Kevin Wong’s done some crazy things in his beach volleyball career. The most insane may have been a 4-on-4 tournament in Abu Dhabi, a night event in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates where sheiks backed all-star teams that had been put together on a week’s notice.

"The crowd was wild, almost like a gladiator crowd," Wong said. "It was a blast."

And a victory. Wong’s teammates were some of the sport’s elite: Sinjin Smith, Ricci Luytes and Carl Henkel.

This month, Wong embarks on another volleyball adventure. This time the 2000 Olympian in beach volleyball will be outside the court when partnering with Chris Marlowe for NBC’s Olympic telecast.

Wong makes his international analyst debut on Saturday. It’s a career move that came with age. After playing professionally on the beach for 15 years, the Punahou School graduate saw the writing in the sand.

"I had a decision to make," said Wong, who has been part of recent OC 16 sports broadcasts as well as helping create a Hawaii youth beach volleyball league. "I was trying to do both, still play and also do some TV. I was told (by a TV executive) I had to pick one.

"Last August in Hermosa (Beach, Calif.) was the first tournament where I was just a TV person. That sealed the deal. It was bittersweet, sad but timely."

At 39, Wong knew his best days were behind him. But he brought that perspective when asked to audition nearly two years ago for the opening NBC had for beach volleyball.

Karch Kiraly, the only person to win Olympic gold medals in indoor and beach volleyball, was leaving the broadcast booth after three Games to become an assistant with the U.S. women’s national team.

The audition process included simulated broadcasts with longtime sportscaster and former volleyball player Paul Sunderland.

"It was a his job to put all of us through a ringer," Wong said. "He was such a pro to work with, someone who was easy to watch and learn from.

"And I’ve been lucky to have that Hawaii TV volleyball DNA from watching and listening to Jim Leahey and Chris McLachlin all these years. I’m constantly seeing volleyball through their eyes and have found myself using their phrases."

Wong said the hardest part was putting on his camera face.

"The voice stuff comes easy," he said. "It’s just like sitting on the couch with your buddies and doing chalk talk.

"I’m stoked about going to London. Our location is right in the center. My only concern is we’ll be doing seven, eight matches a day some days. I’ve never done that."

Wong left for London on Sunday. He said returning to the Olympics as an Olympian is going to be an unforgettable experience.

"It’s going to be such a ride," said Wong, who finished fifth with Rob Heidger in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. "This is nothing I ever planned on.

"So much in life we plan for and sometimes it’s about being in the right spot at the right time."