2012 Olympics: An Olympic wrap up from London


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LONDON - 17 days have come and gone and the London Olympics are over. Now Tom will take a look back at the highlights and a wrap up of his time in London.

He opened the Olympics with a zoo of a media day for the U.S. Men's basketball team and took in the Opening Ceremonies.

"Opening Ceremonies is a special time," said Jake Gibb, Bountiful native and subject of the "Bountiful Boys."

He talked to fans of U.S.A and was able to hang with some of the lesser and more know athletes supporting the red, white and blue. He even got to check off some of his "bucket list" with Roger Federer, coupled with some Wimbledon strawberries and cream.

He talked with local Olympians such as SUU runner Cam Levins who was able to accomplish his goals at the Olympics. He saw the highs and the lows from Shalaya Kipp's fourth-place finish as a good moment to Gibb and Logan Tom coming up short in their bids for gold in different volleyball events.

And had a chance to sit down with "Bobbie" Costas and let him close out his wrap up with, "Goodnight Salt Lake."


LONDON — This time it's "Bobbie" Costas.

As we wind down another Olympic Celebration (my 7th as a 'mostly-all-access' NBC rights-holder) I am humbled by the incredible events,times and moments I've been privileged to cover and just be a part of.

Quickly reflecting on London 2012, there was first and foremost my reconnecting with an amazing city I've romped through once before, a holiday visit 8years ago. Iconic landmarks (Buckingham, Big Ben, Westminster, the River Thames, I could go on and on) my1st visit to Wimbledon. 1st chance to see idol Roger Federer play, interview him. Being a part of the Centre Court crowd (w/ridiculously great media access that put me in seats right behind the baseline) for that epic 19-17 3rd set, part of longest best-of-3 set match (4 hours26 minutes) in history.

There were so many emotions coming and going at venerable Horse Guards Parade, Beach Volleyball venue where once again, we rode the wave of Bountiful's Jake Gibb and Team Gibb, 36 strong. The great feelings of connecting w/a great Utah family,bringing childhood buddies Jake Gibb and KSL icon Kevin Eubank together via an iPad playlist, then then agony of the quarterfinal upset, the toughest post interview I have ever had to do, then the tearful, hopeful goodbye to Joy and Team Gibb with Jake/Jane's little 11 month old Crosby there to keep the loss in perspective.

As with every Olympics, there we're so many isolated and random momemts of amazing. Like the overwhel ming and consuming good feelings of the Opening Ceremony athletes parade outside the Olympic Stadium. Jake Gibb bringing all 4 USA Beach Volleyball competitors over to me to meet and pass on good vibes and do quick interviews.

Pleasure meeting Weber State's "Physio to the Stars" Clay Sniteman, one of 2 traveling trainers for the men's tennis tour. Knows 'em all, #1 Federer, Nadal, Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Murray (pictured w/Weber State BKB jersey on) and works out of Weber State's Sundance Physical Therapy facility.

Intriguing getting to know the disarmingly honest and unfiltered USA Volleyball star Logan Tom, who starred at Highland High in her young Utah haydays!

My last days ace-in-the-hole, another memorable Olympic sit-down interview with NBC's iconic Sports host Bob Costas. U nplugged with me, talking about his new glasses look, explaining why he has not nor will he EVER tweet and gushing about Salt Lake City and Utah once again being NBC's #1 station in the nation for Olympics viewing. His wearing of the "Bobbie" hat will go down as one of the best fits I have ever been a part of! Bob becomes (a) Bobbie!

Finally a complete honor and pleasure to go through these Olympic "challenges" with KSL's Best. Master of all trades, Producer, Cameraman, radio talent Dave Noriega, PhotoJournalist extraordinaire Alan Neves and one the best enterprise reporters, story-tellers I have ever worked with Alex Cabrero.

And, of course a final CHEERS to all of you for whom we do all this crazy, exhilarating, maddening stuff. Hit me up on twitter @tksportsbeat or if 140 characters isn't enough please email me tom.kirkland@ksl.com to continue this dialogue anytime!


LONDON — Wonderful first two weeks of my Olympics experience. So many wonderful experiences from all the famous, iconic monuments to the British Empire we pass by almost daily on our way to the projects of the day, the countless encounters with Brits or UK culture, then of course, the Olympic celebrations amazing performances.

Our NBC access gives us an awesome up close feel to the Games and performances by our local Utah Olympians. There are also the heartbreaks, none more devastating for me then the news of Cedar Hills' Arielle Martin's (Lone Peak High, BYU) wicked accident on her last day of training before flying over for her 1st Olympics!

Fortunately she'll heal up just fine but missing the Olympics for the 2nd straight time due to a freak occurrence is hard to accept.

Among our local Utah athletes, following Southern Utah's Cam Levins brought me into the amazing world of the Olympic Stadium where Athletics fans (80,000) roared every event. Cam finished 11th in the 10,000M for Canada with still the 5,000 ahead of him.

We've also been with Shalaya Kipp (3000M Steeplechase) and if course Bountiful's Jake Gibb as he powers on in the Medal round of Beach Volleyball. Also BYU Cougars Ritchie Lambourne and Russell Holmes with the USA Volleyball Team steaming toward the Medal round and former BYU assistant Hugh McCutcheon who led the men to gold in Beijing, on his way again, with the USA wonen's Volleyball team featuring former Highland High star Logan Tom.

