Olympic Channel Embraces Virtual Reality

(ATR) The Olympic Channel wants to start "trending gold" as the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics approach next month.

In order to do so, the Olympic Channel will follow nine athletes as they prepare for PyeongChang and film their training and efforts with 360-degree cameras, creating a virtual reality mini-series as the athletes aim for gold medals titled "Trending Gold".

The goal is to provide fans and spectators with an immersive experience utilizing new technologies.

"Trending Gold is an innovative new series that uses technologies such as virtual reality and 360-degree video to bring viewers inside the personal worlds of several winter athletes creating an immersive and engaging experience for our fans," said Olympic Channel General Manager Mark Parkman.

"Finding new ways to connect the stories behind our sports with our audiences through new series like Trending Gold is a key strategy as we continue to evolve the Olympic Channel global platform."

The seven-part mini-series is the first project filmed entirely in 360 virtual reality by the Olympic Channel. Produced exclusively for the Olympic Channel by Jaunt, "Trending Gold" will also offer additional content including 360-degree interactive videos, behind-the-scenes episodes and short-form videos.

The full-length mini-series episodes are best viewed with VR headsets or through the Jaunt mobile app.

The Nigerian women’s bobsleigh team’s efforts to make it to South Korea has been one of the more intriguing stories ahead of the PyeongChang Olympics. Athletes Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga kick off the mini-series in the first two episodes, showcasing their growing support and enthusiasm in Nigeria before heading to Calgary for quality track time.

Snowboarders Jamie Anderson and Max Parrot, alpine skiers Luca Aerni and Ilka Stuhec and short track speed skaters Ye Jin Kim and Dae Heon Hwang are the other athletes that will be featured throughout the series.

While the Olympic Channel will not provide live coverage or highlights of PyeongChang 2018 when the Games begin on Feb. 9 due to exclusive broadcasting rights, the platform will still operate as normal with athlete profiles and Olympic related content.

Once the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics end on Feb. 25, the Olympic Channel can begin to show highlights and replays of events from the Games.

"Trending Gold" debuted on the Olympic Channel digital platform on Jan. 4 and all seven episodes are now available for viewing.

Written by Kevin Nutley

Homepage photo: Users test Samsung virtual reality devices. (Samsung)

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