L-R: Mark Connolly, me, Keith Whelan, Phil La Chappelle and Amy Smolens
THE ROOKIE
While at the Boot Camp in Fernie, back in late August, I received an email from CBC Sports asking if I would interested in commentating for the World Cycling Championships in late September. Would I be interested??? Considering this is an opportunity that I’ve dreamed of for years, I could hardly refuse. I assumed this meant time in the studio, working with taped highlights of the long time trials and even longer road races. After talking with CBC, I learned it was far more than this. Along with the studio time upon returning, I would be going to Salzburg, Austria, and shooting footage for the two consecutive showings on CBC Sports Saturday.
As excited as I was at this prospect, first I had to get the OK from the Boss to travel so far at a really important time in the ice training phase of our plan. The Boss is my coach, Xiuli Wang, and when I shared the news of this fantastic opportunity with her, she immediately smiled, ‘Clara, this is for your future, and you should go and do this’. I am so grateful for her support in allowing me to do this.
The Lion King, Mario Cipollini and me!
And this is how I found myself, at before seven AM in the Frankfurt, Germany International Airport, watching in wonder as fellow customers of the restaurant sucked back massive pints of beer while eating my favourite breakfast fit for a king. I was on my way to the World Championships, and for the first time in my life, I was not going to be racing. The only equipment I had were my running shoes and weight training plan that would take me through the four days of ‘work’ with CBC. I felt a tinge of guilt while thinking of my teammates back in Calgary training hard on the ice.
Me and Keith, my favorite person from Newfoundland
Less than an hour after arriving I was showered up and ready to go to the course with the crew: Phil, the producer; Mark, the real commentator who was to guide me, the rookie; Keith, the cameraman who was the first real ‘Newfie’ I have had the honour to hang out with; and Amy, our researcher. Scott Russell was with us for the day before heading back to Canada early the next morning.
After spending each long day at the course, filming scenes and bits and pieces for the shows, interviewing riders and waiting for the perfect time to do intros and endings, drinking coffee and nodding off in the press stands above the start/finish line, we would go and enjoy the restaurants and beer gardens of Salzburg. All of this after rising early to do my own training.
Cheers!!
I’ve never had so much fun at Worlds. Working with television was a learning experience that I can now say takes time to master. Fortunately for me, I was with a group of guys who had humour and care when it came to working with someone so new. They made it fun, and because they are so good at what they do, they also made it look easy.
I couldn’t help think of all the times I’ve been frustrated with commentary while watching sports I enjoy. Trying to bring insight and knowledge while commentating was the challenge. Sometimes, what you really want to say just doesn’t come out right. And then sometimes, it flows. This, just like skating and riding a bike, is when it is most enjoyable: when it comes out naturally and effortlessly. Though I struggled with this at times, I felt it enough to want more.
Like any challenge, I can’t wait to do it better if there happens to be a next time!
