Colin Jost is discovering that hosting the surfing events at the 2024 Paris Olympics is not without its challenges, especially when it comes to personal injuries. The comedian and Saturday Night Live star has been on location in Tahiti, where he has humorously noted that he has visited the Olympic medical tent more often than many of the athletes competing.
In a light-hearted Instagram post, Jost shared a photo of his bandaged foot, revealing that three of his toes were wrapped up after an accident. “You know it’s going great when you’ve been to the Olympic medical tent more than any of the athletes,” he quipped, showcasing his signature blend of humor and self-deprecation.
Just days before this incident, Jost had arrived in Tahiti and shared another post that hinted at his rough start. He joked about his injuries, saying, “This might ruin my WikiFeet score but I just arrived in Tahiti for the surfing Olympics and the reef was excited to greet me.” His initial exploration of the reef left him with bloodied and cut toes, a testament to the rugged nature of the sport.
Despite his injuries, Jost has been actively reporting live from the surfing competition. He expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Olympic surfing is about to start here in Tahiti. I’m ready if needed.” He even humorously mentioned that Team USA had already passed on his offer to join the team, joking that he was willing to defect to other countries.
During a segment with NBC’s Mike Tirico, Jost described his experience as a “rural circus,” adding a comedic touch to his coverage. He noted the unique atmosphere of the French Olympics, recalling a moment when he saw a man biking to the surf break while holding two baguettes, which made him feel the spirit of Paris was alive in Tahiti.
Jost’s injuries stemmed from his own attempts to surf before the official events began. He recounted his first experience on the waves, saying, “I did pretty well until the first wave and then I ended up standing on the coral reef.” His lack of proper footwear contributed to his scrapes, as he humorously compared himself to a coral reef safety expert who was not adequately prepared.
His wife, actress Scarlett Johansson, has been supportive yet playful about his Olympic gig. During an appearance on the Today show, she teased Jost about how he landed the reporting job. “I’m like, how did he get this gig? Is this a job?” she joked, adding that she had no sympathy for his long hours of work in such a beautiful location.
Johansson acknowledged Jost’s passion for surfing, expressing her happiness that he was able to combine work with something he loves. “When they announced the Paris Olympics, he immediately found out that they were doing the surf competition in Tahiti, which is so cool,” she said. “He loves to surf. We have a place in Montauk, he’s always out there surfing.”
As Jost continues to navigate the challenges of hosting the surfing events, he remains committed to providing entertaining coverage. His humorous take on the situation, combined with his injuries, has made for a memorable experience at the Paris Olympics.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have attracted a star-studded lineup, with celebrities like Snoop Dogg serving as special correspondents and performances from A-list artists like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga during the Opening Ceremony. Jost’s presence adds to the excitement, as he brings his unique comedic flair to the world of sports reporting.
In the midst of the action, Jost’s injuries serve as a reminder of the physical demands of the sport and the unpredictable nature of live reporting. His ability to find humor in his misfortunes has resonated with fans, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.
As the surfing events continue in Tahiti, Jost’s journey is a testament to the spirit of the Olympics—where athletes push their limits, and even reporters face unexpected challenges. With each wave and each injury, Jost is proving that hosting the Paris Olympics is indeed an adventure worth sharing.
Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
