JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Longtime Johnson City entrepreneur Jose Castillo got the call for the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as emcee and host for the Team USA House at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Castillo was finally able to share the exciting news on Wednesday, celebrating with employees at the Spark Plaza office space he co-owns in downtown Johnson City.
As emcee and host for Team USA House, he will be the link between athletes, their stories and fans.
“I've always been behind a microphone and helping people have fun,” Castillo said, “so bringing my talents and abilities to a different audience is a natural next step for me.”
He said it's a humbling and honorable opportunity that he can't wait to experience.
“[The athletes] “They've put in so much hard work, determination and passion over the years to make their Olympic dreams come true,” Castillo said, “and I believe it will inspire those of us watching this. It gives us hope that we can make our dreams come true. So as a presenter, what could be better than giving people hope?”
Hosting and emceeing is not a new job for Castillo, in fact, he's been doing it for almost 20 years, and he's traveled around the country performing live and hosting NASCAR trackside.
Castillo has also hosted at Bristol Motor Speedway, where his friend Drew Bedard, vice president of marketing for BMS, said he was one of two people who came up with the idea to have fan hosts on the big screens in the grandstands, something that wasn't being done at the time.
“[Castillo is a] “It's a perfect fit,” Bédard said. “It's fantastic. He's going to bring that warm Southern hospitality to the Paris Olympics. We couldn't be more pleased and proud. It's just fantastic.”
Castillo said that over the years, he's met people and made connections, and one of those connections called him and told him about the Olympic opportunity.
“I've been doing this for 18 years and finally people say I'm an overnight success,” Castillo said.
The Team USA House will be located in the heart of Paris at the Palais Brongniart. Castillo said this will be the first year the house will be open to the public. The house will feature a variety of interactive activities, including appearances by Team USA athletes and Olympic viewing, as well as a daily program that will include media celebrations, meet-and-greets with current and alumni athletes, Olympic sports previews and competitions, and interactive activities.
Castillo said the biggest challenge will be mental stamina because it will be a very busy three weeks, but he said he has a great team behind him and thinks Bédard will be able to handle it.
Additionally, while Castillo is excited to be a part of the Summer Olympics, he also wants to honor the tradition of athletes from the area competing in the Olympics, which has included athletes from East Tennessee State University, King University and Milligan University.
Brody Malone, a Johnson City native with family in Elizabethton, also qualified for the USA Gymnastics team.
Castillo said he will be leaving to prepare just days before the Olympics begin on July 26. He has never been to Paris and is looking forward to exploring the city in his free time. He said his wife, Shannon, will be accompanying him for a week.
For tickets and schedules at Team USA House, click this link.
