Colin Jost Makes Sudden Exit from Tahiti Olympics Surfing Coverage

The comedian had a rough start to his correspondent gig in Tahiti after suffering a toe injury shortly after touching down on the French Polynesian island.

WASHINGTON — Colin Jost abruptly stepped away from NBC’s Olympics surfing coverage in Tahiti over the weekend. He was initially tasked with covering the surfing tournament in the French Polynesian island.

According to Australian media, Jost was “called back home to New York amid a two-day competition break due to a lack of swell.” The exact reason for his sudden departure remains unclear.

Australian weatherman Luke Bradman replaced Jost during the final days of the competition. On Monday, Jost referenced his early exit on Instagram as the semifinal and final events of the surfing tournament commenced.

In the caption of a pre-taped segment, Jost wrote, “Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Semis and finals of Olympic surfing happening right now in Tahiti. At the Wall of Skulls.”

Jost, 42, had a rough start in Tahiti, suffering a toe injury on his left foot shortly after arriving. He shared on social media, “You know it’s going great when you’ve been to the Olympic medical tent more than any of the athletes,” along with a picture of his bandaged toes.

In an earlier post, he humorously detailed his injury: “This might ruin my WikiFeet score but I just arrived in Tahiti for the surfing Olympics and the reef was excited to greet me,” displaying his bloodied foot.

Jost explained in an interview with Mike Tirico that the injury was a result of surfing. “I did pretty well until the first wave and then I ended up standing on the coral reef. Much like the coral reef safety expert, but without coral shoes on. So I got a little scraped up,” he said.

His injury led to frequent visits to the Olympic medical tent, getting acquainted with the staff there. “At this point, they know my name. They’re very familiar with my badge ID number,” Jost told Maria Taylor. “They know I’m allergic to penicillin.”

Updating Tirico on July 30 about the competition, Jost revealed he had also developed an inner ear infection and was on “three different medications.” He joked, “My new goal by the time I leave here is to have as many infections as there are Olympic events.”

Ultimately, Jost was not present by the time the surfing competition resumed.