JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Long-time Johnson City entrepreneur Jose Castillo got a call for the opportunity of a lifetime: to be the emcee and host for the Team USA House at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Castillo celebrated with workers at his co-owned Spark Plaza office space in downtown Johnson City on Wednesday, finally able to share the exciting news.
He will be the connector of the athletes, their stories, and the fans as the Team USA House emcee and host.
“I’ve always been on a microphone and helping people have fun,” Castillo said. “And so this is the natural next step to me is to take my gifts and talents to another audience.”
He said it’s a humbling and honoring opportunity he can’t wait to experience.
“[The athletes] work so hard, determination, passion over the years to achieve the Olympic dream,” Castillo said. “And I believe that as people watching this, we can be inspired. We can have hope that we can achieve our dreams by watching that. So, what better thing to do as a host and emcee than give people hope?”
Court docs: Escaped Carter Co. inmate had been previously charged with attempted kidnapping Emceeing and hosting isn’t something new for Castillo. In fact, he’s been doing it for almost two decades. He’s traveled the country doing gigs and hosting NASCAR Trackside.
Castillo has even hosted at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Friend and Vice President of Marketing for BMS Drew Bedard said Castillo was one of two people with the idea to put a fan host in the grandstands up on a jumbotron, something that wasn’t being done at the time.
“[Castillo is a] perfect fit,” Bedard said. “Love it. He’ll bring that warm Southern hospitality to the Paris Olympics and we just couldn’t be happier for him and more proud of him. It’s just a wonderful thing.”
Castillo said in his years of experience, he’s met people and made connections along the way. One of those connections gave him a call and told him about the Olympics opportunity.
“People say that after 18 years of doing this, I’m finally an overnight success,” Castillo said.
The Team USA House will be in the heart of Paris at the Palais Brongniart. Castillo said this is the first year the house will be open for public access. The house will offer an array of interactive activities including Team USA athlete appearances, Olympic Game viewing, along with daily programming including media celebrations, chats with current and alumni athletes, Olympic Games event previews and games, and interactive activities.
Castillo said the biggest challenge is his mental stamina since he’ll be very busy for three weeks. He said he’s got a great team to help and Bedard said he’ll do just fine.
Oversized load stopped in Hawkins County is expected to roll again Friday night Plus, while Castillo celebrates his participation in the summer games, he wants to honor the tradition of athletes in the Olympics from the region. Athletes out of East Tennessee State University, King University, and Milligan University have went to the Olympics.
Brody Malone just qualified for the USA gymnastics team as well. He’s originally from Johnson City and has family in Elizabethton.
Castillo said he flies out a few days before the Olympics begins on July 26 to prepare. He’s never visited Paris and is excited to explore in his free time. Plus, his wife Shannon will join him for a week.
Click this link for tickets and the schedule for the Team USA House.
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