Sports
BBC’s Andrew Cotter Wows Viewers with Live Translation at Paris Olympics
BBC viewers were buzzing with excitement as Andrew Cotter took on the challenge of translating the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris live. Battling pouring rain, Cotter and co-commentator Hazel Irvine delivered their insights while the event unfolded along the gorgeous River Seine.
As the athletes floated in on boats, Cotter impressed many with his ability to translate speeches on the fly. Fans took to social media to praise his “amazing” skills, with comments celebrating his impressive off-the-cuff translations.
One enthusiastic viewer wrote, “Andrew Cotter translating these speeches on the fly has honestly been the most impressive element of the whole thing tbh.” Another even said, “Andrew – you are pretty amazing with your off the cuff translating …!”
Throughout the ceremony, the rain made things pretty tough for everyone involved, including Cotter and Irvine. At one point, Cotter chimed in on how the rain continued to pour down on their commentary spot, which was positioned right by the iconic Eiffel Tower.
As the opening night progressed, performers like Lady Gaga also made headlines. The singer surprised everyone with her rendition of the French classic “Mon Truc en Plume,” adding a unique flair to the event.
Despite the weather challenges, many viewers showed their appreciation for Cotter and Irvine’s commentary and expressed hope that they would celebrate after their hard work by having a good night out.
However, not everyone was impressed. Some viewers expressed disappointment with the ceremony itself, comparing it unfavorably to the memorable London 2012 opening ceremony. Some even labeled it as the “worst Olympic opening ceremony in memory.”