NBC's 2026 Winter Olympics coverage will look different than originally planned. The network has announced that veteran sportscaster Mary Carillo will replace Savannah Guthrie as the co-host of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6 and fill in throughout the Winter Games.
Guthrie—who was set to host alongside Terry Gannon—withdrew from the assignment to remain with her family following the alleged abduction of her mother—Nancy Guthrie—from her Arizona home. “Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” reads the official statement from NBC. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother."
The network announced that sportscaster Mary Carillo—who has a long history of covering the Olympic Games—would act as Guthrie's replacement for Friday's Opening Ceremony. "Mary is one of the most experienced Olympic commentators ever and a master storyteller," said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production. "She and Terry will lead the American audience through one of the world’s greatest global moments.”
Ahead of the Winter Olympics, here's everything to know about Mary Carillo—including her own background in professional sports.
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Carillo speaks on stage at the 2019 Women in Sports Foundation 40th Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Gala.Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Mary Carillo is a veteran sports broadcaster, an Olympic commentator and former professional athlete, widely known for her work with NBC Sports and HBO's Real Sports. The 68-year-old Brooklyn native began her television career working for USA Network in the 1980s. Since then, she's contributed sports commentary to MSG, ESPN and CBS Sports—amongst many others. In 2018, Carillo was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games will mark the media personality's 17th Olympics Games. In fact, she has previously hosted three closing ceremonies.
Related: 125 Olympics Trivia Questions and Answers to Test Your Knowledge of the Games’ History
What sport did Mary Carillo play?
Prior to her long-running career as a sportscaster, Carillo was a professional tennis player. She played on the women's pro circuit from 1977 to 1980, with her highest world rank set at No. 33 in the Women's Tennis Association Rankings from January through March 1980. Alongside tennis legend John McEnroe, she won the 1977 French Open mixed-doubles title. Carillo retired from professional tennis in 1980 at the young age of 23, due to chronic knee injuries.
In November 2025, Carillo was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame's Class of 2026. "This is the sport I love," she told the WTA about the honor. "This is the thing that has changed my life. I just never imagined that I could get into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which is reserved for the most special people—not just the players, but people like Bud Collins and Steve Flink, who I have genuinely, openly admired for decades ... I'm used to telling their stories and admiring them. I never thought I'd be among them."
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Andy Murray of Great Britain smiles during an interview with Mary Carillo after his victory in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 US Open.Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Carillo continues to work as a broadcaster and on-air talent for NBC Sports. Along with stepping in as Guthrie's replacement to co-host the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, Carillo will be offering general sports commentary throughout the games, which go through Feb. 22, 2026.
Related: Why Are Two Different Cities Hosting the Olympics for the First Time?
Is Mary Carillo married?
Carillo is not currently married. She was previously wed to tennis instructor Bill Bowden from 1983 until their 1998 divorce. During a 2014 interview with Outsports, Carillo came out as gay.
Does Mary Carillo have children?
Yes, the sportscaster shares two children with her ex-husband Bowden—a son named Anthony (born in 1987) and a daughter named Rachel (born in 1991).
Carillo interviews John McEnroe in 1987.Jacqueline Duvoisin /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
Are Mary Carillo and John McEnroe friends?
Yes, Mary Carillo and John McEnroe have remained friends for decades. Fun fact: The two future tennis stars grew up just three blocks apart in Queens, New York. That close connection has spanned their respective careers as professional tennis players as well as sports broadcasters.
When Carillo was honored with the Georgina Clark Motherhood Award in September 2022, McEnroe paid tribute to his old friend and her great influence on his life, per the WTA. "You helped me get to be the player I became," he said. "You stuck with me, you made me believe in myself before I believed in myself."
Next up, How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics Live—With or Without Cable
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