With a little help from a family friend, Brianna Burns had the opportunity to interview Brian Eaton, venue general manager for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics/Paralympics Centre. Eaton has eight years of experience working for the Olympics, National Governing Body event management, public relations, marketing and management. Brianna Burns spoke to Eaton about working within the Olympics and any future goals he has regarding the Olympics.
BB: First off, how did you end up working for the Olympics’ eight years ago?
BE: Well actually the first Olympics I technically went to was in 2000 in Sydney but I wasn’t working for the Olympic committee. It was the best experience going there and after that I knew I wanted to start working for something in the Olympic fields. After that I started real low going to the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as a supervisor and working my way up to being the general manager.
BB: So, how did the position of general manager get in your hands this year?
BE: Well in September 2009, I joined the Vancouver Olympic Committee only as general manager for Whistler Media Centre, which was where the athletes housing and media centre’s and parking lots were. But then in December I got moved to the Vancouver Olympic centre which was where all the competitions were held.
BB: Does being the general manager of such a big organization like the Olympics ever get stressful?
BE: Absolutely. It can get really stressful having to make sure everything goes smoothly, every event starts on time, making sure all the other people working for the committee are getting their jobs done and more. Being manager of any company would be stressful, it comes with the job title but I would never give it up.
BB: Looking back now in 2002 in Salt Lake City, did you ever picture yourself becoming general manager for the 2010 Olympics?
BE: To be honest, I don’t want to sound cocky but I had a good feeling. I’m good at what I do. I’m a hard worker, determined and optimistic about things. So, when I started at the bottom then I knew I could work my way up eventually to something big.
BB: What has been your most memorable Olympic experience or performance?
BE: That is a hard question because there has been so many to choose from. But one recent one that stands out the most to me was during the Vancouver Olympics Shaun White’s amazing performance where he gained two gold medals and unveiled his death defying trick, the Tomahawk.
BB: Do you see yourself in this position for the 2012 Olympics in London?
BE: I’m hoping to continue my career on the Olympic committee because it has been a dream come true these past years and an experience that is invaluable. If all goes well, I will be in London to experience more amazing performances that I can take with me for the rest of my life.
By:Brianna Burns
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