Olympic Champion Lindsey Jacobellis Switches to NBC Analyst Role Ahead of Beijing Games

Lindsey Jacobellis, the 40‑year‑old snowboarder who has amassed 31 World Cup titles, six world championships and two Olympic gold medals, will forgo competing in the next Winter Games and instead sit in the NBC studio as a snowboardcross analyst.

A New Chapter for a Snowboarding Legend

After giving birth to her daughter Ayla, Jacobellis sat down with her agent and husband to weigh the pros and cons of another Olympic run. “I am a competitor and I do like to compete, but competition could potentially always be there. And these early years with my daughter, those are limited. I had to make a decision. Those decisions are hard. Being an adult is hard,” she said.

The decision to step away from the slope was not taken lightly. Jacobellis, who first made headlines in 2006 with the infamous “Lindsey Leap” in Italy, has spent more than two decades focused solely on racing. She is now looking to give her first six months to a year to Ayla and to learn the nuances of broadcasting.

NBC’s Action‑Sports Lineup

NBC’s announcement also introduced the rest of the action‑sports team that will cover the Games. Todd Harris will provide play‑by‑play commentary, Todd Richards will cover snowboard events, Tom Wallisch will report on freeskiing, and Tina Dixon will handle interviews and reporting.

Jacobellis’s experience extends beyond the board. She has done television work for both surfing and snowboarding, making her a natural fit for the NBC booth.

A Legacy of Gold

Jacobellis’s Olympic journey began in 2006 in Italy, where she celebrated a spectacular jump and grab—only to fall and finish second. At the most recent Games, she finally earned her first gold medal and added a second by partnering with Nick Baumgartner in the mixed‑team event.

“Don’t count the old girl out,” she said after that victory, emphasizing that her move to the studio is not a retirement. “Life doesn’t work that way. You adapt and bend to life. It’s calling an audible every day. I’m enjoying learning this new time in my life. I want to enjoy that time. I’ve given over 20 years to this sport, solely focusing on my career and racing. I want to give at least this first six months to a year to, totally, Ayla.”

The Decision Behind the Move

Jacobellis explained that she is not bound by the traditional four‑year Olympic cycle. Instead, she sees life as a series of adjustments. “Being an adult is hard,” she added, highlighting the difficulty of balancing elite sport with motherhood.

She also noted her organizational strengths, joking that “label‑makers are my things,” a nod to her meticulous approach both on and off the board.

Key Takeaways

• Lindsey Jacobellis, 40, will serve as NBC’s snowboardcross analyst for the Winter Games.
• She has 31 World Cup titles, six world championships and two Olympic gold medals.
• Jacobellis is focusing on her daughter Ayla and the new broadcasting role, not retiring from sport.
• NBC’s action‑sports coverage includes Todd Harris, Todd Richards, Tom Wallisch and Tina Dixon.

The Olympic champion’s decision marks a significant shift in her career, allowing her to share her expertise with viewers while spending precious time with her young daughter. Jacobellis’s move underscores the evolving nature of athletic careers and the growing opportunities for athletes in media.

Closing Thoughts

As the Winter Games approach, fans will not only watch the action unfold on the slopes but also hear the insights of one of the sport’s greatest competitors from the studio. Jacobellis’s transition from athlete to analyst promises to bring a depth of experience and a fresh perspective to NBC’s coverage, while she embraces a new chapter in her life dedicated to family and broadcasting.