Paris Olympics 2024
I attended the Paris 2024 Olympics this summer with my study abroad program. I had the amazing opportunity to work alongside the media, network, and see the Olympic games from a unique perspective! This program was hands down, the best experience of my life.
Here is an inside look at my experience!
This study abroad program was specifically for students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Texas State University to further experience in sports media and international communications. The Paris Olympic Program was paired with Seagull Institute along with Arizona State University and the University of Illinois Chicago. This program made networking with journalists, interviews, and media opportunities possible as well as getting a behind-the-scenes look into what goes into making the Olympics possible.
The Olympic Games: More than Sport.
There are so many amazing sports and athletes at the Olympics, but I was able to attend the Women's Soccer Japan vs Brazil game, Swimming, and Rugby. The energy at these sporting events is like nothing I have ever seen. Records breaking, underdogs becoming champions, and rivalries competing to be the best in the world. All of the countries' fans coming to support their nation is an amazing thing to see. Fans supporting other nations and each other was the most moving part of the Olympics that I got to witness, I now know why they say it is More than Sport.
My Media Coverage: Interview with TakeitYSY at Club France
Throughout the Olympics, we were filming and creating content for SJMC and managing the TXST Paris Olympic Instagram account. I had the privilege to interview Youseff Sy, french artist and creator-founder of Take it YSY. He was kind enough to answer some questions I had and show us his Olympic Y-CONS Collection at Club France.
It was amazing to meet such a talented creative digital artist and hear a bit about how he started his brand and what inspires him. After hearing from Youseff, I know a lot of the creatives on my team were feeling very inspired, I know I was.
Behind the Scenes: Paris Media Centre & NBC Headquarters LIVE
We had an exclusive visit to the Paris Media Centre which allowed us to discover the media coverage behind the scenes of the Olympic Games and to learn the process of media pass accreditation. Journalists and multi-media specialists were hard at work writing news stories, recording podcasts, and researching at the media center where they had access to all of the tools they needed.
I also had the privilege to be a part of NBC's Today Show and got the chance to be on the live show! This was an amazing chance to see behind the scenes of broadcast news and journalism. I met with Today Show hosts, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Craig Melvin. I also met with NBC Olympic Correspondents Jala Washington from KXAN news in Austin, TX, and Faith Jessie from 11Alive Atlanta News. A big thanks to Michael Burns, NBC Olympics show production for making this opportunity possible.
Networking Event: Interview with Ayodele Ikuesan and Timothee Maymon
Seagull Institute organized a networking event at ISTEC, the college I was studying at in Paris. We interviewed Ayodele Ikuesan- OLY, French Olympic Athlete, businesswoman, and women's sports advocate. As well as with Timothee Maymon, a freelance sports journalist from France. The event was with students from Texas State University, Arizona State University, University of Illinois Chicago, and ISTEC Paris. Amazing opportunity to talk to the two of them and network with people in my field from other universities.
Paris City Hall Council: Hôtel de Ville
I had an inside look into Hôtel de Ville, the Paris City Hall, where I got a tour of the building and had the chance to have class in the Paris City Council Room. Some of the most beautiful architecture and design I have ever seen and my favorite building in Paris. It was surreal to be sitting where the Councilors and Mayor of Paris speak.
THAT'S A WRAP!
There was much more I got to experience while I was in Paris during the Olympics but these are some of the highlights that have helped me grow and prepare for my future! To hear a bit more about my time in Paris, check out my page where I have more on Paris recommendations and some of my favorite experiences!
I am extremely grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience I truly think everyone should try to go to the Olympics once in their life because I don't think there is anything that brings the world together more. I hope to be at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics and to be working at the 2028 LA Summer Olympics!
Have any questions about my Olympic experience or the program? Feel free to leave a comment or contact me!
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