Bruce McAvaney still on top of the podium ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Broadcaster Bruce McAvaney and his wife Anne Johnson are selling up their family home in South Australia but will make the move for just seven months as they prepare for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Bruce McAvaney and wife Annie are selling their luxurious Glenelg South apartment. Picture Sarah Reed

Mr Olympics, Bruce McAvaney, is also Mr Meticulous.

The broadcaster and his wife Anne Johnson are selling their Glenelg family home in South Australia and moving to Sydney “for seven months” to prepare for Tokyo.

Johnson is a highly regarded TV producer with the Seven Network. The two met in the ’90s when they worked together on popular sports series Seasons, and will lead the Olympic unit as project and communications manager when they hit the ground in Tokyo in July.

Commentator Bruce McAvaney and his wife Anne will move to Sydney for seven months. Picture: Alex Coppel

McAvaney is preparing his coverage like an Olympic athlete. He might be following the Olympic motto of “faster, higher, stronger”.

“It’s an ongoing process — I’ve already got a plan in my head and a schedule in my head which I’m working towards,” McAvaney told Page 13 at the Channel 7 2020 Upfronts.

“We are downsizing (our home) because our kids have left and we have bought an apartment down the road, so we will still be on the beach. It will be good for me, I’ll be in the Olympic office and Annie will do the job. A seven-month move — and I’ll thrive and love it.”

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Watching McAvaney talk about the Olympics, his eyes dance as he talks about athletes and his stats study-up. “I’ve been doing this (for) a long time,” Bruce laughed, reminiscing about his first Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984.

“The biggest difference has been that while the event is still paramount, it’s the narrative that’s become more important.

“Once you get to know someone beforehand, you have the investment emotionally and that’s what it’s all about.

“Truthfully, it’s as exciting now as it has ever been.

“It’s always challenging, but it’s the best challenge in TV.

“They are long days — big stages — the stakes are high and I love it.”

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