Leslie Jones’ extreme enthusiasm for all things Olympics has landed her a job with NBC in Rio, presenting at events for the US broadcaster.
Plenty of people are getting suitably excited as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games drench our TV screens with everything from Michael Phelps winning yet more golds for the US, to Yusra Mardini, a Syrian refugee, competing in the 100m butterfly in the pool.
But while we are all excited, some are more excited than others. For instance, Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones, whose US-heavy adoration of the Games has proved a hit on social media.
Making short, snappy videos of what she’s seeing on TV, Jones’ enthusiasm is relentless.
Ready!! pic.twitter.com/K0ZgOerROD
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 3, 2016
Damn pic.twitter.com/k4N8XtdGHJ
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 8, 2016
Please some one wtf? pic.twitter.com/gHcBqao860
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 9, 2016
I mean the ball is so small with out a bat or a hockey stick what is happening pic.twitter.com/fi7wYNKmvF
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 9, 2016
So much so that NBC spotted an opportunity that it simple could not pass up. The executive producer of the station’s Rio coverage was tipped off and went for it.
@shoemakermike OK @Lesdoggg you’re officially invited to Rio. Want to come?
— Jim Bell (@jfb) August 7, 2016
These scenarios rarely turn out as you expect but, somewhat surprisingly, it has now been confirmed that Jones – a cast member of Saturday Night Live – is on her way to Rio to rub shoulders with the greats.
RIO BOUND BABY USA! USA!! pic.twitter.com/Gkaxr2UOPl
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 8, 2016
Ok packing I'm in the middle of watching Olympics so I might miss some stuff!!
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 8, 2016
“Starting this Friday, Jones will attend live Olympic events, including swimming, track and field, gymnastics and beach volleyball; meet athletes, and spread her passion for sports and the Olympics on-air and online,” NBC said in a statement.
So expect more of this:
Womens rugby is fucking AWESOME!!! pic.twitter.com/LxUcivLBT6
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 8, 2016
BEAST!!! BROKE HER OWN WORLD RECORD!! pic.twitter.com/rOlpUOs8Iu
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 8, 2016
I. Am. So. Intimidated. pic.twitter.com/ujzL0CmEsb
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 7, 2016
Shut up pic.twitter.com/0QWZAdxkNK
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 7, 2016
Are these little girls or grown women pic.twitter.com/76ukXhTGwV
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 7, 2016
Main Leslie Jones image via Helga Esteb/Shutterstock