Emotional farewell: Commentator announces Paris Olympics will be his final curtain call
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For many Australians, Phil Liggett's voice is synonymous with the thrill of cycling races.
His vivid descriptions and passionate commentary have brought the excitement of the sport into the homes of millions for decades.
However, the legendary commentator has announced that the Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the end of his illustrious career in the commentary booth.
At 80, Liggett has decided that by the time the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics roll around, he will be 85—an age he feels is too advanced to continue providing the level of entertainment and insight that viewers deserve.
'Another four years from now, I'll be 85,' he said.
'And I think that's too old to spoil the viewers' fun. But boy, I'll miss it.'
The announcement was made with mixed emotions as Liggett, ever the professional, held back tears while discussing his retirement with host Eddie Maguire.
'Don't get me crying now,' he said.
‘The last thing I ever want to do is annoy the viewers,’
‘My mailbag was great after the Tour de France. It's been exceptional during this week's on-the-road events.’
‘All the people writing to me from Australia say the same thing: 'Don't ever think of retiring.'
‘But hey, I'm not invincible, and I don't want to, as I say, bore everybody.’
‘I shall miss it desperately.’
Liggett's career as an Olympic commentator has been remarkable, spanning an incredible 17 Games.
He does not take his decision to retire lightly, but he believes it's the right time to 'pull stumps' on a journey that began at the Moscow 1980 Olympics.
‘Everybody was so happy they had finally broken the Iron Curtain barrier and gone to Moscow,’ he said
‘But we were followed everywhere by KGB plainclothes policemen. And if you went left or right off the main road, they were on you, like they would say, “It's not safe for you here, so go that way.”’
‘They steered you out, so you never saw Russia at all. That was not really a great memory, but it was a memory where I met many people who looked after my career in the future.’
How do you feel about Phil Liggett announcing his retirement after the Paris 2024 Olympics? How has his voice and style influenced your enjoyment of cycling events? Let us know in the comments below.
His vivid descriptions and passionate commentary have brought the excitement of the sport into the homes of millions for decades.
However, the legendary commentator has announced that the Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the end of his illustrious career in the commentary booth.
At 80, Liggett has decided that by the time the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics roll around, he will be 85—an age he feels is too advanced to continue providing the level of entertainment and insight that viewers deserve.
'Another four years from now, I'll be 85,' he said.
'And I think that's too old to spoil the viewers' fun. But boy, I'll miss it.'
Paris 2024 will be marked as Phil Liggett’s final Olympics in the commentary booth. Credit: Shutterstock
The announcement was made with mixed emotions as Liggett, ever the professional, held back tears while discussing his retirement with host Eddie Maguire.
'Don't get me crying now,' he said.
‘The last thing I ever want to do is annoy the viewers,’
‘My mailbag was great after the Tour de France. It's been exceptional during this week's on-the-road events.’
‘All the people writing to me from Australia say the same thing: 'Don't ever think of retiring.'
‘But hey, I'm not invincible, and I don't want to, as I say, bore everybody.’
‘I shall miss it desperately.’
Liggett's career as an Olympic commentator has been remarkable, spanning an incredible 17 Games.
He does not take his decision to retire lightly, but he believes it's the right time to 'pull stumps' on a journey that began at the Moscow 1980 Olympics.
‘Everybody was so happy they had finally broken the Iron Curtain barrier and gone to Moscow,’ he said
‘But we were followed everywhere by KGB plainclothes policemen. And if you went left or right off the main road, they were on you, like they would say, “It's not safe for you here, so go that way.”’
‘They steered you out, so you never saw Russia at all. That was not really a great memory, but it was a memory where I met many people who looked after my career in the future.’
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