38
Johnson is easily the best athletics pundit there is IMHO. His pre race analysis of the ladies 400m final went against the form book (which said that Richards would win) and he was spot on, both in how it would play out tactically and in the result. He also speaks his mind and nearly always makes perfect sense.
unrepentant said:
Johnson is easily the best athletics pundit there is IMHO. His pre race analysis of the ladies 400m final went against the form book (which said that Richards would win) and he was spot on, both in how it would play out tactically and in the result. He also speaks his mind and nearly always makes perfect sense.
+1Possibly the best pundit the BBC have full stop.
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