Dan Hicks and Rowdy Gaines covered swimming together at the last six Olympics, including every one of Michael Phelps’ finals, but they’ve never called a “race” quite like this.
“We heard you were looking for something to commentate during the down time....might this short short short course 100 IM help?” tweeted Cathleen Pruden, posting a video of younger sister Mary Pruden, a sophomore swimmer at Columbia University, taking individual medley strokes in what appeared to be an inflatable backyard pool.
“Hang on,” Gaines replied. “This race of the century deserves the right call. @DanHicksNBC and I are working some magic!”
Later, Hicks posted a revised video dubbed with commentary from he and Gaines.
They became the latest commentators to go beyond the booth to post calls on social media while sports are halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
NBC Sports hockey voice Doc Emrick (who has also called Olympic hockey and water polo) did play-by-play of a windshield wiper installation.
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It was an honor for me & @rowdygaines Good luck @catpruden48 ! pic.twitter.com/DaoAacr55Z
— Dan Hicks (@DanHicksNBC) March 30, 2020