Barbadian Nathan Goddard-McCarthy is among 15 young journalists chosen to take part in the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Young Reporters Programme.
His first major assignment will be covering the upcoming World Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal from October 31 to November 13.
A former athlete and student of the Combermere School, the twenty three year old is the force behind the popular Natesportstalk IG account, which chronicles the exploits of regional sportspersons.
Goddard-McCarthy, who has been a part of the Barbados TODAY team during the ongoing track and field season, said he was elated to have been selected out of an initial field of 271 young reporters between the ages of 18 and 24 from across the world.
“So last year, around October or November, I would have been sent the application form that said that they’ll be taking young journalists to give them lessons in photography, broadcasting, and journalism. I had to submit a portfolio of all of my work, whether it is written stories, photography, videography, all of my work that I have started with my platform Natesportstalk, and then answer a few questions basically about where I wanted to go in my career and how I want to use my platform and myself to impact the media landscape,” he explained.
Goddard-McCarthy described the moment he was informed about his selection as an “amazing feeling”.
“Honestly, it’s a surreal feeling to know that I’ve been selected with the best in the world, while coming from an island of only 280,000 people and also being the only person from the Caribbean on the list, to even be able to have the opportunity to represent the region is just surreal,” he explained.
With his professional career now quickly evolving, the rising star has already mapped out his plans for the upcoming Olympics in Dakar.
“My goal when I go there is just to showcase the talent that Barbados and the Caribbean has in an effort to show that while we’re from a smaller landscape, we can do big things as well and to just put Barbados more on the map,” Goddard-McCarthy said.
While most of the rest of the world will get to know Goddard-McCarthy in his new role beginning in Dakar, for Barbadians and a wider Caribbean audience, he’s the man behind Natesportstalk, which has quickly become a hub for sports news, and in particular, track and field.
He says the idea began on a whim, before exploding in popularity.
“So, funny enough, it started as like a passion project because I always used to follow a lot of sports around the world, a lot of different journalists, and seeing how they break news around the world. I was looking to see if I can do that for Barbados and the Caribbean, because I think that was missing in our space, that like digital fast news that you can get.
“One day I was just sitting down by the beach, I had my camera and tripod because I love to take photos and stuff. I just set it up, said I would be starting a sports platform, introduced myself, and just started from there,” he recalled.
Despite his tender age, Goddard-McCarthy has some words of advice for other young Barbadians who are passionate about their areas of interest.
“Be resilient and patient, because I went to UWI and did Sports Education because I always wanted to be involved in sports and I didn’t know what I wanted to do at first with my sports. I tried to dabble in physiology, I had to pick between physiology, coaching, and management, and I just love sports, so I decided I could talk about sports, since I used to compete as an athlete and play cricket.
“I think the lesson for them really is just to be resilient and patient and don’t be afraid to try something new, even though you may not come from that background or you may not take the traditional path with others,” he advised.
In the future, Goddard-McCarthy plans to produce podcast content. He offered a special thank you to his supporters.
“I want to interview Barbadian athletes from the past and present to just put our stories out there for the world to see. I also want to thank my mother, grandparents and girlfriend, along with Terry Finisterre and Taahir Bulbulia for their mentorship. Also everyone who supports the page,” he said.
Goddard-McCarthy follows in the steps of fellow Barbadian journalist Anmar Goodridge-Boyce, who was also selected to be an IOC Young Reporter in 2018.
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