Senior defender Ao Gao will travel to Rio de Janeiro this summer to participate in her third Olympic summer games.
While Gao went to the ’08 and ’12 Olympics as a competitor, on this trip, she'll be going as a reporter for the Cronkite school.
“It’s definitely a different mentality,” she said. "I remember the last two when I was going it was very stressful, but this one I’m really excited. … It’s more relaxing. I’m excited to bring my unique prospective going as a reporter versus as an athlete.”
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication provides an opportunity for student media to travel to Rio as reporters, earn school credit and cover the sporting events through a study abroad program.
Ao Gao has had a successful water polo career as a Sun Devil. She has amassed 121 career goals, 97 assists and 121 steals. She has not only contributed with her play in the water, but Gao has impacted her teammates to be better individuals.
“Ao Gao is a really cool person in general, it’s kind of surreal having her on the team,” sophomore goalie Mia Rycraw said. "The first thing you think of when she comes to mind is not that she’s been to two Olympics, but when I think Ao Gao, (I think) amazing teammate and really good friend.”
Junior attacker Stephanie Contreras said that Gao has been a support system both in and out of the water.
“I’ve known her since freshman year. ... Now she’s like a coach,” Contreras said. "She’s always trying to help you in the water, you never feel like you can’t do anything because she’s there to help you through it. … I just love her so much.”
Because Ao Gao has played in two Olympics already, she has a quality resume as a professional, too. Gao has competed on the Chinese National Water Polo team, and helped lead the team to a fifth-place finish at the 2008 Olympic Games. She was named an all-star of the tournament for her high level play. She also competed in the 2012 London Olympics as a member of China’s women’s water polo team.
Gao said she is content that she will not be in the water competing, and she’s excited to have a impact in another facet.
“When I decided to go as a student, I kind of already let it go,” she said. “I will definitely miss the atmosphere and the environment … especially seeing my old teammates, a couple of them are still playing, so it will be very emotional. Meanwhile, I’m excited for my new chapter.”
Gao also said she understands the impact this trip will have on her future.
“I really want to work for (the International Olympic Committee) eventually. It would be a really good opportunity to network,” Gao said. “It will be a great benefit for my journalism career, so I’m really excited.”
Related links:
ASU water polo scores 28 total points in doubleheader
ASU water polo's Abbey Kerth finds key role in breakout season
Reach the reporter at chaz.frazier@asu.edu or follow @chaz_frazier on Twitter.
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