THEY SAY THAT good things come to those who wait. Well, I waited 34 years and finally appeared at the Olympics. It was one hell of a wait. Thankfully, the good thing that eventually came was one of the best experiences of my life.
My name's Edward Russell and I've been fortunate enough to present live from some of the greatest sporting events in the world. I interviewed Rafael Nadal on the biggest court in tennis - Arthur Ashe Stadium - moments after he was crowned US Open Champion for the third time. I was at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix where I had the unenviable task of interviewing then Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg straight after they took each other out on lap one. From the red clay of Roland Garros, to the desert racetrack of the Bahrain International Circuit and the pristine grass carpets at Wimbledon, I've been there standing in front of a camera, reporting live to TV screens across the region.
Yet the Olympics was the one event that had always eluded me. It's the holy grail for any sports presenter - the world's best athletes all converging on one city for two weeks of non-stop sporting theatre. Four years of gruelling preparation, blood, sweat, and tears, culminating in one race, one throw of a javelin, or one lap of the velodrome. Entire nations coming together, united in their love of sport. The greatest show on earth.
I won't go into the backstory of how I got to this point in my career - a career I for so long had imagined but never thought imaginable. I've been told to limit myself to 1,000 words and to explain every twist and turn that brought me to this very moment would see me not only exceed the word count of this piece but the entire issue.
Instead, I'll start in Paris in the middle of July, ready to live my dream, broadcasting live from the Games of the 33rd Olympiad for Mediacorp.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?
Cristiano Rinaldi, president of Capella Hotel Group, shares its recipe for success.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
PARADISE FOUD
It's time to give tuning out its due. We all need a break from the group chat(s).
Sunday Island Mornings
An island cluster so beautiful that Harry Winston made a watch in its honour.
A Clear Vision Of The Future
With the proliferation of its Myopia Centres, local eyecare brand W Optics is keeping Singaporeans clear-sighted for the future.
MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS
FINANCE INDUSTRY VETERAN WALTER DE OUDE IS COMBINING HIS ERUDITION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAR POWER OF HENRY GOLDING TO BRING US AN INVESTMENT PLATFORM THAT'S MUCH SWEETER THAN MOST.
THE MAN OF MANY TASTES
On the opening day of his longgestating contemporary Italian restaurant Le Pristine in Singapore, the Esteemed chef Sergio Herman gives us a poignant account of why his philosophy of gastronomy is fundamentally inclusive.
BAPTISM BY FIRE
Dave Pynt, Chef-Owner of the Burnt Ends Hospitality Group, reflects on the universally resounding success of the eponymous restaurant as well as the recently released book of the same name.
VROOM VROOM
One of the most memorable moments of the recently concluded Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 was when Jack Daniel's and McLaren linked arms.
FORGED IN RED
The Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Cortina Limited Edition brings H. Moser & Cie and Cortina Watch together in a bold, exclusive creation for the ages.
