FMK UCM in Trnava sent young talent to the Olympics in Milan

When our graduate Kristián Kováč participated as a photographer in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, it was the first step towards a collaboration that is now bringing further significant success. After this positive experience, the organizers approached the Faculty of Mass Media Communication at UCM in Trnava again, this time in connection with the Winter Olympic Games in Milan in 2026.

The Slovak Olympic House – Casa Slovacca – was the center of Slovak culture and sports during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Our student Jaroslav Reich was right in the middle of the action, providing photography and video coverage at the house. In addition to meeting top athletes in person, he also gained a wealth of experience and expanded his portfolio.

The selection confirmed quality and diligence

Dr. Lucia Novanská Škripcová explains that student selection is not automatic: "It's not a matter of us nominating someone and the organizers accepting them. The decisive factors are a portfolio tailored to the project and the ability to compete with professional photographers."

Thorough preparation of the portfolio was key – within two days, it was necessary to compile a representative selection of photographs and videos that would showcase Jaroslav's versatility, his ability to work in challenging lighting conditions, and his experience in reporting, concerts, and artistic creation.

Why was Jaroslav Reich chosen? "He is a person who never gives up. He is communicative, open to ideas and criticism, hard-working and humble at the same time," said Dr. Novanská Škripcová. The combination of talent, dedication, and a professional approach ultimately convinced the organizers.

Meetings with sports personalities and powerful moments

Jaroslav Reich himself learned about his participation unexpectedly – just a week before departure. At Casa Slovacca, he was in charge of photography and video output – from capturing the atmosphere, performances, and special visits to creating content for social platforms and media. He was coordinated by Ivan Rudolf from the W.R.P.R. agency, who, incidentally, is a graduate of UCM.

A powerful moment for Reich was, for example, a fashion show, which he had the opportunity to photograph for the first time. During the games, however, he met several personalities from the world of sports and social life. Among them were Peter Sagan and hockey legends.

"I most appreciate meeting Marián Gáborík, whose games with the LA Kings I used to get up very early in the morning to watch when I was younger. I also appreciate meeting Pavol Regend, Juraj Slafkovský, and Erik Černák. It's no coincidence that they are all from the east," said Reich.

Práca na olympiáde je špecifická najmä svojou multifunkčnosťou. „Ak nie sú v dome prítomné ďalšie médiá, zastrešujem všetky formáty od fotografií cez videá vrátane ich úpravy,“ vysvetlil. To si vyžaduje nielen kreativitu, ale aj rýchlosť, flexibilitu a schopnosť pracovať pod tlakom.

Experience that builds the reputation of both students and the faculty

According to Dr. Novanská Škripcová, the repeated participation of FMK students in the Olympic Games confirms the quality of the faculty: "We prepare them for the real world – and the real world appreciates it."

For students, this experience means working in a large international team, handling an enormous workload, making valuable contacts, and expanding their portfolio. Reich advises his fellow students to build a broad portfolio, try new opportunities—even if they are unpaid—and find their own style.

The story of two Olympic Games proves that FMK UCM in Trnava educates professionals who can compete even at the world's biggest events. For students, this is a clear signal that the path from Trnava can lead all the way to the Olympic stage.

Image source: Jaroslav Reich