Among the many stories I've enjoyed doing here, there's the thrill of crossing off one of my all time Bucket List items. I have been so lucky in my now 30 years in television, to have covered amazing events, crazy talented players and personalities. Super Bowl, Final Four, World Series, BCS Bowl games and now nine Olympics.

I've interviewed, and in some cases, got to know amazing stars like Stockton, Malone, Jordon, Kobe, Michael Phelps, Steve Young, Lavell Edwards, Urban Meyer, Bill Parcells, Tom Brady, Charles Barkley to name just a few.

There are many intriguing stars that have eluded me but this Olympics, my tennis hero Roger Federer was accessible and I have taken full advantage.

The Triple Crown of bucket list accomplishments. Seeing Fed play in person (check) on the hallowed Centre Court at Wimbledon (check) then getting to interview the greatest of all time (check).

Throw in several taste tests of Wimbledon's famous 'Strawberries and Cream' I feel I've died and gone to heaven!

After taking it all in I've concluded that Wimbledon is nothing, if it isn't a totally and uniquely British experience! Andy Murray's a national hero after winning the Olympic Gold by crushing Federer in the Olympic Tennis Championship, but Fed was proud to earn his first Singles medal, wearing the silver proudly!

Right then, I'm off to find the obligatory "Fish and Chips" shack and report on that.

Cheers from TK in the UK


LONDON — What a whirlwind!

Moving around to all downtown iconic London attractions! From the London Bridge (couldn't find Crown Jewels!) then the famous "Eye" wheel (we must get up in it soon) then Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the uber rich Horse Guards Parade Beach Volleyball Venue.

We didn't see Bountiful's Jake Gibb training, but did catch the Beach Volleyball Cheerleaders (Dancers), so we were obliged to stay awhile, shoot some video, do interviews, etc...you know, just to be polite!

As we go on, moving closer to Opening Ceremonies I am struck by how kind, engaging, and informative the London volunteers are.

With how much we trudge with heavy equipment, not complaining but those Mt. Everest Sherpas have nothing on us! (kidding, of course). We are putting on our cardio roadwork.

How hot and sunny can it be? Rarely is it like this here in the UK! The Brits promise it'll get back to the dreary rainy, cloudy stuff that seems all too common.

Are travels are going well, save for yesterday's 90 minute slow-cook (no ac) cab ride from Buckingham Palace to the International Broadcast Center (IBC).

Despite the fact that it's my ninth Olympics, this never gets old or routine. My adrenaline is flowing like the Olympians!

Off to interview Bountiful's Jake Gibb, who has serious medal hopes in Beach Volleyball.

Bountiful's Jake Gibb and teammate Sean Rosenthal (Tom Kirkland, KSL)
Bountiful's Jake Gibb and teammate Sean Rosenthal (Tom Kirkland, KSL)

At his pre-Olympic Beach Volleyball press conference, Gibb told me he's actually "starting to get goosebumps" about walking in the Opening Ceremonies, and says "it's crazy to be back at a second since I really didn't think we'd be here."

Gibb and teammate Sean Rosenthal had an awful start to this season, sitting 400 points behind in the push to make the top two 2 U.S. spots and earning a trip back to the Olympics. But yet, here they are.

Defending Gold Medalist Phil Dalhausser says Gibb's team "is the hottest team coming in to London and are definite medal threats, and if they play like they've been playing they can absolutely win the Gold Medal."

Moments later Gibb shot back, "Phil's a cagey old vet, don't believe a word of what he says, they expect to win it."

Gibb also told me he had no idea there were 33 (at last count) friends and family coming to London for this Olympic party.

Jake is stoked about marching in Opening Ceremonies, "it's definitely takes a physical toll having to be on your feet for several hours" but he'll never forget the team chanting "USA" while being staged to enter the "Bird's Nest" in Beijing.

"I wouldn't miss walking in Opening Ceremonies. I'm already getting emotional about it just talking about it with you."

As always hit me back about it or anything @tksportsbeat or if 140 characters isn't enough, tom.kirkland@ksl.com


LONDON — In the middle of the wettest summer maybe ever and heading into what's projected to be an even rainier August across Europe, we were stunned to see the sun blazing our trail upon landing at Heathrow International Airport.

Locals confirmed (although some thought it could be an orange and warm moon) that in fact it was the sun! It is a picture perfect Monday, with temps in the high 60s, and all week is supposed to be sunny and increasingly warm.

Our next immediate impression is that the London volunteers learned well from our over-the-top Salt Lake City 2002 counterparts. An army of LOCOG vols rescued us from a couple of unfortunate spots we found ourselves in at Heathrow. They were raucously kind and upbeat as we trudged our way through customs, then they were ridiculously helpful getting us and our dozens of pieces of equipment and baggage through a couple of train connections then finally to the car shuttle that brought us to our posh accommodations at the DoubleTree Tower of London.

KSL reporter Alex Cabrero in action on the streets of London. Photo: Tom Kirkland, KSL
KSL reporter Alex Cabrero in action on the streets of London. Photo: Tom Kirkland, KSL

Special kudos to Shane (namesake of my youngest son) who led the Brits brigade of help with lots of manpower.

By the way, everybody we spoke with thinks the UK's Olympic Football (soccer) manager is something close to an idiot for leaving David Beckham off their Olympic team.

Now after a couple of hours of unpacking and unwinding, we're back at it, heading over to our NBC workspace to build "Fort KSL" from where we will create programming and broadcasts.

So, until then, cheers for now.

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