Denver Nuggets Announcer Chris Marlowe Prepares for Tenth Olympics in Paris
Chris Marlowe, a former Olympic gold medalist in indoor volleyball (1984), has been a commentator since 1988. As the Denver Nuggets’ play-by-play announcer, Marlowe is looking forward to an exciting July.
He recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his gold medal win and is now heading to Paris to broadcast beach volleyball for NBC, marking his tenth Olympics as a broadcaster. Marlowe anticipates a vibrant atmosphere under the Eiffel Tower, contrasting with the subdued experience of the last Olympics due to COVID restrictions.
Paris est un terrain de jeu et la tour Eiffel en est l’actrice principale sur le terrain de beach-volley 🏐
Venez assister à une épreuve des Jeux Olympiques devant la vue la plus iconique de Paris ✨ pic.twitter.com/FWkr2Ezjeu
— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) July 12, 2024
Before becoming a broadcaster, Marlowe captained the 1984 Olympic men’s indoor volleyball team. His broadcasting career began in 1988 when he was selected for the indoor volleyball team, working alongside Bob Trumpy. Marlowe transitioned to play-by-play in 1992 and began focusing on beach volleyball in 2000. He enjoys the smaller team format of beach volleyball, which allows for more storytelling.
Marlowe, who has been with Altitude TV since 2004, was named the 2023 Colorado Sportscaster of the Year. He emphasizes even-handedness in his Olympic broadcasts, aiming to celebrate the sport universally, not just American successes.
Among Marlowe’s memorable moments is the 2008 Olympic gold medal match in women’s beach volleyball, which aired uninterrupted. Although fewer people recognize today’s athletes, Marlowe prepares diligently, ensuring he pronounces names correctly.
For the Paris Olympics, Marlowe encourages viewers to watch Team USA versus Team Serbia in men’s basketball. He is also excited to work with Misty May-Treanor, who joins the beach volleyball broadcast team this year.
Marlowe believes the top American women’s beach volleyball teams, Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes, and Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, have strong chances to medal. The men’s teams, including former NBA player Chase Budinger and his partner Miles Evans, could also be contenders.
Marlowe is enthusiastic about the unique venue and energetic vibe of Olympic beach volleyball, expecting it to be a highlight of the games.
