Do I want to apply to work as an intern for NBC at the Olympics in Russia? Yes.
As February came closer, the questions became harder. Have you heard about the security concerns and threats? Are you nervous? Yes.
I had a chance to go to Russia and be a part of the Olympic tradition. Although I was nervous, I was not going to pass up this opportunity. I went to Russia for 24 days and had one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences I could have ever imagined.
I was fortunate enough to be a guide intern with NBC’s Olympic Hospitality Program, and although I worked very long days, I can say that I never felt like I was working.
If there is one thing that I want people to know about my trip, it is this: Sochi, Russia did an incredible job with the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. It saddened me to come back to America and see #SochiProblems trending on social media because no, my hotel was not unfinished and I did not feel unsafe. Actually, it was the exact opposite; I loved every minute of it.
My fellow guides and I stayed in a hotel in Rosa Khutor, a town in the beautiful mountains of Russia. Every morning, I woke up to the most amazing view as I prepared for the day, which often consisted of escorting guests to Olympic events.
On Feb. 6, I attended the opening ceremony, a spectacle I will never forget. The history, technology and performers were all unbelievable. When the athletes from each country entered the stadium, it turned into what felt like a big party, especially when the Russian competitors made their appearance. The party atmosphere did not stop there.
Olympic Park was always full of activity. At any time of the day, you could see people waving different flags and taking photos with people whom they had never met before. People would constantly run over to me and ask for a picture, speaking in different languages. Whether it was by pointing or using sign language, I felt a sense of accomplishment through communicating with them without words. It was almost as if I had experienced a new part of the world with each conversation.
Growing up an avid sports fan and competitive athlete, I admired the Olympics as an unmatched showcase for the best athletes in the world. After being there, I now know that it’s so much more than that.
In fact, I think that the Olympics are a funny tradition. Every four years, people from all over the world come together in one city and celebrate their athletes. Olympic Park brought people together, but once you entered a venue, it was all about your country winning.
It became clear to me that the Olympics come with varying emotions. While there were music, dancing and people chanting outside, I watched our women’s ice hockey team lose the gold medal game in overtime and witnessed the heartbreak. These types of moments helped me realize why the Olympics are such an incredible tradition: It is the unity and competition combined that make the games so unique and special.
One of the most amazing events that I was able to see was the men’s ice hockey game between the United States and Russia. Not only is it an incredible rivalry, but Russia was the host country. I have never been in a louder building, nor have I ever felt so out of place. As I sat there in my Team USA clothing, we were clearly outnumbered. There were moments when I actually forgot to watch the game and caught myself looking around the arena at the massive groups of Russians chanting and screaming. In that moment, it was hard to not share in their excitement.
I think that pride is a big part of the Olympics. Whether a country had two athletes or 200, the country rooted just as hard. I witnessed American snowboarder Sage Kotsenburg win the gold medal in snowboarding slopestyle. A few days later, I met him in Olympic Park and congratulated him because during those three weeks, we were all Americans on Team USA.
In addition to hockey, I was fortunate enough to attend figure skating, snowboarding, skiing, speed skating and ski jumping events. At each event, I quickly learned that Americans were rarely the crowd favorites. This was a very humbling revelation for someone like me, who had never traveled abroad.
It was sometimes hard to remember that I was in Russia. When I was in Olympic Park or up in the mountains, I felt like I was living in an Olympic bubble, participating in one long party. Other than the Russian writing and language barrier, I did not have much time to explore the culture, which is something that I wish I had done more of. However, I was there long enough to see how beautiful Russia is; both the mountains and the city of Sochi exceeded all of my expectations. I also spent my last few days in Russia staying on the Black Sea, which was yet another breathtaking view.
I have learned so much from my trip to the Olympics. As an American, I want to experience more of the world than just my own country and be less afraid of the unknown. As an athlete, I have the utmost respect for the amazing individuals and teams that work endlessly for four years to represent their country. Overall, I feel blessed to have been a part of the untouched international tradition that is the Olympics, an event that words cannot describe. As I think back on the experience now, I am still in awe of all that I have witnessed. I could never possibly describe 24 days in Russia in just one story; I can only say that it opened my eyes to athletes, cultures and traditions from all around the world.
—Emma Kurth is a senior midfielder on the Binghamton women’s soccer team.