| Be assertive yet respectful: Approach athletes with confidence but always respect their boundaries. |
Be overbearing: Avoid pushing too hard for responses if the athlete declines. |
| Prepare elevator-pitch questions: Have 1-2 concise, impactful questions ready in case you only get a brief moment. |
Hold up the flow: Don’t monopolize the athlete’s time or block others from asking questions. |
| Respect athlete priorities: Understand that athletes may be focused on cooling down or meeting obligations. |
Ignore mixed zone etiquette: Follow the protocol set by event organizers and respect designated spaces. |
| Use time wisely: Focus on collecting quick, sharp quotes rather than full stories. |
Lose professionalism: Even in a crowded or rushed environment, maintain composure and courteous behavior. |