Magical moments

THE BIG day has finally arrived. Airport-bound from London to Rio with my microphone in hand I have the nerves and excitement of an athlete about to compete in the Olympics, but for me reporting on this is an equal dream.

Covering any of the Games is seriously a lot of work. I discovered that I will be doing my first live broadcast from inside the opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium with the legendary Pele lighting the flame and a few fireworks to match is quite literally overwhelming. I won’t forget this birthday in a hurry.

I’ll be at the events as a general reporter doing live broadcasts and interviews of some quite “interesting” sports — laser sailing, catamaran racing, rowing, taekwondo, track cycling to name a few — not my usual sports, so plenty to learn each day.

It makes me beyond happy to be able to continue my personal Olympic dreams in this way. And to tell the stories of the athletes who have worked their whole lives for this moment, given up so much, socially and financially, in order to achieve their Olympic dream and to be there to capture the moments when they do.

I love my daily life, I love my friends but these are the moments I dream about.

The athlete inside me remembers these feelings all too well and I am so excited to still be a part of this and to continue this passion on the other side of the microphone.

It’s going to be an incredible three weeks — let the Games begin! Jo Ankier is a former Team GB athlete and presenter for ESPN