September 16, 2024
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Coaching
Wrestling, like many sports, relies on media coverage to reach fans, grow its audience, and keep the sport thriving. For wrestlers and coaches, developing a strong, professional relationship with the media isn’t just about answering questions—it’s an opportunity to tell the story of their journey, promote the sport, and inspire future athletes. Navigating this relationship with confidence and clarity is a skill that can benefit both individuals and the sport of wrestling as a whole.
Here are practical strategies for athletes and coaches to approach media interactions, handle tough questions, and make a lasting, positive impression.
The media is a crucial partner in elevating wrestling’s visibility. By sharing your insights, experiences, and personal stories, you give fans a deeper connection to the sport and provide valuable exposure. Treat interviews as conversations, an opportunity to engage with the audience, rather than as formal interrogations. When you approach the media with enthusiasm, they are more likely to highlight wrestling in ways that resonate with fans and newcomers alike.
Interviews can feel intimidating, but remember that authenticity goes a long way. The best athletes, like Olympic gold medalists Jordan Burroughs and Henry Cejudo, have mastered the art of being genuine. They engage with the media, share their experiences openly, and aren’t afraid to discuss challenges. Burroughs, known for his transparency and wit, often uses humor and candor to connect with audiences. He even took on daily interviews to support wrestling’s campaign to stay in the Olympics, illustrating how athletes can use their platform for positive change. Learn from athletes like Burroughs and Cejudo: be open, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show personality.
Just as you develop rapport with teammates and coaches, building relationships with reporters can lead to more meaningful coverage. Familiarity with the journalists covering your sport fosters trust and makes interviews smoother. As wrestling coach Braumon Creighton suggests, treat media interactions as opportunities for mutual respect and learning. Be accessible, friendly, and consistent, and reporters are more likely to work with you to highlight your achievements and bring a positive spotlight to wrestling.
Athletes and coaches are often asked for interviews immediately after intense matches, which can be challenging, especially after a loss. If you need time to gather your thoughts, let reporters know. At high-level competitions like the NCAA tournament, there’s usually a cooling-off period that allows athletes to compose themselves before speaking with the media. If you’re at a tournament without this buffer, don’t hesitate to ask for a moment to collect your thoughts. Reporters will generally respect this request and appreciate your commitment to providing a thoughtful response.
Improving media skills can be as simple as watching interviews of athletes who excel in this area. Observe how champions like Adeline Gray, who handled tough post-match questions with grace after her 2016 Olympic loss, respond under pressure. Gray’s openness earned her respect from fans and reporters alike, reinforcing her role as an ambassador for women’s wrestling. By studying such examples, athletes can learn how to convey confidence and professionalism, even in difficult moments.
In any interview, it’s crucial to remember that what you say may be published. Avoid assuming comments are “off the record” unless explicitly stated, as misunderstandings can lead to unintended publicity. Honesty and transparency build trust with the media and ensure that your words reflect positively on both you and the sport. When you approach interviews with a professional attitude, you’re more likely to leave a lasting, positive impression.
Body language speaks volumes. Maintain eye contact, address reporters by name if possible, and engage with them directly. Henry Cejudo exemplifies this approach—he is personable, makes reporters feel comfortable, and maintains a positive demeanor. A genuine smile, steady posture, and direct responses can make an interview feel like a conversation rather than a formality.
Giving dull, one-word answers may feel safe, but it does little to engage fans or promote wrestling. Some athletes are taught to keep interviews short and avoid giving too much away. However, openness and a touch of enthusiasm can make your interviews memorable. Jordan Burroughs and Henry Cejudo are proof that wrestlers can be engaging, open, and successful without sacrificing professionalism. As role models, they show that a little energy and authenticity can go a long way in building a fanbase.
Every media interaction is an opportunity to elevate wrestling. By embracing interviews as a chance to share your story, you contribute to the growth and visibility of the sport. Maintaining professionalism, answering questions openly, and using the platform to showcase the values of wrestling can make a powerful impact on audiences. Whether it’s a local newspaper interview or a post-match conversation at the World Championships, approach every media interaction as an ambassador of the sport.
Mastering media interactions may feel daunting at first, but with practice and a positive approach, athletes and coaches can build confidence in sharing their stories. Embracing the media as a platform for promoting wrestling, staying open and authentic, and engaging thoughtfully helps foster a mutually beneficial relationship. The media has a unique role in expanding wrestling’s reach, and by working together, athletes, coaches, and journalists can bring this incredible sport to a wider audience.
