A former Olympic swimmer will provide commentary and analysis for CTV during the 2012 Olympics in London.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Joanne Malar, a former swim competitor who now lives in Summerland.
This will be her first time providing commentary during Olympics, but she has worked with CTV and TSN in the past, providing commentary at the Pan-Pacific Games in 2006 as well as the Canada Games.
She said her job as an analyst is to provide explanation of what is happening during the competitions.
“People want to feel like they’re in the living room with you,” she said.
She will be paired with announcer Rod Smith for the swimming coverage.
Although the analysis work is for eight days, she will spend time preparing and learning about each swimmer.
“I want to do the athletes justice,” she said.
In addition to providing television coverage, she will also provide blog, Facebook and Twitter updates.
Malar auditioned for the position at CTV in Toronto and was recommended by Swimming Canada.
She said CTV hires former athletes as analysts since they understand the sport.
Malar’s resume is extensive as she competed internationally for 13 years including three Olympic games.
She is a five-time Olympic finalist and a 30-time national champion and has won more than 70 international medals.
Malar has also taken over head coach duties for the Summerland Orcas.
Next month, she will begin her role with the Orcas as former coach Tom Best has taken a job coaching the Grande Prairie Piranhas in Alberta.