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Matt and Al: First synchro, then the luge, now...

Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:01 AM by Jen Brown
Filed Under:

From Al Roker, TODAY anchor

It’s become a tradition for Matt and me to learn a new sport at each Games.  In Athens, we almost drowned trying to compete with the synchronized swimming team...


Watch video

....and in Torino we risked life and limb when we got on the luge together:


Watch video

So the bar was pretty high coming into Beijing, where I was tasked with choosing our next adventure into Olympic competition. 

I eliminated anything involving guns and shooting right away. (Talk about Hindenburg potential!) Equestrian was out; I’d rather ride an elephant than a horse. And track and field?  Now that’s just laughable.

I settled on rhythmic gymnastics, where the greatest physical danger is death by embarrassment.

We got some expert help from Canadian Alexandra Orlando, the only North American to qualify in rhythmic gymnastics for the Olympics. They call her “Alex the Great” in Canada, and after a few hours in the gym, it was easy to see why. She makes twirling those ropes and ribbons and hoops look easy. It is not. Trust me.

After a few hours with Alex the Great, we were “ready” for the big time. Let me tell you, Matt and I put on a performance unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. In fact, I’m not even going to try to describe it.  You’ll have to watch with your own eyes. WATCH VIDEO HERE

So, what did I learn from this whole experience? One, I know what it feels like to be a sausage (see photo of our uniforms). Two, rhythmic gymnastics has reinforced my belief that the sports that look the easiest are actually the hardest. And three, it’s a great sport with a lot of growth potential. It’s already big in Asia, and if our performance doesn’t send the world of rhythmic gymnastics into a downward spiral, I think it’s really going to catch on.

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Comments

That had to be one of the funniest things I've seen in quite awhile.  I kept wondering how you guys could do that with straight faces.  I would definitely love to see the "outtakes".  

Tammy Martin Dublin, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 4:16 PM)

I have not laughed so hard in a long time.  That was great!  What bravery to even attempt to put on those unforms.  Matt and Al good not have done a better job of keeping a straight face.  Matt's face looked as serious as it does when he interviews a world leader.  Thanks!

Kim Phillips, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 4:27 PM)

The two of you are courageous and graceful....but mostly courageous.

Glad you all are having a good time and Happy Belated Birthday, Al.  Give Matt a hug for me (or perhaps that will be my own Olympic event.)

Mary Jo Weidrick (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 5:08 PM)

Matt and Al,
You guys are awesome!  Thank you for "going for the gold"!  We laughed so hard this morning watching you! I'm mean, what better way to start your day!  My kids and I send a huge congratulations for your efforts in rhythmic gymnastics-you ROCK

Jodi Harster, Poulsbo, WA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 5:23 PM)

You guys are the greatest!  This far out-did your previous "gold" attempts.  Congratulations, and come home soon (before you hurt something!)

Joyce Naylor, Clementon, NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 5:37 PM)

I laughed, I cried (from laughing so hard) & I cheered!  What an amazing performance. Gold medal winner for sure!

Vicki Freymark, Imperial, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 5:42 PM)

I watched your performance with great enthusiasm.  What grace and style both you and Matt showed.  The little flirtation actions made you look like you are generally fond of each other and it helped with the beauty of the presentation.  Don’t get me wrong, I
thought you were great, but Brian Williams use of the ribbon was just a little more polished than the two of you.  I look forward to the next Olympics and what you will accomplish there.

Sally Morgan, Lebanon, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 5:46 PM)

Thank goodness they didn't try the clubs.  The deduction for actually knocking someone unconcious must be huge.

Kathie Johnston (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 5:58 PM)

Al, you and Matt were halarious this morning.  I could not stop laughing.  You guys really make the mornings fun.
And you guys were cute too.

Corliss E Jackson, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 6:15 PM)

Al, There is know doubt that the Today Show IS the best on morning TV.  I salute you, Matt and the "LADIES" for the excelent job you are doing now, and the job you do through out the year.  
I am disabled with Cerebral Palsy, 55 years old, and admire the ability of all of our athletes.  I only wish the networks would do justice to those who compete in the Para-olympics, three weeks from now.
Again, may I say how much I appreciate the jobs this staff (family) does.

Cleon Green, Nashville, AR (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 6:30 PM)

Al, what do you do for entertainment ie the weekends

marlene Royal Oak, MI (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 6:55 PM)

Al,
You and Matt kept me and my husband laughing the entire time. I think the best part was to see the seriousness on both of your faces the entire routine. It was great!Look forward to more great Olympic sports from you both.

Brenda, West Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:30 PM)

I just thought you guys were so serious looking.I enjoyed Matt being out of his confort zone. Al you looked like a natural. I can really appreciate that you never take yourself so seriously and that you can enjoy new experiences.

Aurora Chicago ,IL (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:45 PM)

I watched this gymnastic demonstration at a little diner in North Carolina and thought you two did a FANTASTIC job!  You were truly hilarious!!!!  

Mary Dunlap (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:51 PM)

That was hysterical! Although the audience didn't seem to impressed!

Kelly, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:36 PM)

How fun, & the boys seemed to be enjoying themselves.
I am glad to see a fun side to the normal Hard news.
Thanks for a big chuckle.

Sheila Walters, Miramar Beach, Fl 32550 (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:40 PM)

I thought the luge and synchronized swimming were great but your rhythmic gymnastics had me doubled over with laughter. I love you guys (well, not in a conjugal way)- you never fail to entertain! Thanks for starting my mornings with your wacky humor.

