Amy Williams
News
Sports Journalism students inspired by gold medal winner
Wednesday, 28 February, 2024Bath Spa University third year Sports Journalism Module students kicked off their very first session with a question and answer seminar with Bath-based Winter Olympic Gold Medallist and broadcaster Amy Williams.
The module spans across Film and Television Students and Journalism students and permits an engaging discussion around the world of sports broadcasting.
The event was hosted by module leader Lizzie Powell and gave the students a chance to engage in a practical discussion about potential future career paths and aspirations.
Amy, a former Olympic Skeleton racer, became the first British individual gold medallist for 30 years with her victory at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Since retiring, Amy has moved into the world of broadcasting, hosting shows like the BBC’s Winter Olympic coverage, The Gadget Show and Ski Sunday.
As part of her talk, Amy offered the students five key pieces of advice to take forward as many of them set to launch their own careers in the broadcasting world after graduating later this year.
- Say yes to everything – every opportunity is a valuable experience
- Be brave – put yourself out there
- Volunteer and attach yourself to a sport – package your skills and gain tangible experience that you can take forward in your career
- Be prepared – always have a plan A/B/C
- Form relationships – when conducting an interview, ensure you empathise with the interviewee and be sensitive to the context.
Sports Journalism Module leader Lizzie Powell expressed her enthusiasm for the insights and experience that Amy could bring to the table:
"Kicking off our very first sports journalism module with a Q&A with Amy Williams was a great opportunity for the students to meet not only an Olympian but also a talented sports broadcaster. Hearing about Amy's experiences as both an interviewee and an interviewer gave them an important insight into both sides with some top tips to take forward. Amy told them to 'be brave and go for it' and coming from a fearless gold medallist she couldn't be better qualified!"
The Sports Journalism module students will receive a further practical knowledge in future weeks with more industry experts set to appear in module talks. These sessions have offered just a taste of what is to come with the Sports Media Production course, which will launch later this year.