Tristan Garnett: asking ‘better questions’

Tristan Garnett outside the Aquatic Olympic Stadium in Rio
Tristan Garnett, outside of the Aquatic Olympic Stadium, is impressed by what he learned inside the building. 

Before our trip to the Rio Games I thought I knew what it was like to be a journalist, but really I had just scratched the surface. Working a major international event is a completely different ball game.

Bus drivers get lost and make longer stops than expected. Traffic in Rio seems to always be at a standstill. I’ve learned that it’s always better to be at an event early and have time to prep than get there just before it begins or later.

The media zones provided invaluable experience. For the first time in my career I experienced authentic scrums and learned the etiquette expected. I definitely now ask better questions. Sometimes you only get two minutes with an athlete so you better make that time count.

I loved telling the stories that I did during the Games. I was completely dumbfounded and touched by what I saw at the Olympic Aquatic Stadium. Individuals who can’t walk, or have lost both legs and arms become very mobile and free while in the pool. If they can do it then what’s my excuse for not knowing how to swim?

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Posted: Oct 1 2016 4:00 pm
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Filed under: ParaBrazil16 Rio Reflections

About the Author

Tristan Garnett
Follow Tristan on Twitter @_tgarnett