After gaining attention for her enthusiastic support of the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, the ‘Saturday Night Live’ star will attend events and provide her take on this year’s Winter competition online and on TV.
Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones is set to join NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
During this year’s Olympics, the comedian will serve as a contributor, attending live events, meeting with athletes and enthusiastically providing online and televised coverage during the games.
“Experiencing the Olympics through the lens of Leslie is unlike anything else. Her passion for Team USA is contagious, and her adventures in South Korea should be fascinating,” said NBC’s president of Olympics production and programming, Jim Bell.
During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Jones gained Bell’s attention after live-tweeting her Olympic viewing experience, where she offered her own comical commentary and encouragement for Team USA. While watching the Olympics, Jones posted a video of herself donning an American flag and plastic gold metals.
Yep I love the Olympics it’s the only time all countries come together to compete! I love it!! pic.twitter.com/YQue72tQ5c
— Leslie Jones(@Lesdoggg) August 6, 2016
“Yep I love the Olympics it’s the only time all countries come together to compete! I love it!!” Jones tweeted, along with the video of herself draped in an American flag.
Bell noticed the comedian’s enthusiasm on Twitter and extended an invite for her to join the network’s team in Rio. “You’re officially invited to Rio. Want to come?” Bell tweeted at the actress. Jones immediately responded to Bell writing, “Don’t play cause y’all need me. I would have the whole Olympics pumped!!”
OK @Lesdoggg you’re officially invited to Rio. Want to come?
— Jim Bell (@jfb) August 7, 2016
Bell assured that his invitation was not a joke, telling readers, “Everyone else stay tuned!” His promise was kept with Jones’ new role, about which the comedian couldn’t contain her excitement. In a video posted on her Twitter on Monday, the SNL star was once again decked out in red, white and blue attire, while riding an elliptical. “Guess what time it is y’all! And guess where I’m going!!” Jones announced.
Guess What Time It Is Y’all!!!!! And Guess Where I’m Going!!!!!
Slay All Day USA!!!!!!! @olympics pic.twitter.com/H4dNd6msHB— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) January 30, 2018
