Beijing

One week into the games of the 29th Olympiad and I have barely seen a thing. And it has nothing to do with time constraints or lack of wanting. The reception for Prime at my house in Bolwarra (just outside Maitland) has been like watching a Chinese rice fight, speckled dust, or looking into a snow storm at Mount Perisher.

Subsequently, I have turned to Auntie and tuned into 1233 ABC Newcastle each day and night. In the car, on my walkman (yes, my faithful friend from the nineties was resurrected from the dark depths of my second drawer so I could listen to events around Callagahan), and when curled up in bed. And I am so glad I did. Not only has she saved me from Olympic exile on a scale much greater than Marion Jones, but the commentary, on the whole, and coverage has been well informed, entertaining and on the ball.

The radio is one thing but if you get the chance, checkout the coverage of Beijing on ABC online. It is simply unbelievable. Professional and precise with up to date stories, podcasts, pictures, profiles on athletes, videos, blogs, medal tallies, schedules, results, history and trivia. This is CONVERGANCE at its highest quality. An international leader. This is where journalism is in 2008 and the ABC have set the bar for the standard required. Absolutely exceptional. It certainly confirmed my belief about the excellent job that the ABC does, especially in relation to sport. It also reiterated my goal of, one day, being part of that ABC sports team.