I know he's a US Swimming icon, but he is really, REALLY hard to listen to sometimes. He gets so excited that he messes up names and strokes, but he also just makes crap up. Then spends 5 minutes trying to prove it.
I may have to mute him! God help him if Phelps is going for # 7 and 8 by the end of the week!
Put yourself behind the mic and do live off-the-cuff commentary on those races, and see how you do.
You're certainly right about that - it's a very difficult job and requires skill that most of us do not possess.
On the other hand, Rowdy can get a little over the top. I think that's the point here - not that it's an easy thing to do and that he can't do it well, but that he has a certain 'annoyance factor'. There are several expert ex-athletes doing commentary, such as in cycling and gymnastics, and they're very polished. They are knowledgeable, they keep the viewers informed, and they keep the commentary rolling in a very professional manner. We see them for hours, so in comparison Rowdy is a little, well, 'Rowdy' :)
Nick
Put yourself behind the mic and do live off-the-cuff commentary on those races, and see how you do.
You're certainly right about that - it's a very difficult job and requires skill that most of us do not possess.
On the other hand, Rowdy can get a little over the top. I think that's the point here - not that it's an easy thing to do and that he can't do it well, but that he has a certain 'annoyance factor'. There are several expert ex-athletes doing commentary, such as in cycling and gymnastics, and they're very polished. They are knowledgeable, they keep the viewers informed, and they keep the commentary rolling in a very professional manner. We see them for hours, so in comparison Rowdy is a little, well, 'Rowdy' :)
Nick
