Do you want to be a sports journalist, but you haven't decided what field to start writing in? Then this article will give you some help. With the help of the job portal Jooble, we will detail how you can become an excellent athletic sports journalist.

Whether it's a marathon, a sprint or a race walk, athletics has always been one of the most honest forms of sport, with only 3 things standing between the athlete and the track: the body, the mind and the finish line. It is therefore not surprising that more and more people are interested in athletics from a career perspective. 

Athletics has always been one of the most honest forms of sport. There is nothing between the athlete and the track but the body, the mind and the finish line. It is therefore not surprising that more and more people want to become chroniclers of athletic events and find a place in this exciting world as sports journalists.

Why is athletics attractive for sports journalism?

While football, tennis or motor sport are in the media spotlight, athletics is a world of its own. The dynamics of the competitions, the pushing of the limits of human performance and the individual stories of the athletes all provide excellent material for writing.

Sports journalist commentator jobs not only report results, but also tell stories. The first international race of a young runner, the return of a weightlifter after an injury, the birth of a new world record - all are exciting, human-centred subjects.

What skills do you need to be an athletics journalist?

First of all, a passion for the sport and knowledge of basic athletics rules are important. A commentator or analyst can't afford not to know the difference between the 100m flat and the 110m hurdles. In addition, the development of the following is crucial:

- Writing skills: producing clear, understandable and interesting texts that engage the reader.

- Research skills: gathering statistics, background information, and athlete careers.

- Quick reaction: writing live coverage or race summaries, even minutes after the race.

- Networking: getting to know coaches, athletes, sports associations.

Where can you get a job as a sports journalist?

Although athletics has a smaller media presence than mass sports, there are many opportunities in this field:

• Online sports portals (e.g. Athletics Weekly, BBC Sport Athletics)
• Regional and national sports magazines
• Media channels of athletics federations
• Personal blog, podcast or YouTube channel

The Jooble job portal can be particularly useful for those looking for a job or internship as a sports journalist. If you're interested in how to write an effective application or cover letter, you can also read their advice on sports journalist commentator jobs.

What type of content can a sports journalist produce?

• Race summaries and live coverage
• Interviews with athletes
• Analytical articles on technique or training methods
• Opinion pieces on e.g. sports policy or fair play
• Video content: short reports, on-the-spot coverage

Practical advice for beginners 

1. Get started with a blog. Follow athletics competitions (e.g. Diamond League, World Championships, national championships), write about them regularly and then start looking for smaller media, even as a freelancer.
2. You can also interview local athletes, publish on social media and participate in athletics events - even as a volunteer - to gain first-hand experience.
3. Try to build contacts and use them in your journalism career.
4. If you're not writing a blog, keep an Instagram or TikTok channel about your experiences and achievements. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced journalist just entering the world of athletics, you should understand the essence, foundation and structure of athletics. This is the basis on which you can write a credible piece of journalism, which is of paramount importance in any type of journalism. And the world of athletics always offers new stories. 

If you can spot them and write them well, you can not only build a career as a sports journalist, but also contribute to the promotion of a sport that deserves our attention. And who knows - maybe one day you'll be the first to report the birth of the next world record.