Orange at the Olympics
All eyes are on Syracuse University as students, faculty and alumni make their way to France to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Whether competing in one of 32 sporting events, serving as on-air commentators or working behind-the-scenes for NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Games, following the Olympic Torch Relay or presenting at an international symposium, the Orange are well represented.
Most of the action takes place in Paris, where the modern Olympics were conceived 130 years ago. The “City of Light” has since hosted the Summer Games in 1900 and 1924. In a first, this year’s events are being held amidst famous Parisian landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and Place de la Concorde.
Students Contribute Behind the Scenes
The Summer Olympics provide hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduates, especially those in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Falk College. Nico Horning ’26, a junior majoring in broadcast and digital journalism (BDJ), is interning at NBCUniversal’s Stamford Studios in Connecticut. As a programming runner, he gathers highlights, stats and predictions for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Games.
“This internship supports my dream of becoming a TV sports commentator,” says Horning, who credits the Newhouse School’s alumni network for getting his foot in NBC’s door. “I want to learn as much as I can.”
Fellow BDJ major Margaret McCann ’25 is in Paris working for the Acton Style Group, whose clients include NBC Sports. “I’m in NBC’s production studios, assisting with wardrobe and brand management any way I can,” says the CitrusTV social media team member. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Other interns include Marguerite Bellotti ’26 (BDJ) at NBC Sports and Livia McQuade ’25 (sport management) at Olympus Sports Group.
Syracuse Alumni Report the Action
When Mike Tirico ’88 returns to anchor NBC Sports’ primetime coverage of the Olympics, he’ll continue a tradition begun by Bob Costas ’74 more than 30 years ago.
Other alumni commentators this summer include:
- Noah Eagle ’19 (men’s and women’s basketball)
- Ahmed Fareed ’02 (NBC daytime host)
- Jason Knapp ’91 (swimming)
- Andrew Siciliano ’96 (NBC Gold Zone co-host)
- Bill Spaulding ’13 (track and field)
- Scott Hanson ’93 (NBC Gold Zone co-host)