As a digital media professional, if I were recording an interview of an Olympic athlete on the set of a late-night talk show, I would select a cardioid condenser microphone.
A cardioid condenser microphone is a directional microphone that is ideal for recording speech and vocals. It picks up sound from the front and rejects sounds from the sides and rear. This feature helps to isolate the athlete's voice and reduce background noise, which can be important in a live audience setting.
Additionally, a condenser microphone is more sensitive and provides better frequency response compared to dynamic microphones, which can help to capture the athlete's voice with greater clarity and detail.
Lastly, a cardioid condenser microphone can be mounted on a boom arm or stand, making it easy to position the microphone at the ideal distance and angle for the athlete's comfort.
Overall, a cardioid condenser microphone would be the best choice for recording an interview of an Olympic athlete on a late-night talk show set in front of a live audience due to its directional sensitivity, sound quality, and ease of positioning.