Student Keeps Busy at Olympics

Upperclassman working as NBC assistant abroadTyler J. ScottTHE SANTA CLARAFebruary 13, 2014 [dropcap]S[/dropcap]anta Clara junior Jimmy Slattery has packed his bags and has found a new temporary stay, Sochi, Russia. The junior was granted the opportunity to cover the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics with NBC Sports.He is currently working at NBC’s studio in the International Broadcast Center located in Adler, Russia, where Slattery said he spends his time as a “runner (and) production assistant.”With his day-to-day responsibilites, Slattery constantly finds himself with plenty of tasks to complete.“On a typical day, I work from roughly 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” Slattery said. “It is an around-the-clock operation, as many events are shown on tape delay back in the States.”Slattery’s tasks include grabbing tickets for Olympic events, getting food for the top producers and announcers as well as assisting some Team USA athletes and their family members in the booking room.The junior has personally met and arranged transportation for many former Olympians, including gymnast Nastia Liukin, figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, and speed skater Apolo Ohno.Some of the top producers and announcers include legendary sportscaster Al Michaels and radio personality Dan Patrick. Slattery has also worked with NBC Sports Network studiohost Rebecca Lowe.The Santa Clara undergraduate has gained a lot of knowledge working under these noteworthy individuals.“Just simply showing energy, working hard and being a ‘go-getter’ can really go a long way in the working world,” Slattery said. “I have gained a deeper appreciation for how the USA protects our well-being on a daily basis.”When the junior can find a bit of downtime, he gets tickets to the Olympic events after work and takes full advantage of the opportunity to watch the competitors in action. He has attended figure skating competitions and was present to witness Russia win its first gold medal of the games thanks to 15-year-old Julia Lipnitskaia’s performance in the team figure skating event.Russian President Vladimir Putin was in attendance and Slattery experienced the Russian crowd’s excitement after Lipnitskaia helped the host country grab the gold.Away from the spectacle of sport, Slattery has also experienced the “Sochi Problems” famously dubbed by social media.“My hotel doesn’t have a shower curtain or working phone and television, but those problems are small compared to others,” said Slattery.Yet he remains confident that he is living and working in a secure and protected environment.“I trust the U.S. government in deeming Sochi safe enough for us to travel here,” Slattery said. “My hotel is located right next to a police (and) military compound and is one mile away from the coastal venues in Olympic Park. Cops stop cars on every road around here.”Slattery continues to express his patriotism while maintaining an appreciation for the local workers and hospitality at the competitive events.“I have loved the Russian sites and culture,” he said. “The thousands of volunteers here in Sochi are so excited to be a part of this and they want to highlight the strong Russian culture and spirit that exists. But all of this being said, I would love for Team USA to defeat Russia in hockey on Saturday, Feb. 15.” Contact Tyler J. Scott at tscott@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.