By Ahead of its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, NBCUniversal has revealed that its Local NBC-owned stations and NBC Sports regional networks will present a new season of the My New Favorite Olympian multiplatform podcast. The show is hosted by 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin and NBC Sports Bay Area reporter, host and analyst Zena Keita, and will profile inspirational athletes on Team USA. The program will include in-depth narratives looking at Olympians who have overcome adversity, broken barriers and committed to helping others within their Olympic or Paralympic pursuits of glory.
The new endeavor marks the fifth season of the franchise that launched in June 2021 and covered the Olympic Games in Tokyo when it was hosted by Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. This program made its return ahead of the Olympic Games in Beijing two years ago with Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno as host. Over the last two seasons, the show has been titled My New Favorite Futbolista and presented international soccer players competing in both the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Over its time on the air, the franchise has garnered several awards and accolades from a variety of organizations.
Coughlin is a three-time Olympian who has won 12 medals throughout her swimming career, placing her in a tie with two other athletes as the most decorated American female Omypian in history. The California native concluded her Olympics career at the London 2012 Games and has won 60 medals in major international competition. Coughlin was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2022, commemorating her legendary professional career.
“Athletes that earn the honor of representing their country in the Olympic Games have impressive talent, but it also takes tremendous dedication, resilience and fortitude for them to achieve their greatest potential and perform at the highest levels,” Coughlin said in a statement. “I feel fortunate to be a part of My New Favorite Olympian and proud to help share the unique personal stories of these inspiring athletes, and highlight the passions that drive them as individuals, competitors, and community members.”
Keita is a host and analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area’s Golden State Warriors postgame show Dubs Talk Live. Additionally, she has also worked as a sideline reporter and analyst for the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G-League on NBC Sports Bay Area, along with hosting other basketball shows on the network. The Paris native is also a host and contributor to The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show within The Athletic Podcast Network and has also co-hosted several episodes of Brother From Another on Peacock.
“The stories of these athletes and how they have achieved so much in their respective sports, overcome so many challenges, while also giving back to impact others is truly remarkable,” Ketia said in a statement. “They embody the spirit of the Olympics and represent Team USA so very well and in so many ways. It’s a true pleasure to highlight these seven remarkable individuals and share the lesser-known details of their lives and backgrounds as they prepare to astonish us at the world stage this summer.”
Consumers can find My New Favorite Olympian on all major podcast platforms and video editions of the show on television, streaming and digital platforms for NBC-owned stations, including 24/7 local news streaming channels. The first episode of the show, which will be released on Wednesday, June 12, includes Olympic swimmer Lydia Jacoby discussing her battle with post-Olympic depression.
The fifth season of the multiplatform podcast includes seven episodes featuring Olympians such as Jordan Chiles, Jennifer Lozano and Nick Mayhugh. New editions of the show will be released on Wednesdays through July 17 ahead of the Olympic Games. The series will return on August 14 as My New Favorite Paralympian for two episodes ahead of the Paralympic Games later in the month.
