Sal Masekela Will Join NBC’s Coverage of the Sochi Olympics

Sal Masekela Will Join NBC’s Coverage of the Sochi Olympics


Sal Masekela will join NBC’s coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics as a sports desk reporter, the network announced Monday. Masekela will serve as a host and “present features for ‘The Olympic Zone,’ a 30-minute daily show for NBC affiliates covering all aspects of the Games.”

“Sal will provide a unique voice and insight into the world of sports and entertainment,” said Jim Bell, Executive Producer of NBC Olympics. “His extensive action sports broadcast experience will offer a valuable perspective to Olympic viewers.”

Masekela, 42, joined NBC in 2012. His hiring then was viewed by some as an extended tryout for the Sochi Games — at any rate, it’s a hugely coveted gig. Masekela was a jack-of-all-trades with NBC’s Red Bull Signature Series, “which features innovative snowboarding, downhill skiing, mountain biking, freestyle motocross and BMX. He also hosts and produces his own web series, ‘Travelin’ Sal: Come Ride With Me,'” NBC Sports said.

“Many thanks to y’all on the Olympics well wishes. This has been a lifelong dream. I thank @NBCSports for this chance,” Masekela wrote on Twitter.

According to the network, Masekela spent 13 years at ESPN and ABC where he hosted the X Games. Perhaps most notably, he hosted the 2010 World Cup in his father’s native South Africa. He is the son of legendary jazz musician and vocalist Hugh Masekela.


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