Tom Hammond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Hammond
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| Born |
Thomas Taylor Hammond
May 10, 1944 Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Kentucky |
| Occupation | Sports commentator |
| Years active | 1984–2021 |
| Employer |
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| Television | NBC Sports (1984–2021) |
| Spouse(s) | Sheleigh Hammond |
| Children | 3 |
Tom Hammond, born Thomas Taylor Hammond on May 10, 1944, is a well-known American sports commentator. He started working for NBC Sports in 1984. Tom became famous for covering horse racing and Notre Dame football games.
He also announced track and field events at the Summer Olympic Games. Tom even covered speed skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics. He retired from broadcasting in 2021.
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Tom Hammond's Career at NBC Sports
Tom Hammond began his career at NBC in 1984. He was a co-host for the first-ever Breeders' Cup horse race. He worked with another famous announcer, Dick Enberg. NBC liked him so much that they offered him a long-term job.
Tom was the main voice for horse racing on NBC. He covered many big races until 2017. Tom also announced Notre Dame football games. He worked with analyst Mike Mayock.
Olympic Games Coverage
Tom was a big part of NBC's Olympic Games coverage. At the Summer Olympics, he was the main announcer for track and field. He started this role at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
At the Winter Olympics, Tom was the main announcer for figure skating and ice dancing. He helped viewers understand these exciting sports.
Football Announcing
Tom Hammond also announced many football games. He was considered for the main announcer job for NBC Sunday Night Football in 2006. However, Al Michaels got the job instead.
Tom still announced important playoff games for NBC. He worked with Cris Collinsworth for some of these games. He also teamed up with Joe Gibbs and Joe Theismann for other playoff matches.
Tom and Cris Collinsworth were also the announcers for the Madden NFL 09 and Madden NFL 10 video games.
Awards and Recognition
Tom Hammond has received many honors for his work. He was the first person to get the Outstanding Kentuckian Award. This award is given by the A.B. Chandler Foundation.
He is also a founding member of the Lafayette High School Hall of Fame. Tom has been inducted into several other halls of fame. These include the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. He is also in the University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
