TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama gymnastics associate head coach Justin Spring was awarded an Emmy as part of NBC’s broadcast team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad won the Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event category, with Spring recognized as an event analyst. A 2008 Olympic bronze medalist for Team USA, Spring provided live analysis of the men’s gymnastics competition, where the U.S. men’s team secured its first Olympic medal (bronze) since Spring’s own podium finish 16 years prior.

Additionally, Spring was joined in Paris by former Alabama standouts Luisa Blanco (Colombia) and Shallon Olsen (Canada). The 2024 Olympic finalists were coached by Spring in his first year as a member of the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff (2023).

“What an unexpected honor to win an Emmy for something that felt like such a privilege in my life! Commenting the Olympic Games was a dream come true. This award is so deserving for all the producers, researchers and the whole NBC team that made the experience amazing and unforgettable for our country!”

“Justin has a remarkable ability to make people feel part of a journey. Through an enthusiastic, storytelling approach to his broadcast analysis, he doesn’t just share the sport, but brings it to life. He’s a difference maker and his energy makes you believe in something bigger than yourself, as his passion for the sport of gymnastics can be felt by everyone around him. I couldn’t be prouder of him for earning this well-deserved honor.”

In a remarkable crossover from athletic excellence to broadcasting acclaim, Justin Spring, a former Olympic gymnast and current assistant coach at the University of Alabama, has been honored with a Sports Emmy Award for his role as a gymnastics analyst during NBC’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This accolade not only celebrates his insightful commentary but also underscores the value of athlete-driven perspectives in sports media.

Justin Spring’s journey is emblematic of dedication and versatility. As a member of the U.S. men’s gymnastics team, he clinched a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His collegiate tenure at the University of Illinois was equally illustrious, earning him four NCAA individual championships and 13 All-American honors. Transitioning from athlete to mentor, Spring served as the head coach for the Illinois men’s gymnastics team for 12 seasons, leading them to multiple NCAA titles and earning the Big Ten Coach of the Year award four times. In 2022, he joined the University of Alabama’s gymnastics program as an assistant coach, further solidifying his commitment to the sport.

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked Spring’s debut as a gymnastics analyst for NBC. Collaborating with fellow Olympian Laurie Hernandez and play-by-play commentator Rich Lerner, Spring provided analysis during the network’s daytime coverage streamed on Peacock. His commentary was lauded for its depth, clarity, and ability to engage both seasoned gymnastics fans and newcomers alike. Spring’s firsthand experience as an elite gymnast allowed him to offer unique insights into the athletes’ performances, bridging the gap between the sport’s technical intricacies and the audience’s understanding.

NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Paris Olympics was a monumental endeavor, featuring over 150 commentators and encompassing a wide array of sports. The network’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and engaging content was evident in its extensive Emmy nominations. Specifically, NBCUniversal earned 48 Sports Emmy nominations for its 2024 coverage, with 27 nods attributed to the Paris Olympics, including categories like Outstanding Live Special and The George Wensel Technical Achievement Award.

Spring’s Emmy win is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the value of firsthand athletic experience in sports broadcasting. His transition from Olympic athlete to Emmy-winning commentator underscores the potential for athletes to continue influencing their sports beyond competition. By leveraging his deep understanding of gymnastics, Spring has enriched the viewing experience for audiences and set a precedent for future athlete-commentators.

Spring’s success highlights a broader trend in sports media: the integration of former athletes into commentary roles. Their firsthand experience and intimate knowledge of the sport provide audiences with enriched perspectives, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Spring’s Emmy win may inspire networks to continue this trend, recognizing the value that athlete-turned-commentators bring to sports broadcasting.

Justin Spring’s Emmy award for his role in NBC’s Paris Olympics broadcast is a milestone that celebrates his multifaceted contributions to gymnastics. From Olympic podiums to coaching sidelines and now the broadcasting booth, Spring’s journey reflects a profound dedication to the sport and exemplifies the diverse avenues through which athletes can continue to influence and inspire.