Peter Montgomery (broadcaster)
Peter Montgomery | |
|---|---|
| Born | Peter John Montgomery Kaitaia, New Zealand |
| Other names | PJ Montgomery |
| Occupation | Sports broadcaster |
| Known for | "The Voice of the America's Cup" |
| Notable work | America's Cup commentary, Olympic Games coverage, Whitbread Round the World/Volvo Ocean Races commentary |
Peter John "PJ" Montgomery is a distinguished sports broadcaster from New Zealand, widely recognized as "The Voice of the America's Cup" through his work on both domestic and international radio and television platforms. He gained particular acclaim for his memorable declaration, "The America's Cup is now New Zealand's Cup," which he delivered following New Zealand's inaugural victory in the America's Cup in 1995—a commentary moment honored as the most unforgettable in sports by the Sunday Star Times.
Early life
Montgomery was born in Kaitaia, located in the Northland area, and moved to Dunedin during his early years. He attended King's High School and represented Otago as a junior athlete in both sprinting and rugby union. After relocating to Auckland in 1965, he developed a passion for yachting, advancing from sailing keelboats to becoming a regular crew member on various vessels.
Broadcasting career
Throughout his extensive career, Montgomery has provided commentary for thirteen America's Cup events, ten editions of the Olympic Games, and all thirteen iterations of the Whitbread Round the World/Volvo Ocean Races. He is a frequent commentator at prominent international regattas, including World Championships and major contests on the World Match Racing Tour such as The Bermuda Gold Cup, The Swedish Match Cup, and The Monsoon Cup Malaysia. Additionally, World Sailing appointed him as the first Host/MC for ceremonies honoring the World Sailor of The Year and the Sailing Hall of Fame.
In addition to sailing coverage, Montgomery has experience broadcasting rowing and rugby. For over two decades, he served as a sideline commentator with Auckland’s Radio Network "Radio Rugby Team," where his signature Driz-a-Bone raincoat became nearly as recognizable as his commentary style.
Montgomery also contributed to the 1992 film Wind by portraying an America's Cup commentator to enhance its authenticity. Furthermore, he appears in the America's Cup documentary The Wind Gods.
Awards and membership
- Recipient of New Zealand Sports Journalist of the Year
- Honored as New Zealand Sports Broadcaster of the Year
- Awarded Communicator of the Year
- Named Yachtsman of the Year in 1990, receiving the Bernard Ferguson Trophy from the New Zealand Yachting Federation
- Made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for contributions to sports broadcasting during the 1995 Queen's Birthday Honours
- Awarded SPARC’s "Lifetime Contribution to Journalism through Sport" at the 2003 New Zealand Sports Journalists Association awards
- Inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021
Montgomery holds roles such as Patron or Vice Patron at multiple yacht clubs and serves on selection panels for both The America's Cup Hall of Fame and The Yachting New Zealand Sailor of the Year Award. He has been granted Life Memberships with prestigious organizations including the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Yachting New Zealand, The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, and The New Zealand Sports Journalists Association.