These were indeed the serene Olympics, until it all went horribly wrong on September 5th.
That building was only 100 yards from the ABC studio.
Thirty five minutes later he arrived.
ABC Sports' Jim McKay broadcasting during the 1972 Olympics in Munich, GermanyGetty Images
Arledge repeated, Get McKay in here!
At the time, I had no idea I was witnessing television history.
As history has shown, he made the absolute right choice.
Sean McManus at a ‘September 5’ event last month in New York.Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
They were watching from their home in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Also remember that the words terror attack and terrorists were not part of our vernacular.
These attacks just didnt happen.
In fact, the ABC Sports team were not even sure what to call the men holding the hostages.
In the end they used the term Palestinian terrorists.
Shortly after the sound of helicopters filled the night air.
And their professionalism and performance never wavered.
My admiration for them can not be exaggerated.
Well, our worst fears have been realized tonight.
The producers understood that no one could replicate what he did during those seemingly endless hours.
They needed his authenticity and presence, not that of an actor.
It is one of the elements that makes this move so authentic and riveting.
My dad asked for his key and the concierge handed him a telegram which my dad opened.
It read, Jim, you were superb yesterday.
The industry has reason to be proud.
I will never forget that moment.
He carried that telegram in his briefcase until the day he passed away.
I now carry it in mine.
