Profiles

Definition

Profiles in sports storytelling are in-depth narratives that highlight the lives, achievements, and personal stories of athletes, coaches, or significant figures in the sports world. These pieces serve to humanize the subjects, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, ultimately connecting them more closely to the sports they represent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profiles often include interviews with the subject as well as those close to them, such as family, friends, and coaches, to paint a comprehensive picture.
2. These stories can highlight not just athletic achievements but also personal struggles, background, and off-the-field contributions to society.
3. Profiles serve an essential function in engaging readers by making athletes relatable and fostering a connection between the audience and the subject.
4. They can be presented in various formats including articles, podcasts, or documentaries, adapting to different media for broader reach.
5. Effective profiles often use narrative techniques like storytelling arcs to enhance engagement and keep readers invested in the subject's journey.

Review Questions

• How do profiles contribute to understanding an athlete beyond their performance on the field?
  • Profiles contribute to understanding an athlete by delving into their personal stories, backgrounds, and life experiences. By highlighting their struggles and triumphs outside of sports, readers gain a fuller picture of who they are as individuals. This connection not only makes athletes more relatable but also enhances appreciation for their accomplishments in context.
• In what ways can profiles differ from traditional game coverage in sports journalism?
  • Profiles differ from traditional game coverage by focusing less on scores and statistics and more on the personal narratives behind the athletes. While game coverage typically reports on events as they happen, profiles dive into an athlete’s life story, motivations, and challenges. This type of storytelling aims to engage readers emotionally and foster a deeper connection with the subjects.
• Evaluate how effectively written profiles can impact public perception of athletes and influence sports culture.
  • Effectively written profiles can significantly impact public perception of athletes by shaping their narratives in a way that resonates with audiences. By presenting athletes as multidimensional individuals with relatable struggles and triumphs, these profiles can challenge stereotypes and foster empathy among fans. Additionally, they can influence sports culture by highlighting important social issues that athletes advocate for, thus encouraging broader conversations within society about topics like equality, mental health, or community involvement.

Related terms

Feature Story: A feature story is a detailed article that explores a specific angle or aspect of a sports subject, often going beyond the usual game coverage to provide more insight into the people involved.

Human Interest: Human interest refers to stories that appeal to the reader's emotions by highlighting personal experiences or challenges faced by individuals within the sports realm.

Athlete Narrative: An athlete narrative focuses on the life story of a particular athlete, detailing their background, motivations, and the events that shaped their career and personal life.