Paralympics legend Kurt Fearnley joins Seven’s team for Tokyo

Paralympic great Kurt Fearnley hasn’t let his nerves get to him after he inked a new TV gig, which he couldn’t ignore with Seven.

Exclusive: It was a call of duty five-time Paralympian Kurt Fearnley could not ignore and which will now see the decorated athlete take the mike for Channel 7’s coverage of this year’s Games.

Pre-COVID, the 40-year-old had intended to take his two kids and his wife to Japan as spectators.

But now the winner of 13 Paralympic medals will be providing expert comments alongside main host Johanna Griggs.

Today marks just 100 days to go until the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

Kurt Fearnley in Rockhampton. Source: The Morning Bulletin

Representing Australia over a 20-year wheelchair-racing career, Fearnley – who retired after the 2018 Commonwealth Games – is pumped about his new armchair gig.

Pumped but nervous.

“Every, single time I go on television I worry,” he said.

“Every, single, minute. But I’ve known Jo (Griggs) for quite a while ... and you can be sure that the first moment we hit the screen, I’ll be high-fiving Jo.

“It means so much to stay engaged in the movement and I’ll be trying to get across how much the Paralympics mean to the athletes.

“Our tickets were already in hand for Tokyo, before COVID hit, but now Sheridan and the kids will pop down and see me in Melbourne,where the studio is.”

Griggs added: “I am rapt beyond belief to get to co-host the 2020 Paralympics alongside Kurt. He is such a legend.”

Fond memories: Gold medalist Kurt Fearnley with his wife Sheridan and children, Harry and baby Emilia, during the medal ceremony for the T54 Marathon Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, April 2018. Source: AAP

“His Paralympic experience, knowledge of our athletes, warmth, intelligence and humour will bring such a wonderful element to our coverage.

“Kurt has been an incredible, humble, measured and sincere voice for para-athletes for such a long time now, that it’s perfect he’ll be co-hosting what promises to be another incredible Games that will showcase so many of our brilliant Paralympic athletes.”

Australia won 22 golds at the Rio Paralympics and finished fifth on the medal tally.

However, many consider Australian and New Zealand athletes will have an edge given the advantageous training conditions they’ve enjoyed compared to other countries in lockdown.

“I’m not into making predictions – regardless of medal outcome and where any athlete comes in their event, it doesn’t change who they are.

“It doesn’t change the sacrifices they’ve made to get to the start line. I don’t do the guys that disservice to predict medals.”

The Paralympic Games will air from August 24 to September 5 in Tokyo, live and free on Seven and 7plus.

Originally published as Paralympics legend Kurt Fearnley joins Seven’s team for Tokyo