As the Olympics kicks off its first week, all attention is centered on the swimming events. For television audiences, no dinner is complete without the thrilling performance of Leon Marchand, who has quickly become a beloved figure among the hosting crowds and a standout competitor of these Games.
During prime-time broadcasts on the BBC, Marchand is not the sole star captivating viewers. Clare Balding, now covering her eighth Olympics, consistently illustrates why she is regarded as the gold standard of sports journalism in the UK.
In the aftermath of a Euros where Gary Lineker drew attention to himself by calling England ‘s***’ on his notable podcast, his BBC counterpart has demonstrated a more refined approach. Balding delivers her insights with a blend of grace, expertise, and affability.
She brings viewers along as she works alongside broadcasting partners and former elite competitors, Mark Foster and Rebecca Adlington. Audiences rely on her to navigate the intricate details of the sport while unveiling new talent.
The key to her success mirrors that of an Olympian, involving countless hours of diligent preparation. While athletes may hit the gym, Balding immerses herself in extensive notes, absorbing names, statistics, and details until they effortlessly roll off her tongue.
Clare Balding has reminded the BBC what the gold standard of broadcasting looks like
Gary Lineker could not resist making himself the centre of attention by calling England ‘s***’
Her hunger for knowledge, combined with an unyielding desire to learn, has positioned her as a champion in her field. Sue Barker, a veteran in broadcasting, recalls their time spent refining their skills together with admiration.
Barker shared with Mail Sport: ‘While we were in Melbourne, Clare asked me how my research was going. I mentioned I was covering all the nations, and she replied, “I haven’t even started on that yet”.
‘She then suggested we create a Q&A session during our research. We would either meet or call each other to exchange ten questions each. It became a delightful challenge leading up to the Games.’
These meticulous preparations shone throughout Balding’s coverage at La Defense Arena, showcasing all the qualities that have made her the BBC’s leading figure.
Balding has posed the pertinent questions to Foster and Adlington, the aquatics analysts alongside her. For instance, how did Great Britain’s backstroke competitor Luke Greenbank find himself disqualified for lingering too long underwater?
Viewers trust Balding to help them wade through the complexities of Olympic swimming
Sue Barker (left), also broadcasting royalty, looks back fondly on the time they spent together
Just as viewers began to question the bright red cups noted on some swimmers’ backs, Balding adeptly sought answers from her knowledgeable associates. It may seem basic, but understanding audience curiosity is a true art. She rarely, if ever, finds herself unprepared when it comes to facts.
Foster commented, ‘I’m amazed at how she remembers so many names. She’ll mention names that leave me in awe. It’s my sport, yet she absorbs all this information—it’s a remarkable skill, and she excels at it.’
Her learning occurs away from the glitz of the studio, where a vast amount of ground needs covering. With around 850 athletes competing across 37 events in Paris, Balding memorizes details about each competitor, speaking about them as if they were cherished friends.
Her London home features expansive files filled with notes on swimming, cycling, and the Olympic legacy amassed over years of dedication.
‘There is certainly a lot of preparation, but I genuinely enjoy the research,’ Balding mentioned recently. ‘It’s akin to studying a major you love and preparing for A-Levels in that subject.
‘I want to understand more about all the nations involved, alongside world records and statistics. It transcends sport; it’s intellectually stimulating and a challenge.’
Balding has taken us along for the ride next to sidekicks Mark Foster and Rebecca Adlington
Her dedication to her work even extends to engaging with the BBC’s research team, who compile extensive datasets for presenters and analysts.
Balding’s passion covers a wide range of sports, a fact that resonates given her background. Her father, Ian, was a highly esteemed racehorse trainer before passing down his Kingsclere legacy to Clare’s brother, Andrew, who is an acclaimed Classic-winning trainer.
‘She was always academically ahead of me!’ Andrew recounted to Mail Sport. ‘We are a sports-oriented family; the television rarely showed anything apart from live events when we were growing up.
‘Her enthusiasm spans across various sports. It’s genuine and not just a show. She possesses a comforting, natural broadcasting style that reflects her true self—what you see on camera is authentic.’
Balding’s educational background aided her trajectory as well. She refined her communication skills while studying English at the University of Cambridge, where she participated in the debating society and even considered entering politics. Fortunately for sports enthusiasts, she chose to follow her true passion.
Foster has enjoyed a front-row view of Balding’s brilliance for quite some time. Together with Adlington, they form a dynamic trio for the BBC’s swimming coverage, filled with thorough insights, from analyzing breathing techniques that enhance swimmers’ awareness of competitors to discussing the proper hand technique needed to touch the wall decisively.
Her enthusiasm and knowledge have allowed her to become an Olympic champion in her field
Balding struggled to hold back the tears when the curtain fell on Andy Murray’s career
This has been complemented by a warm and humorous delivery. ‘While she has her insights, what stands out is her ability to bring the best from the two experts beside her, which stems from the quality of the questions she poses,’ Foster explained to Mail Sport.
‘Our role is to provide expert opinions. Clare is the anchor that enables smooth operations for the show. Despite the flurry of production requests, she manages everything with grace, operating almost like a producer alongside us and the team.’
‘It’s remarkable to witness her navigating through so much activity.’
Balding has been a delightful companion for viewers, celebrating British triumphs in the water. She has shown genuine excitement at our gold medal achievements while also empathizing with Adam Peaty’s close defeat.
Additionally, she would not be the only one struggling to hold back tears as Andy Murray’s career drew to a close on Thursday night. It’s this ability to connect that makes her endearing. Beneath it all, she remains relatable.
Before long, she’ll be turning her attention to preparations for Channel 4 in anticipation of the Paralympics. She is, undeniably, a gold-medal performer.
Additional reporting: Dominic King
