The 'Saturday Night Live' host has decided to step down from his role as a correspondent for NBC's Olympics surfing coverage in Tahiti because of several medical setbacks.
- Aug 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - Colin Jost's recent stint as the Olympic surfing correspondent in Tahiti was no smooth ride. The celebrated comedian, known for his roles on "Saturday Night Live", faced more challenges than laughs.
When it rains, it pours, and no one understands that better than the "Weekend Update" host, who found himself in the medical tent more than any athletes at the Paris Olympics' surfing competition.
The 42-year-old "SNL" star's French Polynesian adventure got off to a rocky start in July when he stepped on a reef, resulting in a staph infection. "I've been to the Olympic medical tent more than any of the athletes," he humorously shared on social media, illustrating his foot injury.
Jost didn't stop there; he added an ear infection to his growing list of ailments. "I woke up this morning and discovered that I had added ear infection to my growing list of ailments," he mentioned in a poolside interview from Tahiti, continuing with his humor, "So, I'm now on three different medications - four if you count piña coladas."
Despite doctors' warnings to keep his foot and head dry, Jost continued working until he had to step down. His replacement, Australian weatherman Luke Bradnam, noted he had to be briefed on who Jost was, highlighting his celebrity status through association with Scarlett Johansson and "Saturday Night Live".
Jost's humor remained intact throughout his ordeal. "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated," he quipped in his Instagram post as the Olympic surfing event faced delays. However, his lightheartedness couldn't mask the severity of his medical issues, leading NBC to replace him.
Though Jost's time covering the Olympics ended early, NBC stated that his gig was "always supposed to be short term" and praised his contribution. "The competition ran long due to weather. He had a great time, and everyone was thrilled with his coverage from Tahiti," the network confirmed.
The tumultuous turn of events in Tahiti hasn't dampened Jost's spirits. Fans eagerly await his return and new ventures which includes a "Pop Culture Jeopardy!" host, proving once more that laughter, indeed, is the best medicine.
