NBC confirms new analyst for star-studded Olympics broadcast team as Misty May-Treanor joins Paris coverage

NBC Sports’ coverage of beach volleyball at the Paris Olympics will feature a familiar face.

The network announced Tuesday that three-time Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Traenor, 46, has joined their team ahead of this summer’s games.

This marks the International Volleyball Hall of Fame’s debut as a TV analyst.

“An all-time great and one of the most accomplished players in the history of beach volleyball, we are excited that Misty can bring her unparalleled insight to our team, which has years of experience calling Olympic matches,” said the vice president from NBC Olympic Production. and coordinating producer Rebecca Chatman in a statement.

“The beach volleyball venue is one of the most exciting Games at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

“It’s a great example of how these Games are different and how the organizers are using the City of Light as one of the characters of the Games.”

Co-commentary with May-Traenor will be Chris Marlowe, who won a gold medal in beach volleyball at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Fellow former Olympian Kevin Wong will also provide analysis for NBC Sports.

While former gold medalist and two-time Olympian Dain Blanton will work as a reporter for the network.

May-Traenor’s move to broadcasting follows a medal-laden volleyball career.

A collegiate star at Long Beach State from 1995 to 1999, while there she was twice named First Team All-American, twice National Player of the Year and won one NCAA championship (going undefeated).

In 1999, May-Traenor turned pro and switched to beach volleyball after winning an indoor bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg.

During her career on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, she would win 13 gold medals, 11 silver medals and six bronze medals.

In addition, May-Traenor was also crowned world champion three times and silver medalist once.

As for her Olympic career, her debut came in 2000 when she competed for Team USA in Sydney, where she and Holly McPeak finished fifth.

Four years later, May-Traenor and her new partner Kerri Walsh Jennings won their first gold medal in Athens, which they successfully defended in both Beijing and London.

May-Traenor retired after their victory at the 2012 Olympics.

Beach volleyball matches are held at the Eiffel Tower Stadium along the Champ de Mars, located in the shadow of the aforementioned monument.

The temporary stadium will seat just under 13,000 fans and will also host blind football during the Paralympic Games.

The beach volleyball matches start on July 27.

The women’s gold medal match will be held on August 9, with the men’s match the following day.