Bode Miller’s emotional interview proves why journalism training matters

As a former television journalist-turned-brand journalist, I can appreciate good storytelling with the element of human drama, and the Sochi Olympics has had plenty. Through up-close-and-personal profiles, we have come to know these competitors as people, not just athletes, and share in their personal triumphs and tragedies.

When the stories are done right, they provide a deeper connection with the athletes and make the Olympics about much more than a medal count.

Telling these stories is much harder than it looks. It takes journalism experience and training to understand the nuances of these Olympians’ personal stories and the limits to which a reporter should tell them.

Christin Cooper’s NBC interview with American skier Bode Miller shows why journalism training matters.

As a former Olympic medalist, Cooper understands the sport like few others and knows Miller personally. Knowledge isn’t the same thing as skill, as the cringe-worthy interview revealed.

You can watch the video here.