Going for the Gold: Are Canadian Althletes Media Trained?

In my media relations class one of the first things that I learnt was you should always media train your CEO/spokesperson/ anyone who will ever be interviewed or appear on television. This of course is a good idea, particularly in light of the recent outburst from Toronto City Councillor, Maria Augimeri.

As I watch the continuous coverage of the Olympics Games, I am amazed by the composure of Canadian ahletes. I am often left wondering if the vast major are horded into a room and given a crash course on “Dealing with the Media after Defeat”.

When an athlete loses a race, or fails to qualify for their event, the journalists are the first on the scene to interview them, on national television, about how they feel to have let their country down, or what their new goal is after their failed attempt at the gold medal.(I don’t think journalist are wrong to this this since it is breaking news and they are asking the questions everyone at home is wondering).  The athlete’s reaction is remarkable. For the most part they are calm, composed and demonstrate the highest level of sportsmen like conduct.  

Of course, I doubt Canadian athletes are media trained, however I think some political figures, CEOs and other big-wigs in this country could learn a thing or two about dealing with the media from watching Canadian athletes.

August 18, 2008. General.