Covering the Olympics as a journalist is an exciting job that can also bring with it a lot of pressure.
Each set of games introduces new athletes, culture, technology, and renovations. Reporters aim to go above and beyond the recaps, box scores, and results, seeking stories that will resonate deeply with the public.
KSL Alex Cabrero has covered eight Olympic Games for the station, and he said each one comes with the expectation to uncover fresh narratives.
“There is a pressure to have a story every day, for sure,” said Cabrero, who has been reporting for KSL since 2004. “I try to find stories I think people will be interested in. I know from experience I will never please everyone with the stories I do, but I don’t worry about that.”
Currently in Paris covering the 2024 Games, he tried to find a lot of potential stories beforehand to give himself a good headstart when he arrived in Paris.
In the fast paced world of sports reporting, Cabrero said his most valued moments are those when he can slow down and personally connect with athletes he's followed through their careers.
“My favorite part is when a local athlete I have been covering has success. For Paris, I was in tears when Haley Batten won silver in cycling mountain biking,” he said.
In storytelling, it’s no surprise that the positive, upbeat stories are the easiest to tell. However, it's often the most moving stories that need to be heard, which can be the most challenging to convey.
Cabrero shared one of the more impactful experiences he’s had while working the Olympics.
“I remember covering a man whose home was demolished because an Olympic venue was built where he lived. His small home and neighborhood were gone. He said he had nowhere else to go,” he said.
Thoughts of the Olympics often bring to mind images of the world coming together, fierce competition, and dazzling gold medals. What tends to be forgotten are the complex challenges people face as ensure the Games continue to evolve and grow.
“For as much as I love the Games, there are others who don’t and are negatively impacted by them. The look on (the man's) face and his demeanor is something I’ll never forget,” Cabrero said.
Cabrero said one of the biggest changes he's seen since he covered his first Olympics in 2008 is the immense impact technology on the Games.
“There was barely any social media back then,” he said. “Now the Olympics are right on your phone and you can comment with other people about anything instantly. The speed of news is faster than ever.”
For reporters like Cabrero, these stories are so much more than an assignment to be checked off. With the experience Cabrero has, he can recognize how working internationally for extended periods of time has enabled him to grow as both a person and a reporter.
“Just being able to live in a different culture for a month is something I enjoy. I get to figure out grocery stores, laundromats, and public transportation. I love that stuff,” he said.