Friday, February 19, 2010

My Weekend Crush

If you’ve watched sports even a little, you’ll know Mary Carillo. Fans of women’s tennis and the Olympics like me know her so well she seems like an old friend. When her rich, resonant voice comes on, you know you’re going to hear something smart or funny or perceptive or probably all three. I’ve been following her for years as she provides tennis commentary (she famously coined the term “Big Babe Tennis”) and have always admired how even in such a male-dominated field as sportscasting she is never shy about sharing her opinion. It helps that she unquestionably knows her stuff. She is the total antithesis of your stereotypical broadcasting bimbo.

These games mark her 10th Olympics and her presence is at once refreshing and relaxing. NBC has used her primarily for color pieces during primetime (um, polar bears NBC, seriously?) and to anchor the late night show. I’d gladly watch her over Bob Costa’s sporty Dick Clark acts any day. (p.s. Ease up on the Just for Men, Bob.) And, look, it doesn’t hurt that she has a capable, casual style (read: pantsuits and minimal makeup) that appeals intrinsically to us gay ladies. And then there is her close friendship with Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova. (Hey, stop poking me in the ribs. I’ve heard those rumors, too.) In short, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather kick back and watch some sports with than Mary. Keep enjoying the Olympics, ladies. Happy weekend, all.

12 comments:

Josephine said...

Love her! I started watching pro tennis around junior high, some 20 years ago, and Mary was a fixture. I found her lesbianish and intriguing back then, and somehow she is a lot hotter today!

Unknown said...

No idea who she is (clearly, I don't watch a lot of sports), but I approve on looks alone. Shallow, but whatevs.

tlsintx said...

Yay Mary!!

and yeah, Bob, could you blink now and then? sheesh.

Anonymous said...

she is a ... and her comments about william's sisters are unbelievable....
please,choose your WE crush better,that's your first big,big mistake but discriminations are not just about
gay....
seriously,you can't appreciate this woman and steffi graf??
listen her on tv or in the WTA world ....

Anonymous said...

don't know the comments the above person mentioned I'd like to find out what she's been saying.


When I have heard her I've always enjoyed her realness but if she's got some racism going on someone needs to help her wake up.

Michelle and Lora said...

Also curious what comments about the William's sisters are deemed racist. I don't watch much tennis, but have always liked MC -- for sure her looks, but especially her distinctive voice, which is really fun to immitate!

Anonymous said...

She's one of the more tolerable tennis commentators...but wait till you hear Amelie Mauresmo's English speaking voice! I can listen to her all day! Soft, velvety, eloquent with just a hint of accent.

<3
momofan

La Matina said...

Hi. I find her incredibly biased. She doesn't like Serena - it's pretty plain. She has gay voice which I actually love, but I hate what she says.

sappho96 said...

check out claire balding. bbc sports presenter and out lovely lesbian.

nutthb said...

I am in love with Mary Carillo. I make everyone shut up when she's on tv. sigh. She's my sugar mama!

Tease, Inc. said...

NBC's 'delayed' coverage for the West Coast has been a total bummer. Fortunately, the 'big whigs' at NBC redeem themselves by having Mary on late at night. Her distinctive voice and wit always commands my attention.

Here was my 'tweet' last night ...

"watching late night coverage of the Olympics ... Mary Carillo is so much more butch than Bob Costas ... her voice is priceless!"

Hal.Flanagan said...

Watching her Royal Canadian Mounties segment, I said to my dog, "My Weekend Crush! I call it!"

I'm so relieved it's not the downhill bunnies...