Olympic legend looks unrecognisable in epic throwback picture… so can you recognise him?

Olympic legend looks unrecognisable in epic throwback picture... so can you recognise him?

As a dedicated sports enthusiast who has spent countless hours glued to the television, I can confidently say that Bruce McAvaney is undeniably one of Australia’s greatest sporting legends. With over four decades under his belt and 12 Summer Olympics covered, it’s hard not to recognize the name ‘Mr Olympics.’


As a seasoned sports broadcaster myself, having spent over four decades in this dynamic and fast-paced industry, I can attest to the fact that our Network Seven colleague has certainly earned his veteran status. With such a rich and extensive career, his experiences and insights are invaluable to both newcomers and veterans alike. The depth of knowledge he brings to each broadcast is truly remarkable, making him an indispensable part of our team. I am constantly inspired by his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a distinguished colleague.

Known as “Mr Olympics” due to his extensive commentary on the event dating back to the 1984 Los Angeles Games, this broadcaster has had the privilege of covering a total of twelve Summer Olympics throughout his illustrious career.

The 71-year-old is warmly recalled for announcing significant Olympic moments, such as Cathy Freeman’s victory run at the Sydney games.

As a seasoned journalist with years of experience under my belt, I am thrilled to announce that this year, I will be covering the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside the esteemed ABC Radio. Sharing the booth with me will be the legendary Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and the brilliant Sarah Ryan, two Australian Olympic stars whom I have admired since my early days in journalism. This opportunity is not only a dream come true but also a testament to the hard work and dedication that I have put into my career. The 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be an unforgettable event, and I can’t wait to bring our listeners the best coverage possible, as we delve deep into the stories of these incredible athletes and the spirit of competition that the Olympics embodies. This is a moment in my life that I will cherish forever.

In June 2002, I was honored to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Beyond that recognition, I am widely recognized as a commentator for Australia’s most prominent sporting events.

He has covered the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup, Australian Open and Test cricket, as well as special events such as the Brownlow Medal.

1978 marked the beginning of The Seven reporter’s career in television at Adelaide’s ADS-7. His big break came when he hosted the South Australian broadcast for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which catapulted him to fame.

Do you know who this sports television legend is yet?

Olympic legend looks unrecognisable in epic throwback picture... so can you recognise him?

Of course, it is Bruce McAvaney.

On Monday, a vintage picture of Bruce reappeared on the platform once called Twitter, displaying an astonishing transformation from his younger days to the present.

In a monochrome photograph, Bruce could be seen flashing a broad grin, demonstrating his stylishness for the era by donning a sleek leather jacket and a bold, striped collar.

More recently, he surprised everyone by switching allegiance to network ABC for the coverage of the Paris Olympics, following his 30-year career as a prominent sports figure on Channel Seven.

Known for providing commentary on Australian Rules Football (AFL), Bruce is also famously referred to as ‘Mr Olympics’ due to his extensive coverage of the Olympic Games throughout his career.

Olympic legend looks unrecognisable in epic throwback picture... so can you recognise him?

He mentioned earlier this month that he has long considered the Olympics to be the pinnacle broadcasting opportunity for an Australian.

‘To be given this opportunity by the ABC means a great deal to me.’

I’m utterly heartbroken, being a die-hard sports enthusiast, that my beloved Seven Network won’t be part of this grand spectacle – the world’s largest sporting event – this year. The rights are now with Channel Nine and Stan, leaving no room for Bruce to rejoin the Seven team as we all had hoped. It’s a tough blow, but I’ll still be cheering from the sidelines!

In February 2021, he concluded his final AFL game on the network, having contributed his skills to over a thousand matches.

For over four decades, Bruce had been known as a key commentator alongside Dennis Cometti in the AFL, making his decision to step down was not an easy one.

‘I felt like I got to a stage in my career where I had to reduce my workload,’ he said at the time.

Olympic legend looks unrecognisable in epic throwback picture... so can you recognise him?

As an ardent fan, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming season opener between Richmond and Carlton. The mere thought of it sends shivers down my spine – visualizing the teams taking the field, the ball being bounced, and the electrifying atmosphere that follows. Yet, if I’m not there to witness it in person, I might just find myself scaling a wall somewhere, yearning for the thrill that only live AFL action can provide.

‘I’m going to have to move on and just be a fan like everybody else.’

In 2021, a well-liked personality referred to the Tokyo Olympics as broadcast partner Seven Network, and afterward, took over their horse racing commentary following the relinquishment of his football responsibilities.

Afterward, he contributed to Seven’s broadcast of the previous year’s Women’s World Cup, whereupon he presented a remarkable insight when the Matildas were gaining supporters nationwide.

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2024-08-06 04:39

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