Behind the Lens: Alumni help capture the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics wasn’t just a showcase of remarkable athletic talent – it was also powered by the exceptional professionals working behind the scenes. Among them were three NSCC alumni: Alec Cook (RTA ’14), Ben Medleson (Screen Arts ’08) and Neil Gordon (RTA ’12) who brought their creative expertise to the Olympic Broadcast Service.
From capturing thousands of breathtaking moments to helping shape the global viewing experience, these talented storytellers played a vital role in bringing the games to life for millions around the world.
Alec Cook
“I'd identify myself first and foremost as a sports camera operator, but certainly not limited to that. In this line of work being versatile is a huge asset, so I've done a fair bit of work in other technical broadcast roles and post-production as well. The last two years I actually worked under contract for the NFL as a creative analyst supporting graphic design needs for the league and its teams.
Shooting live events is, without a doubt, my favourite thing to do. Aside from the Winter Olympics, some personal highlights of mine lately have been the 2025 G7 Summit, a couple NHL games for Prime Monday Night Hockey, and doing the dressed in white on-ice camera at the last two IIHF World Juniors.
I'm not sure where I'd be today if not for the guidance of our instructors at NSCC. They not only set us on a path with industry connections for internships, work opportunities and more, but also challenged us to try new things and explore avenues we may not have been interested in at first.
I am a bit partial to how much the program has impacted me because it's also where I met my wife, Natalie Lombard, who has also worked in the industry at CTV Atlantic since our graduation in 2014.
I was a camera operator at ice level for curling with the Olympic Broadcast Service. OBS is the host feed of Olympic events that goes out to all international rights holders (CBC, NBC, BBC etc).
It's always an honour to bring these live pictures to people back home, but this event felt really special. Every two years, the eyes of the world focus on one event, and I could feel that every time I turned on the TV at the hotel or checked social media. Not to mention having some great work friends along for the journey, representing Halifax amongst a broadcast crew of 115 Canadians.”
- Alec Cook (RTA ’14)
Ben Medleson
“I currently have a full-time position with Events East at Scotiabank Centre, where I work in our control room. My main responsibility is directing sporting events on the Big Screen ranging from Mooseheads, Thunderbirds, University Sports, large international and national events like World Jr's, NAIG Opening Ceremonies and Memorial Cup that come through Halifax.
It's very rewarding to be part of a great team, capture moments within the game, and create a fun experience for all fans. I've also had the chance to experience some great freelance opportunities in the past, including the NHL, NBA, Junos, World Canoe Kayak Championships, and the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Doing this while living in Nova Scotia is something I take a lot of pride in.
The Screen Arts program at NSCC was an incredible foundation to my career and I don't think I would have accomplished what I have without NSCC. It gave me a solid base for the education I needed, and the internship program was instrumental in giving me work right away to hit the ground running, most importantly keeping my career based in Nova Scotia. A sincere thank you to my instructors, Janet Hawkwood and Chris Campbell.
At the 2026 Olympics, I was a handheld camera operator for Curling on sheet B in Cortina. It was an incredible experience, and to date the job I am most proud of. However what made it special was to be able to experience it with my other colleagues who live in Nova Scotia and are NSCC alumni, Alec Cook and Neil Gordon.”
- Ben Medleson (Screen Arts ’08)
Neil Gordon
“I am a freelance television production professional working in several areas of the industry. I serve as the technical switcher for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, work as an EVS operator (replay operator) on live sports broadcasts, and am a partner and operator in a live streaming and social media company, Maritime Athletic Profiles. Through that company, we produce live content and digital coverage that highlights athletes and teams across the region.
I owe a great deal to my time at NSCC. I enrolled right out of high school, and beyond the technical knowledge I gained, the experience shaped me in much bigger ways. It helped build my confidence and strengthen my work ethic. I was challenged to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of maturity, to speak publicly, and to solve problems both academically and personally. It regularly pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to grow. Most importantly, it helped me find my community and solidified my passion for this industry, something I am incredibly grateful for.
At the Olympics, I worked in the role of Multi Clip Feed for the Olympic curling coverage. Using replay equipment, I delivered curated clips and moments to news organizations around the world for use in sports and news broadcasts. The main program feed of a sporting event often focuses strictly on gameplay and can miss the subtle but powerful moments, smiles and waves to family in the crowd, emotional exchanges between teammates and coaches, or a well-framed shot that tells a deeper story about an athlete or country. My responsibility was to ensure those moments were captured and made available to editors worldwide.
Being part of the Olympics was incredibly special. Eight-year-old Neil would never believe the experiences I’ve had through my work, and this opportunity only adds to that list. My grandfather, Charles "Chookie" Gordon, was a passionate curling fan, and I think back to watching draws with him as a kid. Knowing how proud my family and friends are makes the experience even more meaningful. It’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
- Neil Gordon (RTA ’12)