Sportscaster Jim McKay Passes Away

[Keith]

as reported by CBSSportsline:

Award-winning sportscaster Jim McKay dies in Maryland earlier today.

[Keith]

NEW YORK -- Jim McKay, the veteran and eloquent sportscaster thrust into the role of telling Americans about the tragedy at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has died. He was 86.
McKay died Saturday, said ABC, the network with which he was long affiliated. The cause of death was not immediately given.
McKay was host of ABC's Wide World of Sports for decades. The influential weekend series introduced viewers to all manners of strange, compelling and far-flung sports events.
But he was suddenly placed in the role of a newscaster in 1972 when Israeli athletes were kidnapped in Munich. As viewers followed the gripping story, McKay told how the hostages were killed in a commando raid.
McKay was the father of Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports.

[Joe D]

I'll never forget the phrase, "..and the agony of defeat."

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Joe D

I'll never forget the phrase, "..and the agony of defeat."

"Spanning the globe, to bring you the constant variety of sport..."

[mark12]

I'll always remember him for the72 olympics and the phrase "They're all gone." when we all found out that the terrorist had killed all the Israeli athletes. A tough thing to be remembered for but a great sportscaster. Used to love the barrel jumping contest. LOL

[skippy]

"The thrill of victory.....and the agony of defeat"

[Gobbler's Knob]

They say Jim's favorite sport was horse racing and how ironic that he died on the morning of the Belmont with Big Brown going for the triple crown. Maybe it was a blessing to go out before he had to witness such a horrible race though.