First Time at the Olympics: A Journalist’s Journey in Paris

The flame is lit and the Olympics are officially underway! One excited journalist can’t help but share her journey as she steps into the world’s largest sports event.

Vanna Blacksmith, who is part of CBC’s coverage team, recently flew into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. It was a mix of happiness and nerves for her, especially since this was her first time so far from home in Mistissini, Quebec. Plus, it’s the longest she’s been away from her dog!

Upon arrival, it was 8 a.m. local time, but her body was still set to 2 a.m., which meant one thing was clear—coffee was desperately needed. Dragging her luggage from the train station to her hotel, she kept thinking, “I’m really here!”

After settling into her hotel, Vanna added a new sim card to her phone, then headed out to take in the sights. However, as she made her way into the heart of Paris, she found many places closed off while preparations for Friday’s opening ceremony were underway. But that didn’t stop her excitement; she was determined to see the Eiffel Tower!

Turning around to soak it all in, Vanna finally felt the thrill of realizing she was standing in Paris at the Olympics, with the iconic Olympic rings adorning the city’s renowned landmark.

Despite it feeling a bit touristy with everyone sharing a similar reason for being there, Vanna acknowledged that the Olympics truly represent something greater—competition, representing one’s home, and connecting with others from around the world.

As she wandered around, Vanna was tuned in to the various accents around her. She struck up conversations with a few Australians, Britons, and even some friendly locals from Paris. They often asked if she spoke Spanish. While she explained she’s Cree and Ojibwe from Quebec and Ontario, she also sought to brush up on her French skills.

While testing her French, locals would often respond in English as she stumbled through her vocabulary. But she doesn’t mind because, as they say, “C’est la vie!”

Vanna walked nearly 20,000 steps that day, exploring places like Le Petite Parais and l’Arc de Triomphe. She adored the unique Middle Age and Gothic architecture, often wondering what Paris looked like back when it last hosted the Olympics 100 years ago.

On the night of the opening ceremony, she watched from Canada House, surrounded by fellow Canadians who were all rooting for their loved ones. Many wore red, proudly showing off their national pride as they were awestruck by the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. Vanna knows that this cauldron marks the official start of the Games.

For Vanna, however, the Olympics kick off for journalists long before the ceremonial lighting. As she gathers her bearings, she’s reminded of important details such as having the right security passes and the little things, like packing extra batteries.

After her time at Canada House, she began connecting with other journalists from across Canada. Vanna realized she had been holding her breath since the moment she landed, but at last, she felt a sense of relief—almost like being home at Canada House.

Her colleagues, many seasoned reporters, have been sharing their insights and behind-the-scenes stories, allowing her to learn and grow as a journalist during this experience.

As she prepares for each day, interviews with athletes, and writes her stories, one thing remains crucial: coffee first!