Linda Pedisich, Narberth, PA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:00 PM)

I LOVE your and Matt's COMEDY SHOW! OPPS, I mean your great sports showmenship.
Please do not quit, because I really enjoy these segments. I look forward to seeing the next segments in 2012.

D (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:26 PM)

I wasn't able to watch this in the morning so when I saw it was posted on the All day Blogs I new it wasn't to be missed.  I have to say I laughed so hard that I had tears in my eyes.  I watched it twice both times with tears in my eyes!

ALB, Mount Joy , PA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:46 PM)

Matt- Yesterday, I was standing up for you as they were making jabs at you for having "Natural Women" in your ipod.  I have carefully reconsidered my position after I saw you and Al doing rythmic gymnastics with ribbon, rope and hula hula hoops as a couple.  ha ha, love the show.

Ray Tupper, Joplin, Mo. (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:03 PM)

Awesome segment video! What great sports both of you are. It made my day.  Keep up the great work.  

J. Vanderlaan - Holland, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:04 PM)

Hey Matt & Al It was great but keep your day jobs. What do you have for 2010 & maybe 2012?

Alan Truss, Gardena, Ca (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 1:02 AM)

This is a more "subtle" Olympic adventure, but it's way more funnier--by a mile!!!

Rose (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:29 AM)

Matt and Al... you guys are crazy awesome!  The Olympics would not be complete without the TODAY SHOW and your performances.  Thanks, for another sparkling display!  

Cookie T, Grifton, NC (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:33 AM)

Loved the show Al and Matt you both make me laugh, but have a question....I have watched so many of the US athletes up on the medal stands but when the American anthem is played they do not sing or say it with the music...why is that.

Jennifer, Woodinville, Washington (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:44 AM)

Thank you for giving us the best report from the Olympics yet! What a wonderful piece! I admire your willingness to try ANYTHING!

Melanie, Modesto, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:02 AM)

you two are the reasons i watch the TODAY show. you guys are wonderful.  do your families socialize off
the show. you just seem like really close friends.

lynn visalia, calif (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:35 AM)

Matt and Al. I missed watching you two during the regular broadcast, but I was able to watch it just now. I have to say if it weren't for you two being able to have fun without "making fun" at any sport you choose to showcase it would be a boring tutorial of said sport. Thanks for the laughs. My fav so far has to be the lugeing in Torino though. Can't wait to see what you two come up with at the next olympics.
Thanks again for a great laugh!

Nancy, Holland, MI. (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 7:40 AM)

Matt & Al, my twin sister Katie called me yesterday in tears laughing so hard telling me I HAD to watch your video at the Olympics!  You guys are wonderful; how you did that with a straight face I'll never know!  Unbelievably hysterical!  You guys deserve the Gold without question ... if for nothing but having the guts to get up there & do that.  Kudos on a great performance!  Loved Brian Williams reading the paper, too!  Great sports all of you!

Pete Ogg, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:12 AM)

I LOVE THE TODAY SHOW.  YOU GUYS ARE GREAT.  THE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS WAS HYSTERICAL. I LOVE THE SHOT OF BRIAN WILLIAMS DON'T EVER CHANGE WHAT YOU DO.

Lucille Wolfsohn, Woodridge, New Jersey (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:37 AM)

Al,

I enjoy watching you, Matt, Ann, and Meredith are get soaked by the fountains. You and Matt just kinda stood back. While Ann and Meredith had all the fun, but the got you into it.

I laughed the whole time.

Asa, Baltimore, MD (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:37 AM)

FUNNY! FUNNY! FUNNY!
What courage, you guys had me cracking up.  Keep up th good work.

novey, Hamilton, Bermuda (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 9:03 AM)

Really take the challenge: Modern Pentathalon.  We'll be watching.

CK Fabian (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 10:48 AM)

Al and Matt,
I am still laughing after watching your performance in rythmic gymnastics yesterday.  It is the reason I was late for work, and well worth it.  With all the serious stories in the world that you report on, it gives us a look at another side of you that makes you real.  Keep up the good work!

Maria, Roanoke VA (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 11:57 AM)

Matt and Al, Make my day! Laughter is good for the soul.

kimberly Mock (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 12:55 PM)

"I settled on rhythmic gymnastics, where the greatest physical danger is death by embarrassment. "
Has to be one of the funniest if not one of the best quotes.

I love the vid but the two of you looked like you should have been in Rain Man. The look of intensity on your faces, especially Matt's was classic!

stingstungme (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:02 PM)

As a mother of a rhythmic gymnast, I cant thank you enough for highlighting Alex...sadly no US girls made the cut, but that is because of hokey international rules, not for lack of trying. Well done, and thank you for showing our sport respect. It aint easy, I assure you!

Mom - midatlantic (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 5:37 PM)

Priceless!!...................... :-)  

Linda Kenney, Glendale Arizona (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 6:39 PM)

I love it when 'star's are not too full of themselves to occasionally make fun of themselves!  Congrats to Matt and Al for giving us all a good laugh.... Well done!

Diane Curtis., Whiting, NJ (Sent Thursday, August 21, 2008 9:57 AM)

The luge still rules, but I'll give this a solid silver XD better luck in 2012, Brian!

Arlene (Sent Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:18 PM)

Matt and Al, this is your best yet!!!! Keep the fun coming.  I laughed so hard I'm still crying (can't stop the visuals) You guys get the GOLD

EJ, Tacoma, WA (Sent Thursday, August 21, 2008 5:33 PM)



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