Remember Michael Phelps? American hero? half-man, half-dolphin? The star swimmer has fallen out of the spotlight somewhat, with the 2008 Beijing Olympics now years behind us. That hasn’t stopped him from swimming of course, and NBC is betting Phelps still has the drawing power than attracted viewers to his races in 2004 and 2008.
This weekend the broadcaster will present taped coverage from the Pan Pacific Championships on Saturday from 2-4 PM and Sunday from 3-4 PM. The Olympics commentary team of Ted Robinson and Rowdy Gaines will be on hand to call the event, which will be held in Irvine, California.
NBC will also televise taped coverage of Diamond League Track & Field Sunday, leading up to its swimming coverage.
Will viewers tune into either one? Probably not, but in these tough times, a little bit of positive nostalgia from 2008 couldn’t hurt.
More NBC/Michael Phelps nostalgia is after the jump.