Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo giggle when asked how they think they’re going to go travelling overseas for the very first time together this week to cover the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“We’ve been doing the show together for a year-and-a-half now, so that’s pretty much long distance,” Karl, 49, quips to TV WEEK. “But we’ve had some special tracksuits made, and we’re really excited to get over there. There’s no better event to present in the world.”
“We adore working with each other, so to do an event of this size on the world stage is a real thrill,” Sarah, 38, says, adding, “I’ve been trying to teach Karl a bit of French too – he’s an alright student,” before Karl interjects, “Oh no – I’m absolutely hopeless. I’m thinking of taking a personal translator with me.”
The Today co-hosts agree that Paris is one of their favourite places in the world, after Australia of course, and are most looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere in the French capital at an event that’s very much needed right now.
“I think it’s been a bit of a tough year. People are struggling financially; there are all sorts of storm clouds on the horizon,” Karl says. “To have this break in the middle of the year, where we can come together as a nation, and get behind these magnificent athletes, is going to be spectacular.”
So who are they keeping their eye on?
“Just watching [swimmer] Ariarne Titmus muscle up every time she gets in a race, she’s got that kind of Cathy Freeman pressure,” Sarah says, while Karl says he’s keen to watch paddling sisters Jessica and Noemi Fox in the new kayak cross event.
“It’s such a beautiful family story, with their parents having competed as canoeists in past Olympics [dad Richard for Great Britain in 1992 and mum Myriam for France in 1996],” he says. “It’s a beautiful legacy for them.”
The pair will broadcast Today live from the Trocadéro – which is just opposite the Eiffel Tower – from the week leading into the Games, where each morning, they’ll bring viewers highlights from that day.
“I think that’s the best part – that Aussies can wake up to anything they might have missed the night before. We’re going to deliver it to them on a silver platter,” Sarah says.
And, of course, it won’t be all work and no play.
“To be able to whack a couple of baguettes in our gobs in between, some Beaujolais [French red wine], maybe some snails… it doesn’t get any better,” Karl enthuses, adding that he’s even hoping for a swim in the Seine!
“I’ve been training – I’ve been swimming in the Yarra [in Melbourne] as part of my preparation,” he says with a laugh. “Anything can happen and we’re ready for anything!”
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