Don’t be fooled by the looks they give themselves. Journalists, like everyone else, like to receive gifts, no matter how small, as long as it’s free. Also, the first stop they make at the main Olympics media center as soon as they get off the plane is to go to the press kit counter. These kits include the media guide with all the practical information you need to get to work quickly, official documents, such as the report on the event’s sustainable development objectives and a nicely illustrated notebook, but this is not not what makes these press kits so popular.
It must first be specified that the kit in question is a backpack in the colors of the Games. In Tokyo, it was a relatively ordinary black bag in which were also chewable electrolyte capsules to reduce the risk of dehydration, Games pins and a nice square of thin fabrics. Rucksacks were clearly not a hit with most journalists continuing to use their much better quality old PyeongChang Games backpack.
Having apparently understood the message, our Chinese hosts were careful not to repeat the same mistake. Black and blue, their backpack is impressive. Comfortable, robust and stylish, it must have a dozen pockets of all sizes and for all functions, including an insulated one. In addition to guides, reports, notebooks and pins, it contains small computer accessories, a sturdy thermos water bottle as well as a thick collar and a warm hat stamped with the Games logo.
To see the faces of the colleagues when receiving their gifts, the Beijing Games were already leading 1 to 0 over those of Tokyo. The next few days will tell if they also managed to dethrone the Korean defending champion in hearts and backs.
PS: Message to our colleagues responsible for protecting the security of our computer equipment and on the verge of stroke attack: no, we will not plug our new goodies into our machines until you give us permission .
This report was financed thanks to the support of the Transat International Journalism Fund.The duty.