San Francisco

Rio 2016: Jessica Aguirre's Journal; Week 1 — From Christ the Redeemer to Copacabana

The highly anticipated 2016 Summer Olympic Games have started and NBC Bay Area reporter, Jessica Aguirre, is getting a head start from Rio.

Week 1

After a long flight from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jessica arrived to the "magic city" and is already exploring the people and the streets of Rio.

On the first day of Olympic 2016 reporting, Jessica and photographer, Mykie Vang, encountered a heavy security presence at 7 a.m. while entering Parque Olimpico — aka the Olympic Park — where the games will be held. Jessica discovered that the government had deployed over 80,000 police officers to ensure safety at the 2016 Olympics. 

Later that day, Jessica and Mykie headed over to Christ the Redeemer, where tourists from all over the world come together to photograph themselves imitating the iconic statue.

But it didn't end there.

Jessica and Mykie also caught the sunset at Copacabana beach, and had a short photo op in front of the iconic Olympic rings.

Rio might have dozens of beautiful beaches and exciting landmarks, but Jessica and Mykie had work to do – so on Wednesday, they spent 16 hours writing and editing stories that will be featured soon on NBC Bay Area. 

Although their exposure to the city was limited, Jessica and Mykie witnessed a long line just to get into the International Broadcasting Center. Imagine the lengthy lines when the Games finally begin!

On the outskirts of the line, Jessica and Mykie encountered a gentlemen who has collected thousands of pins and has attended more than one Olympic Game. 

As the atheletes prepare for their competitions, Jessica and Mykie continue to report on the day to day happenigns of the Rio Olympics. 

Jessica met with several athletes such as San Jose locals Kanak Jha and Lily Zhang from Team USA's table tennis team, interviewing them about their excitement around the games. 

Although it is the Olympics, many of the stadiums where the competitions are held are far apart and to keep reporters from getting tired, media shuttles are available to transport reporters from one venue to the other. Needless to say that the shuttles are life savers for the hard working NBC Bay Area team. 

After reporting on a number of stories, Jessica and Mykie found the official Team USA merchandise store, and even tried on the official jacket. Whether you're an Olympic athlete or not, the official jacket comes at a hefty $390 price.

After the incredible win from Team USA's men's swimming, Jessica interviewed Olympian Antony Ervin and even got to wear his gold medals. She also had the chance to interview Olympians Ryan Murphy and Nathan Adrian after their final swim with Michael Phelps. 

Jessica promises more exciting reports in the days to come!

Stay tuned for more updates on Jessica Aguirres's experience during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

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