What an incredible week at IMG Studios, London, with 27 other Paralympians and Olympians from all around the world who had been selected for the OBS Commentary Training Program. The excitement was in the air as we had the opportunity to learn from and call alongside some of the best commentators from the OBS.
I absolutely loved the experience, getting to meet all the wonderful athletes, learn about their sports and then jump in the studio for a pretend live call! It was nerve wracking, adrenaline pumping… it felt like being in the start gate as an athlete!
Thank you to everyone involved for making it an outstanding week and to the OBS, Athlete 365 and IOC for the opportunity. If you’re interested in commentary work, I’d highly recommend this program!
(Jess in the commentary training seat at IMG Studios, London)
Article below from Athlete 365: https://www.olympics.com/athlete365/articles/milano-cortina2026/athletes-training-for-new-role-behind-the-microphone-at-milano-cortina-2026
Twenty-seven Olympians and Paralympians recently received professional broadcast training at IMG Studios in London, with the chance to join Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) as commentators at Milano Cortina 2026. Here’s how the programme is helping them find their voice.
The world-class Olympic Commentary Training programme from OBS is giving members of the Athlete365 community the chance to commentate at Milano Cortina 2026.
Following a competitive application process, selected Olympians, Paralympians and elite athletes attended an online seminar, with 27 then invited to in-person training at IMG Studios in London, United Kingdom.
Participants took part in workshops and then individual training sessions with expert OBS commentators, who followed up with detailed feedback in a one-to-one debrief.
Ten Olympians and an elite athlete will be selected to bring their insight to Milano Cortina 2026, with an additional two commentary roles at the Paralympic Games.
Learning from the best
The individual training sessions saw participants step into the commentary booth and cover a recorded Olympic event alongside an elite commentator.
Jess Gallagher, a five-time Paralympian in Alpine skiing, athletics and cycling for Australia, revealed how valuable the experience was for attendees.
“This is a really great opportunity to learn the basics, the education behind how to commentate, and then actually practise in real life with the experts. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to develop my skills.”
Paul Rosen, who won gold with Canada’s Paralympic ice hockey team at Torino 2006, expressed how delighted he was to take part in studio sessions.
“The thing I loved the most was being in the studio,” he says. “Having the producer and commentary person with me… they were incredible. They made me feel so unbelievably comfortable.”
A familiar rush
Despite the new challenge of entering the commentary booth, Laura Deas, a bronze medallist for Great Britain in skeleton at PyeongChang 2018, compared the preparation for her individual session with getting ready for her events at the Olympic Games.
“When I was getting ready to commentate, I actually felt like I was getting ready for a race,” she recalls.
“I had the same nerves and adrenaline, going through the same mental preparation almost. It’s really nice because it feels like it’s getting me back to my competitive days a little bit.”
Sharing your love for sport
At its core, the Olympic Commentary Training programme is here to provide you with an opportunity to test out a potential new career path.
Nikki La Rochelle, a ski mountaineering athlete for the USA, believes that the course has given her an opportunity at Milano Cortina 2026 – where her sport will make its Olympic debut – and beyond.
“I don’t know where this will take me,” she says. “But having the door open and taking a chance is totally worthwhile.”
Maxime Laheurte, a three-time Olympian for France in Nordic combined, said future opportunities offered by the OBS team could be perfect for you if you want to share your love for your sport with the world.
“If you’re in love with your sport and you want to share it with the entire world, don’t hesitate – this is for you,” he explains.
“It’s a great programme. We learned from the best.”
