Major Games communications: press operations, executive voice and Games-time delivery

What this covers

Games-time communications is an operational discipline before it is a creative one. The work is about having the right people accredited, the right lines agreed, the right approvals pre-cleared, and a publishing rhythm that survives a schedule that moves hourly.

• Press operations: media centre workflow, accreditation, interview and mixed-zone coordination, rapid-response statements.
• Executive communications: writing for presidents, chief executives and chefs de mission so leadership sounds credible in public.
• Delegation media: athlete media training, family and federation liaison, results-driven content within minutes of competition.
• Stakeholder channels: LinkedIn and partner-facing content aimed at governments, future hosts, sponsors and member associations.
• Crisis readiness: escalation paths, holding lines, and a single approved source of truth under pressure.
• Games-time media intelligence: real-time monitoring of international coverage, social sentiment and delegation mentions through platforms such as Meltwater, with daily clipping reports and early warning on emerging issues.

How I run it

I build a Games communications plan around three horizons: the pre-Games period where messaging, assets and approvals are locked; the Games period where speed and accuracy matter more than polish; and the post-Games window where the legacy story and reporting are captured while the material is still fresh.

Everything is designed so that a junior team member can execute it at 2am without waking anyone up. Templates, pre-approved language, escalation rules and a shared content calendar do most of the heavy lifting.

Track record

• Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games — Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Social Media Officer for Commonwealth Sport, leading the organisation's LinkedIn channel and writing on behalf of the President and Chief Executive.
• Paris 2024 Olympic Games — Press Attaché and media liaison for Team Zambia, handling athlete media, interview requests and results communications.
• Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games — Games Administrator for a 110-member Team Zambia delegation covering accreditation, sport entries, travel and logistics.
• Ankara 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships — media operations, athlete media training and partnership content for Team Zambia.

Who this is for

National Olympic Committees, international federations, organising committees, host cities and agencies who need a communications professional who has already worked inside a Games environment and does not need the operating model explained to them.

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