Off ScreenSportsCenter

Off Camera with. . . Elle Duncan

Elle Duncan (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Elle Duncan (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to “Off Camera with. . .,” a Front Row series that introduces you to some of the studio anchors who have recently joined ESPN. Today we meet Elle Duncan, who joined ESPN in early May as a SportsCenter anchor.

How did you choose your profession?
I chose this profession because I’d be waxing poetic to folks at the bar, or the nail shop or in my family about sports anyway. So, instead of debating my 10-year-old cousin about the merits of instant replay for free, I figured, let’s see if someone/anyone will pay me to do it instead! Knock on wood so far I’ve been lucky and they have.

Elle and her husband Omar, at their wedding in Costa Rica. (Courtesy of Elle Duncan)
Elle and her husband Omar celebrate at their recent wedding in Costa Rica. (Photo courtesy of Elle Duncan)

Favorite quote?
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” – Thomas Edison

Any words of wisdom?
Better to be a cool person than to simply have a cool job.

Do you have any hidden talents?
My hidden talent is singing. I do it often and everywhere. I am the star of “Shower Records,” where most of my best work is done, but I have been known to sing a ditty at a wedding or two. I also can turn any song into a Disney Musical-ish sound.

Who is your favorite sports team or what was your favorite sports moment?
Denver Broncos are my favorite team hands down. So needless to say, on a personal level, running through the streets of New York in February screaming and air punching “WE WON, WE WON, WE’RE CHAMPS AGAIN” while unsuspecting New Yorkers looked on in pity, was a highlight of my life.

Best advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received was you’re never as good or as bad as they say you are. At best you exist somewhere in the middle; a place you can exercise humility and thoughtfulness.

Is there one book that everyone should read?
I think a must read book is “There Is a River” by Edgar Cayce. A true story about surpassing what society has fated for you based on background and education. Whether you believe his story or not, it’s revelatory about what people can accomplish without the cloudiness of doubt.

Do you speak any languages besides English?
I speak no languages but various dialects. I can do Country, Southern (yes, they’re different) and some Midwestern. I have a British accent that will unexpectedly turn Australian and a very weak but passable Boston accent!

What is your favorite all time movie?
Favorite all time movie is “Clueless.” I can recite every line, and I still 20-plus years later want Cher’s closet – if you’ve seen the movie, there’s no explanation necessary.

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