Lindsey Jacobellis, the 40‑year‑old Olympic snowboard champion with 31 World Cup titles, six world championships and two Olympic gold medals, will trade the slopes for the studio as NBC’s analyst for snowboardcross during the Winter Games in Italy.
A Career of Dominance
Jacobellis has spent more than two decades at the pinnacle of snowboardcross. She first made her Olympic debut in 2006 in Italy, where she earned a silver medal after the infamous “Lindsey Leap” – a flashy jump and grab that ended in a fall and a second‑place finish. Four years later, she captured her first Olympic gold, and in the most recent Games she added another victory by teaming with Nick Baumgartner in the mixed‑team event.
Choosing the Studio Over the Track
The decision to step away from competition was not taken lightly. “I sat down with my agent, my husband, we weighted the pros and cons,” Jacobellis said. “I am a competitor and I do like to compete, but competition could potentially always be there. And these early years with my daughter, those are limited. I had to make a decision. Those decisions are hard. Being an adult is hard.” The move reflects her desire to focus on her newborn daughter, Ayla, and to balance family life with her professional commitments.
A New Role, A New Passion
In the booth, Jacobellis will bring her encyclopedic knowledge of the sport to NBC’s broadcast team. She is known for her organizational skills, a trait she proudly describes: “Label‑makers are my things,” she said. Her experience extends beyond snowboarding; she has also appeared in television segments covering surfing and snowboarding, honing her on‑air presence over the years.
NBC’s Action‑Sports Lineup
NBC’s Italian coverage will feature a seasoned announcing crew:
- Todd Harris – play‑by‑play
- Todd Richards – snowboard specialist
- Tom Wallisch – freeskiing
- Tina Dixon – reporting and interviews
Jacobellis joins this roster as the snowboardcross analyst, providing insights that only a former champion can offer.
Reflections on a Changing Career
Jacobellis is clear that her move to the booth does not signal retirement. “Life doesn’t work that way,” she said. “You adapt and bend to life. It’s calling an audible every day. I’m enjoying learning this new time in my life. I want to enjoy that time. I’ve given over 20 years to this sport, solely focusing on my career and racing. I want to give at least this first six months to a year to, totally, Ayla.”
Key Takeaways
- Lindsey Jacobellis, 40, will serve as NBC’s snowboardcross analyst for the Winter Games.
- She has 31 World Cup titles, six world championships, and two Olympic gold medals.
- The decision to step back is driven by a focus on her daughter, Ayla, and a desire to balance family with professional life.
With her storied career behind her and a new chapter ahead in broadcasting, Jacobellis exemplifies how elite athletes can transition into influential media roles while continuing to shape the sport they love.
