Olympic Games

Thousands of elite athletes train religiously (some their whole lives) for the chance to represent their country at the world’s most iconic sporting event, the Olympic Games. Winning a gold, silver or bronze medal at this prestigious event is the stuff of dreams and legend. In the broadcaster’s seat, it’s no different. For Matt Hill, the golden opportunity to commentate for the Olympics is an honour and dream come true.

But it isn’t always easy and conditions on location can be challenging. On assignment at the 2008 Beijing Olympics under blistering conditions, Matt fell ill to heat stress which quickly deteriorated to form aggressive pneumonia. After the nasty shock of illness, he has since bounced back, going on to commentate the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. With Tokyo 2020 fast approaching, Matt is sure to be once again in the box seat calling some of the world’s biggest champions.

Highlights from the Olympics include calling:

• Athletics, equestrian, badminton, tennis and rowing in London 2012
• A cavalcade of stars at London Olympic meet, including sprint legend and world record holder Usain Bolt, three-time world champion track-and-field athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill and four-time Olympian marathon runner Mo Farah
• Speed Skating and curling at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
• The 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games
• The 2016 Rio Paralympic games
• For Radio Station 2GB along with the Olympic Broadcasting Service (world feed broadcast) and our own Channel 7.

With more than 200 nations and 10,000-plus athletes participating in the Summer Olympics, there are a lot of names, countries and national anthems to remember. Matt’s gold-medal winning style, combining accuracy and flair with a passion for sports, is his hallmark, continuing to make him one of Australia’s most exciting broadcasters.