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Martinsville Native Bringing Reporting Skills To 2018 Winter Olympics

Last updated on Tuesday, January 16, 2018

(MUNCIE) - Ball State University students Samantha Johnson of Martinsville and Elizabeth Wyman of Indianapolis will take their news reporting skills to South Korea next month to cover the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Wyman, who is studying news journalism, and Johnson, who is studying telecommunications and journalism news, will report from the games through the university's Department of Journalism's immersive learning experience BSU at the Games. The student-run news agency debuted at the London 2012 Olympics and members have been to both the Winter Olympics in Russia and the summer games in Brazil.

"I am so honored to have been selected to represent Ball State and the College of Communication, Information and Media at the 2018 Winter Games. I am excited to be one of the five students who truly makes a name for the university in PyeongChang, South Korea and with TeamUSA. I look forward to developing my talents professionally, while having fun along the way," Johnson said.

Wyman, Johnson and other three students are being led by Ryan Sparrow, Ball State journalism professor, and will provide daily coverage of the games from February 9-25. Because of Ball State's experience with previous Olympic contests, TeamUSA granted full media credentials to the students.

Previous BSU at the Games students have had limited "behind the scenes" credentials and have not had access to actual competitions like they will now.

"I'm so excited to talk with the athletes. Most Olympians aren't celebrities on the day to day and aren't used to being bombarded by the media. But every four years on the biggest stage, they do turn into celebrities and everyone wants to talk to them," Wyman said, "I'm just excited to get to report on the biggest stage in sports."

In the past, students have produced stories, news graphics, photos and videos that have appeared in major news outlets such as the Huffington Post, USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. WTHR-TV, an NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, NBC, Chicago Tribune and Philadelphia Inquirer will serve as partners for BSU at the Games.

"I wish I could put into words what this university and this program mean to me. How cool, that as a 22-year-old college senior, I am able to travel half way around the world to learn and to grow as a young professional. After all the classes I have taken, all the involvements in student media, and all the interviews and stories I have produced, this is the ultimate test," Johnson said, "But, I could not feel more excited and prepared to take on the world's biggest stage."

Fans may follow the Olympics through the eyes of the students through Twitter @bsuatthegames and at facebook.com/bsuatthegames. The project's website bsuatthegames.com, will have original stories, blogs and photos.

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