The legendary sports broadcaster Norman May has died at the age of 88.
May, who was affectionately nicknamed “Nugget” due to his stout body type when he was young, was widely loved for his unique sports commentary.
Sad to hear of the passing of the great Norman May - a mentor & inspiration of some of our greatest sports broadcasters
— Drew Morphett OAM (@drewmorphett) September 11, 2016
Growing up in Sydney, May joined the ABC as a trainee in 1958. He officially retired in 1984, although he continued to work as a sports broadcaster for years longer.
May’s most famous appearance was his calling of the the men’s 4x100 medley final at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, where he famously shouted “Gold! Gold for Australia! Gold!”
Inside the broadcasting industry, he was considered a mentor to many.
Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates said May “could make any sporting event spring to life”.
“Australians hung on his every word whether Norman was calling rugby, the races, Test cricket or surf lifesaving,” Coates said in a statement on Sunday.
“He was passionate, he was entertaining, he loved a drink and a laugh but he was always a true gentleman.
“His job was his life and he had a big impact on all of us who shared his passion for sport.”
In 2004, May was inducted to the Sports Australia Hall of Fame and in 2009 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
Norman May lit the way for so many
— Gerard Whateley (@GerardWhateley) September 11, 2016
What a grand legacy he leaves
He died surrounded by friends and family.
Norman May - we grew up with his passionate, irrepressible calls of great Australian sporting moments. Vale.
— Mark Scott (@mscott) September 11, 2016
