Jim McKay

Date of Birth: September 24, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: June 7, 2008

Biography

James Kenneth McManus, better known as Jim McKay, was an iconic American television sports journalist. Born on September 24, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McKay is best remembered for hosting ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” for over 40 years. His broadcasting career began in the early 1950s at CBS, where he worked as a host and news anchor. McKay brought a unique storytelling ability to sports journalism, making games and events accessible and exciting for millions of viewers. McKay’s most memorable moment came during the 1972 Munich Olympics, where he provided continuous coverage of the tragic hostage situation involving Israeli athletes. His calm and compassionate reporting earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the George Polk Memorial Award and several Emmy Awards. Beyond his work in journalism, McKay was an avid advocate for the promotion of sportsmanship and athletic excellence. McKay passed away on June 7, 2008, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected figures in sports journalism history.

5 Interesting Facts about Jim McKay

1. Jim McKay won 13 Emmy Awards throughout his career, including one for lifetime achievement.

2. He was the first sportscaster to receive the George Polk Memorial Award in 1972.

3. McKay covered 12 Olympic Games, both summer and winter, over his career.

4. He was a licensed pilot and often flew his own plane to assignments.

5. McKay’s real name was James Kenneth McManus; he adopted the name Jim McKay professionally when he joined CBS.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jim McKay

1. “Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat…”

2. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

3. “The human drama of athletic competition.”

4. “They’re all gone.”

5. “I am amazed at the resilience of the human spirit.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jim McKay’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.

Children

Jim McKay had two children: a son named Sean McManus, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a prominent television executive, and a daughter named Mary McManus.