Olympic legend looks unrecognisable in epic throwback picture… so can you recognise him?

This Network Seven star is a seasoned sports reporter with over forty years of experience in the sporting world.

The presenter is nicknamed ‘Mr Olympics’ for his extensive commentary on the Games since 1984 in Los Angeles. In his long career, he has covered 12 Summer Olympics.

The 71-year-old is fondly remembered for her coverage of key Olympic moments, such as Cathy Freeman’s gold medal win in Sydney.

This year he will report on the 2024 Paris Olympics, teaming up with Australian Olympic stars Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Sarah Ryan.

This commentator was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2002 and is also known for his coverage of Australia’s biggest sporting events.

He has reported on the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup, Australian Open and Test cricket, as well as special events such as the Brownlow Medal.

The Seven reporter began his career at Adelaide television station ADS-7 in 1978, before rising to fame when he presented South Africa’s television coverage of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Do you already know who this sports television legend is?

This Channel Seven sports reporter has been nicknamed ‘Mr Olympics’ for his extensive coverage of the Games since 1984 in Los Angeles. In his long career he has covered 12 Summer Olympics. Do you know who he is?

Of course, it’s Bruce McAvaney.

On Monday, an old photo of Bruce surfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing how unrecognizable he looked in his youth.

The black and white photo showed Bruce with a broad smile. In a leather jacket and a wide striped collar, he proved he was up to date with the fashions of the time.

He recently made the surprise move to ABC to cover the Paris Olympics, after 30 years as one of Channel Seven’s biggest sporting stars.

Bruce is regarded as the voice of football for his work as a journalist for the AFL and has also been nicknamed ‘Mr Olympics’ for his extensive coverage of the Games over the years.

It's Bruce McAvaney! A throwback photo of Bruce resurfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, showing just how unrecognizable he looked in his youth

It’s Bruce McAvaney! A throwback photo of Bruce resurfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, showing just how unrecognizable he looked in his youth

“I’ve always thought the Olympics were the ultimate event for an Australian presenter,” he said last month.

“Being given this opportunity by the ABC means a lot to me.”

Channel Nine and Stan have the rights to this year’s Games, leaving Bruce with no hope of ever working for Seven again to report on the world’s biggest sporting event.

He played his final AFL game for the network in February 2021, having taken his talents into more than 1,000 games.

Bruce was seen as the voice of the AFL for decades, along with co-commentator Dennis Cometti. It was a difficult decision for him to leave.

“I felt like I was at a point in my career where I needed to reduce my workload,” he said at the time.

He recently made a shock move to the ABC to cover the Paris Olympics, after 30 years as one of Channel Seven's biggest sporting stars.

He recently made a shock move to the ABC to cover the Paris Olympics, after 30 years as one of Channel Seven’s biggest sporting stars.

“I’m going to miss it so much. I can just picture it, Richmond and Carlton running up the pitch in the first round and the ball bouncing, I’m going to be climbing a wall somewhere,” he added.

“I’ll have to move on and just be a fan like everyone else.”

The fan favorite predicted the 2021 Tokyo Olympics would be a seven-game slate and also worked on horse racing coverage for the network after stepping down from his football duties.

He then helped cover Seven’s Women’s World Cup last year, making a remarkable observation as the Matildas gained new fans across the country.