Sam Mac has shared a heartfelt farewell to long-time colleague Mark Beretta, paying tribute to the much-loved presenter as he wrapped up his final Sunrise shift after 22 years on the breakfast program.
The Sunrise weather presenter prefaced his tribute by expressing his gratitude to his longtime colleague, adding “for many of our viewers, it feels like they’re saying goodbye to a beloved family member.”
“Even if some of them still think his name is ‘Brett’ (it’s not, Kath and Kim guys),” Mac quipped.
“And as the sun sets on Sunrise for our dear friend Mark, I believe the most fitting tribute for the sports guy, is to give him his very own sports report.”
Beretta has been a fixture on Sunrise for over two decades, reporting on everything from the Olympics to charity events. Over his time on the program, he covered 13 Olympic Games and helped raise $158 million for cancer research through the Tour De Cure.
Mac made sure to include all of this information in the style of a sports report, with the intro: “Sport and Sunrise all-rounder Mark Beretta is hanging up the boots after an illustrious 22 years at number one in the rankings.
“Beretts, known as “The Silver Fox” (a nickname he generously gave himself) has chalked up some extraordinary statistics.”
Mac also shared some of the lighter statistics that make Beretta a much-loved personality.
“1458 = The amount of times he seamlessly weaved into conversation that he’s a former water-skiing champion,” he wrote.
“11 = The amount of profiteroles he famously ate in a single ad break after a cooking segment.
“34 = The amount of consecutive days he wore lycra (which is unusual as the Tour only runs for nine days. It was either stuck to him, or he just really loves wearing lycra).
“And finally. Zero! = The amount of times he gave an update on the Geelong football club without a hint of bias”.
“Now, as the crowds chant his name, and he triumphantly raises his bat to the pavilion, Mark Beretta can exit the arena with his head held high,” Mac continued
“And that folks, is the latest in sport. Go well sir, we’ll miss you!” he concluded his message.
Image: 7News
