The Chance of a Lifetime: My Olympic Opportunity

Amanda Quick reflects on her experience interning at the Olympics as well as Black American athletes who made an impact in London.

“Let’s go U.S.A,” echoed throughout the basketball arena as the U.S. men’s basketball team jogged onto the court for the fourth quarter. Bright lights illuminated the glossy, almost perfect floor and fans from every corner waved flags of red, white and blue – some cheering for the “land down under” and others for the United States.

Even with the overwhelming atmosphere and wild face-painted fans, the players seemed calm and composed. Not that I should have been surprised – these players were national superstars at home, but this wasn’t any NBA game: it was the Olympics.

The men’s basketball game versus Australia that I attended was not the final game, but the U.S. men’s basketball team did go on to win gold. They were probably lucky, proud and grateful to not only be in London but to experience a moment that most people can only dream about; and the same went for me. I wasn’t an athlete, but in my own right, being and interning at the Olympics was the chance of a lifetime.

Prior to the Olympics I had been to London twice – once on a family trip and another time through an academic program. Contrary to what my friends and family might have thought, I didn’t really have much time to sightsee and tour London. From interning 12-15 hour days we lived, slept and breathed the Olympics.  Defining my overall experience as great would be an understatement. This internship with NBC was everything I expected and more.

The Host City and “Team GB”

Olympic Park was breathtaking – but busy. Not only was the park filled with the Olympic rings, banners, venues and thousands of spectators, but the entire city was buzzing with Olympic Fever. There were special Olympic lanes for “Games Only Vehicles,” Olympic signs in the underground tube stations and street carts that sold mugs and other “London 2012” keepsakes. If those things didn’t hint that I was in London, then the “Team GB” signs, gear, and athletes sealed the deal. As the home team, the British wanted to let the world know they were proud of their athletes and the athletes were proud to represent their country.

Even some of the media captured the spirit of “Team GB” through features and exclusive interviews. However, in order to make most of these features and shows possible, media companies throughout the world were stationed in the International Broadcasting Center (or IBC) to head production, prepare for shows and interview athletes.

My Olympic Experience

I spent most of my time at the IBC and interned on the Daytime show with four other interns – three were from U.S. universities and one was from the local London area. When I was assigned to the Daytime show, I was ecstatic. I remember thinking “Wow, I am going to have the chance to stand on set to watch some of the best sports journalists anchor a live Olympics show!”  I am a broadcast journalism major, and I have always dreamed of becoming a reporter.  Seeing the anchors and feature reporters conducting interviews and interacting with athletes was motivating and a dream come true.

However, while we did have the chance to observe and talk with some of the talent, interning at the Olympics really exposed me to the production and behind-the-scenes aspects of television. It gave me hands on experience as well as a chance to see all parts of production – writers, producers, directors, cameramen and talent – come together.

All About the Athletes

In 2011, the population of London was almost 8.2 million and the London census reported that 10.7 percent of Londoners were black. Whether it was at a venue, in or outside of Olympic Park I always saw or heard black Londoners heading to an event – their accents were hard to miss! One of the most notable black British athletes was Mo Farah, who won gold in the 10,000m and 5,000m events.

Additionally, despite the Olympics being overseas, black Olympians still made an impact for team USA. Some of the most notable African-American athletes were:

–       Gabby Douglas – First African American to win an All-Around Gold in artistic Gymnastics

–       Sanya Richards-Ross – Won Gold in the 400m and the 4 x 400m relay.

–       Allyson Felix – Won Gold in three events: 200m, 4x400m and 4x100m

–       Jordan Burroughs – African-American Wrestler who won Gold for his 162 lbs. weight class.

–       Serena Williams – Won two Olympic gold medals – one in the singles division and one in doubles with her sister Venus.

–       Cullen Jones – Won three Olympic Medals in swimming; won gold in 4x100m medley and silver in the 50m freestyle and 4 x 100m freestyle.

Saying Goodbye

But as quickly as the games started, they ended. The hustle and bustle of the first few days seemed like months ago as the other interns and I watched Taio Cruz and the Spice Girls, among other notable singers, perform at Closing Ceremonies from a TV inside the broadcasting center. It seemed like in the blink of an eye I went from unpacking my bags to forcing shut my souvenir-stuffed suitcase, hoping my bag wouldn’t be overweight for my flight home.

One of my favorite quotes can be used to best describe my experience: “Life  isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Interning at the Olympics was one of those moments.  I didn’t leave with a gold medal, but I left with friends for a lifetime, new skills and unforgettable memories.