Canadian Yan Huckendubler is currently in London at the 2012 Olympic Games as a Media Officer for the International Hockey Federation (FIH). We were able to connect with Yan to learn more about his Olympic experience!
FHC: What is your role at the 2012 Olympic Games in London?
Yan: I am updating the FIH web site (www.fih.ch/en/London2012) with all the info on the men’s and women’s competitions (scores, reports, game sheets, pictures, etc…). We are also tweeting during the matches (@FIH_Hockey). We have a team of three (from Ireland, the USA and myself from Canada), three photographers (from Australia, France and the Netherlands), and of course Hari Kant (also from Canada) for technical support on the website he designed. We have established a shift system, and we are now in charge of three matches a day, support for the other three, with the odd half day off here and there.
| FHC: | What are you enjoying most about the Games? |
| Yan: | It is always a treat to watch top level hockey in a packed venue. The atmosphere when the British teams are playing is incredible, but the Dutch and Aussie fans are also very good at creating a warm supportive atmosphere behind their team! The difference with a regular world level hockey tournament is the huge razzmatazz created by the Olympic Games. When you leave the hockey venue, there are thousands of people hanging around the Olympic Park (where many sports are happening, including athletics, swimming, basketball, handball and track cycling), before, after or in-between events, watching events on the giant screens, picnicking, etc… A lot of families enjoying an “Olympic day” together. |
| FHC: | Any message to Canadian field hockey fans back home? |
| Yan: | Playing in the Olympic Games is the pinnacle for an athlete. But watching the Games on-site or volunteering are also very special experiences. I hope our teams qualify for the next Olympic Games and many Canadian fans make the trip to Rio to support them! |
