Host Peter Overton fought back tears on Nine News last night as he emotionally farewelled friend and veteran Nine sports presenter Ken Sutcliffe, who aired his final report for the program.
Sutcliffe, 69, announced his retirement in November, following a 50-year career in the media, including 37 years at Nine.
"Thank you for everything you've given to our newsroom, we love you," Overton sniffled in a tribute aired at the end of Nine's primetime news program.
The blokey bromides were in full force during a six-minute segment that followed Sutcliffe's career through his early years as a sidekick to Graham Kennedy through his hosting gig on Wide World Of Sports and various reports from Wimbledon, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
"Ken, you've covered the champions. But mate, you're our champion," Overton said in the video, before passing the floor to other Nine personalities and sports stars, including Ray Warren, Mick Doohan, John Newcombe and Sally Pearson.
"He's a cheeky bugger, I think that's what we all love about him. What you see is what you get," said 60 Minutes' Liz Hayes.
"You're a good man, Kenny, you're going to be missed," offered Shane Warne.
Sutcliffe's farewell even brought a tribute from PM Malcolm Turnbull.
"Ken didn't just present the Wide World Of Sports, he embodied it," said Turnbull.
"For so many decades, from so many continents, Ken brought home stories of heart-stopping triumph and heartbreaking defeat. Ken, you'll be missed."
Here we go! We’ll miss you Kenny, all the best in retirement… #FarewellKen
#9WWOS | https://t.co/DkVHZeCNwa https://t.co/kZdtGX6lEM— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) December 8, 2016
In November, Nine announced that Sutcliffe would be replaced by sports presenter Cameron Williams, who would assume the role of Sports Editor.
Sutcliffe, who kept a straight face throughout the awkwardly teary segment, mentioned that he will be "back from time to time".
"I'm just going out to pasture for a little while, but I'll be back," he said.
