❋

August 5-9, 2026  |  Hayward Field

World Athletics Media Academy: U20 Championships Oregon 26

About the World Athletics Media Academy

I was selected for the World Athletics Media Academy’s Editorial Team through the SOJC Summer Sports Practicum. Through the Media Academy, I contributed to official coverage of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene.

Over the course of the championships, I wrote five pieces for the World Athletics website, including event previews, session wraps, and an athlete feature, while gaining experience with interviews, fast-turnaround reporting, and the editorial process. In addition to my editorial assignments, I spent one day working with the World Athletics flash quotes team, gaining experience gathering quick athlete reactions immediately following competition.

Featured Project: Izobelle Louison-Roe Athlete Feature

For my athlete feature assignment, I focused on Australian high jumper Izobelle Louison-Roe, who returned to the U20 Championships after winning silver in 2024. I wanted to explore what had changed for her since her last appearance at the championships and how she approached returning as one of the top contenders.

The feature was published on the World Athletics website during the championships. A few days after our last interview, I watched Izobelle win the women's high jump title and become a world champion.

This project gave me my first experience conducting an athlete interview for an international sporting event and taking a story from initial research through reporting, editing, and publication. I also learned that a story doesn't always follow the plan you have going into it, and that being able to adapt can be just as important as being prepared.

Read the full feature here.

From Idea to Story

1. Research

Researched Izobelle’s previous experience with the U20s, performance during the current season, and background to find an engaging story angle.

2. Press Conference

Attended the athlete press conference with questions prepared after identifying possible story angles such as her return to the U20s since Lima and her relationship with her mother, who also happens to be her coach.

I didn't get the opportunity to ask my questions during the press conference, so I had to adjust my plan. With help from one of the World Athletics supervisors, I was able to connect with Izobelle afterward and conduct the interview I had prepared for.

3. Interview

Conducted an interview with Izobelle after the press conference and again following her qualification for the high jump final.

Being able to talk with her at two different points in the competition gave me more context for the story and allowed me to see how she was approaching the championships as the competition progressed.

4. Write and Revise

Through my conversations with Izobelle, the story developed around the experience and maturity she had gained since Lima. She talked about learning to focus on her own performance despite outside expectations, as well as the special relationship she shares with her mother and coach.

I used those conversations, along with background research and championship context, to shape the final feature. The revision process included several conversations and feedback from Jess Whittington, Senior Editor for World Athletics, who helped revise and edit the piece before publication.