Maria Sharapova will serve as a correspondent for NBC Olympics during the Winter Games in her hometown of Sochi.
Sharapova was born in Siberia, moved to Sochi with her family at age 2 and lived there until she moved to Florida at 6 to train at Nick Bollettieri‘s academy.
She will offer insight and commentary on Russia’s first Winter Games for NBC Olympics in February.
“Maria transcends sports as one of the world’s most recognizable stars,” said Jim Bell, Executive Producer of NBC Olympics. “Growing up in Sochi until she was 6 years old and with family and friends still living in the area, Maria will offer a unique and personal perspective on a place she knows so well.”
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Sharapova, 26, made her Olympic debut in 2012, winning silver at Wimbledon and carrying the Russian flag at the Opening Ceremony.
She’s a four-time major champion, a career Grand Slam winner and the fourth-ranked woman in the world.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the NBC family for this year’s Olympic Games in my hometown of Sochi,” Sharapova told E!. “The Olympic experience is unlike anything else, and as a past Olympian it means even more to me for the Games to be hosted in such a remarkable place. Sochi has such a rich history and culture, and I’m excited that it will now hold a place in so many athletes’ hearts from all over the world.”
