Award-winning South African sports broadcaster and emcee, Carol Tshabalala, took centre stage in Rio at the 2016 Olympics.
Her role at the Olympics proves, yet again, that she truly is a global sports ambassador
“It’s special to be part of the team keeping Africa informed on everything that is happening with its athletes in Rio,” shared Tshabalala.
Great to see a #RedArmy parent @SimplyCarol8 on hand to congratulate SA's #GoldenGirl @caster800m #ThatsGold https://t.co/04vaEelaz2
— KES (@KingEdVIISchool) August 21, 2016
“This fourth Olympics experience has been memorable with South Africa performing the best it ever has since readmission to the Olympic family in Atlanta, 1996.”
A mother of three boys studying at King Edward VII School, Tshabalala said balancing her work – which constantly requires her to travel – and being a parent was not a problem. “I am very fortunate I have three boys that love sport,” she said.
“For them, it is not that difficult as they were born into this life. I have been doing this [since] before they were born.”
She has had the pleasure of talking about her Rio Olympic experience with celebrated Olympian Carl Lewis and actor Matthew McConaughey.
From interviews along Copacabana beach; following the SA U23 football team to Brasilia; watching Banyana Banyana’s campaign begin at the Olympic stadium; the Nigerian men’s basketball team’s gallant effort at the Carioca Arena in Barra; to interviewing our very own South African medallists, are just a few of the highlights that Tshabalala has experienced in Rio thus far.
She has now been in the business for 16 years, and is arguably one of the best sports anchors this country has produced. She is also the only African to have co-hosted the biggest international soccer awards event, the Fifa Ballon d’Or, which she did in 2011.
