Terry Gannon: From NC State Legend to Hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
In the high-stakes world of sports broadcasting, few names carry the weight of experience and charisma quite like Terry Gannon. As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics approach, excitement is building not just for the athletic feats but for the voices bringing them to life. On February 6, 2026, NBC Universal announced that Gannon, a beloved figure from North Carolina State University's basketball legacy, will co-host the Opening Ceremony alongside Mary Carillo. This marks a full-circle moment for the former Wolfpack guard, whose career has spanned improbable triumphs, international courts, and decades of Olympic commentary.
Roots in the Cardiac Pack: A Cinderella Story
Terry Gannon's story begins on the hardwood of NC State, where he played guard for the Wolfpack from 1981 to 1985. But it's his role in the 1983 team, forever etched in college basketball lore as the 'Cardiac Pack,' that cements his legend. Under the legendary coach Jim Valvano, this underdog squad defied odds in one of the NCAA Tournament's most thrilling runs. They clinched the national title with a heart-stopping 54-52 victory over the Houston Cougars, sealed by Lorenzo Charles' iconic buzzer-beating slam dunk off a miss by Dereck Whittenburg.
Gannon was right there on the floor for that unforgettable moment, contributing as one of the nation's top three-point shooters. His sharpshooting prowess helped fuel the team's dramatic comebacks, earning them the 'Cardiac' moniker for their nail-biting wins. Today, Gannon still holds the NC State record for career free-throw percentage, a testament to his precision under pressure. The 1983 Wolfpack's saga was immortalized in ESPN's documentary 'Survive and Advance,' highlighting the resilience and magic that defined the era. For fans in the Triangle region and beyond, Gannon isn't just a player—he's a symbol of that improbable Cinderella run, the most celebrated in Wolfpack history.
Post-College Path: From Europe to Valvano's Shadow
After graduation, Gannon served as a graduate assistant under Valvano, soaking up wisdom from the man who would later inspire his broadcasting pivot. He briefly chased professional dreams overseas, playing basketball in Europe. Yet, it was Valvano's counsel that steered him toward the mic. 'Coach V' himself transitioned to broadcasting after coaching, and he saw the same adaptability in Gannon. This advice proved prescient, launching a career that would blend Gannon's basketball roots with an astonishing versatility.
The Broadcast Leap: From Local Airwaves to Olympic Stages
Gannon's broadcasting journey started humbly with local sportscasts in North Carolina, where his deep game knowledge quickly shone through. By 1991, ABC came calling, thrusting him into national spotlight. His first major assignment? Covering figure skating—a sport worlds away from the fast-paced action of hoops. Recalling the moment in a 2022 WRAL interview, Gannon said, 'I got a call Monday morning from the executive producer at ABC, and [he] said, 'We need you to go to Tokyo next week.' Because I played for a guy able to take on every challenge, I was able to say yes and quickly figure out how to do it.'
This willingness to adapt defined his tenure at ABC, which lasted until 2010. There, he honed his skills across diverse sports, earning praise for his encyclopedic insight and engaging delivery. In 2010, NBC Universal recruited him for play-by-play duties on the Golf Channel, expanding his portfolio further. Gannon's Olympic involvement began in earnest with NBC, and by 2026, he'll have covered eight Games—spanning summer and winter events like figure skating, golf, and even rowing.
Figure Skating Mastery and Olympic Milestones
Figure skating became Gannon's signature beat, with over 30 years of play-by-play experience. He's narrated the glamour and grace of the ice for Winter Olympics in Sochi (2014), PyeongChang (2018), and Beijing (2022). For Milan Cortina, he'll team up with 1998 gold medalist Tara Lipinski and three-time U.S. champion Johnny Weir, forming a trio known for their chemistry and insider expertise. While Gannon has hosted four Olympic closing ceremonies, the 2026 Opening Ceremony on Friday will be his first—a poetic debut for the 63-year-old broadcaster.
This announcement comes amid changes at NBC: TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie opted to stay home due to a personal family matter involving her mother's abduction in Arizona. Stepping in, Gannon and Carillo promise a seamless, celebratory broadcast from the Italian Alps.
Expanding Horizons: NBA Return and Beyond
Gannon's plate is fuller than ever. Over the summer of 2025, NBC tapped him for play-by-play on its revamped NBA coverage—the league's return to the network after more than two decades. This role bridges his basketball origins with modern broadcasting, allowing him to call games for stars like those in the Eastern Conference, where his NC State ties resonate deeply.
Beyond the Olympics and NBA, Gannon's career reflects a rare breadth. From the tension of NCAA buzzer-beaters to the artistry of triple axels, he's navigated sports' spectrum with poise. Critics laud his ability to connect eras, making complex plays accessible to casual viewers while satisfying die-hards. As the 2026 Games unfold, Gannon's voice will underscore moments of triumph and heartbreak, much like he did on that fateful 1983 night in Albuquerque.
Legacy of a Versatile Voice
Terry Gannon's path—from the Cardiac Pack's improbable glory to the global stage of the Winter Olympics—embodies the spirit of adaptation and excellence. For NC State alumni, he's a living link to Valvano's magic; for Olympic fans, he's the steady narrator of winter wonders. As Milan Cortina prepares to dazzle, Gannon's Opening Ceremony hosting gig isn't just a job—it's a celebration of a life spent chasing the thrill of the game. Whether dissecting a free throw or a flawless spin, Gannon reminds us why sports broadcasting endures: it turns athletes into icons and moments into memories.
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