The Summer Olympics are well underway with nine Syracuse University athletes representing in rowing, basketball, track & field, and soccer.
One of the biggest names broadcasting for NBC at the games is also a Syracuse alum, Mike Tirico.
In the latest “‘Cuse Conversations podcast,” Tirico says the Olympics are the culmination of 10,000 athletes’ dreams realized alongside sports greats like LeBron James, Simone Bile, and other world athletes.
“What you see when those athletes come in is their Olympic moment and it's an achievement of a lifetime for many of them. And it's really cool that we get the chance to chronicle their stories, share their stories and watch them compete.”
Tirico credits his team of researchers who provide him the expansive details for his Olympic coverage. He says he also prepares on his own paying close attention to a variety of events such as US Track and Field.
“Could be an exceptionally strong team and there is a chance that America could have the fastest man and woman winners of the 100 meters in both disciplines, and that hasn’t happened since the 80’s.”
While the athletes are primarily front and center, Tirico says the Olympics also draws world leaders wanting to meet-up and flex their political muscles.
“France and England both in the middle of elections right there and the hotseat that is in European politics. So there’s always that buzzing around. The Olympics will never be apolitical. They’ll always have some element of that.”
Tirico says NBC is attempting to reach a wider audience this year, adding rapper Snoop Dog to help the Olympics connect with the athletes and families. Click here to listen to the “’Cuse Conversations Podcast.”