Carlson was the lead commentator for the BBC's coverage of the basketball at the 2012 Olympics, alongside co-commentator John Amaechi. Whilst commentating during the quarter-final game between Argentina and Brazil, Carlson was hit on the head by a rogue basketball that had been thrown off the court – his bewildered reaction became a popular video on the internet. He was also part of the commentary team for the BBC's coverage of the basketball at the 2016 Olympics, alongside Australian sports broadcasters Mark Chester, Matthew Hill, Steve Robilliard and Vitor Sobral.