Omar’s Olympic Odyssey
I had the great privilege of working with NBC Sports at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. I’d say it was probably the best month of my life. Technically, it was an internship – my last school credit at Syracuse University – but, thankfully I held a position not normally reserved for interns. I was in the utility position, working side-by-side with regular employees. I have so many stories to share. I’ll sprinkle them in the blogs throughout our coverage leading up to and during the Olympics.
One of the coolest benefits of my job was that the credential I was issued gave me access to every event at the Olympics. We weren’t supposed to abuse it, but I used it to get into the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the gold medal beach volleyball match (where I sat right behind the Spanish royal family), a couple of Team USA basketball games, track and field, and so many others including, of course, every gymnastics event as I was positioned on the floor, between the vault and the floor exercise.
So this time of year is very special to me, the bond forged at the Olympics with my co-workers, countrymen and people from around the world with one common passion for sport is something I’ll cherish forever. We’re just getting warmed up - until the next time!
