The BBC’s choice of pundits is incredibly poor. I cite John Mcenroe being asked his insight on the Mens Road Race is a prime example. Even he looks a bit confused as to why he’s there..
Johnson and Thorpe aside, I’ve been quite confused too. Wheel McEnroe out for any Tennis insight absolutely, but having him there for pretty much everything else? Why?
Michael Johnson is as has been pointed out already, an absolute legend. That he works for the BBC rather than a big US Network is awesome. His subject knowledge is quite rightly 2nd to none, but he’s also a natural presenter and commentator. Ian Thorpe is superb too IMO.
Hugh Porter has been a nightmare, and to be honest, needs putting down to do him a favour! Or at least pensioning off…
But here’s a question for you… Why have Jake Humphreys and Gary Lineker featured so heavily on so many sports, but we’ve hardly seen any of Sue Barker outside the Tennis? Sue may not be to everyone’s tastes, but she’s vastly more knowledgable about a whole array of different sports than these two (don’t get me wrong, I think Jake is brilliant with F1, but his knowledge of other sports leaves a lot to be desired), so why does she feature so lightly?
Impressed by Gabby Logan in the evenings too. Used to dislike her, simply cos she was essentially the female face of Football, but she knows her stuff about pretty much any sport these days it would seem.
As for Colin Jackson? He’s only ever been in there for the same reason he always has been… Comedy value. He’s harmless enough (as long as they don’t let him talk when you NEED to be PC, like in the opening ceremony), his enthusiasm works for lots of people less involved though as he is bonkers mad.
Balding? Usually very good, personally I think she’s been off form this Olympics, maybe cos she’s spent so much time at the pool when she’s been wanting to cover the Horses? Certainly she’s shown gaps in her knowledge about swimming on live TV…
EDIT: Oh, and as for Inverdale… He’s got worse as he’s got older hasn’t he! I remember when he started covering Rugby ages ago, and he was like a breath of fresh air, he knew his stuff but didn’t come across as arrogant or annoying. These days it’s like he’s not bothered by anything, just wants to take his big pay cheque home, and do as little work as possible. And Lineker… Needs to do more homework too on sports he’s less familiar with!