Meet Tina Yong
More than 35 billion hours of sports content is consumed annually on YouTube. So to give fans even more access to incredible content, in late July, creators from around the globe travelled to Paris – allowing viewers to not only be able to watch official broadcasts on YouTube across all competitions, but also hear from their favourite creators directly from where the action is taking place.
Australia’s Tina Yong was one of those creators, and we sat down with her to hear all about her experience.
How did it feel to be in Paris for the Games, not just as a spectator but as a content creator?
I remember watching the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics when I was 10, on the living room TV with my family, and seeing Nikki Webster perform at the opening ceremony. Her song “Strawberry Kisses” was stuck in my head for months! Never would I have imagined that I’d get to attend the Olympics in Paris, let alone be chosen to take part in the Olympics creator program on YouTube. It was definitely a pinch-me moment when I saw the invitation. I had a mixed bag of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a whole lot of curiosity. What am I going to be doing there? What content am I going to create? What games will I see? Will my husband and daughter be okay without me for a few days? Lots of thoughts ran through my head, but now that I’m here in Paris, it feels absolutely incredible. The atmosphere at the games is indescribable, and being part of it all is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What are three things you'll never forget about the experience or that you learned?
- The friends I’ve made.
- The incredible vibe and atmosphere of watching the games with scenic views of Paris.
- The deep respect I have for all the athletes. Seeing them in their element and being the best at what they do is truly inspiring.
Which had you cheering the loudest?
Of course, I’m cheering loudest for Australia! On my first day, I watched the women’s beach volleyball competition between Australia and Sweden. The atmosphere was electric, and to be right there, with the Eiffel Tower in the background during an intense match as the sun set—it was magical. And the cherry on top? Australia won! That moment was definitely one of my favourites so far.
What was your most memorable experience, outside of the competitions?
Meeting the other creators in the program has been really special to me. Everyone had inspiring stories to share about their journey to becoming successful on YouTube. We instantly clicked and became friends from the moment we met. It felt like hanging out with a group of old friends at this amazing event, and that connection is something I’ll always cherish.
In one of your Shorts you show off some of the food – what was your favourite?
At one of the lounges, I had a Croque Monsieur for the first time, which is essentially a French grilled cheese sandwich with ham. It was right off the grill, warm, and comforting—it really hit the spot! Who doesn’t love a good ham and cheese sandwich?
Have you met any other creators or athletes that you've been inspired by? Who and why?
I had the incredible chance to meet Alex Honnold, the world’s best solo free climber, at my hotel. He wasn’t competing this year but was there mentoring the USA climbers. We bumped into each other after he casually scaled the hotel for an interview, which was surreal! We had a brief chat afterward, and I was already familiar with his story from his documentary on Netflix.
Learning that he’s been climbing since he was 10 and is still going strong at 38 was truly inspiring. It was even more special when we discovered we both have 2-year-old daughters. Meeting someone so extraordinary, yet so down-to-earth and family-oriented, was a highlight of my trip.
What are the challenges and rewards of creating content on-the-go at such a massive event?
One of the big challenges was creating content that didn’t show the athletes’ field of play, which is a major content requirement. This forced me to think outside the box. I kept asking myself, "What would my audience want to know about the Olympics that they can’t see on TV? How can I share my experience in a way that resonates with them?" The rewards, however, far outweighed the challenges. I got to experience the best of the Olympics, from access to private boxes to exclusive lounges and hospitality venues—perks that a regular ticket wouldn’t get you. It’s been an incredible experience to share with my audience.
How has your identity influenced your content creation and perspective?
Growing up as a Vietnamese-Australian to immigrant parents, we didn’t have much money, but my family always found a way to make things fun. Those experiences taught me to appreciate every opportunity that comes my way, and that’s something I carry with me in my content creation. I value every experience I get with my job, and I love sharing that joy and appreciation with my audience. It’s about finding the magic in every moment, no matter how big or small, and bringing that to life in my content.
What do you hope people take away from your videos?
I’d love for viewers to get a sense of what the Olympics are like beyond just watching the games. For example, before this trip, I didn’t know there were so many events and venues to explore around the city. At Clubhouse 24, located in the iconic Palais de Tokyo, there’s even an exhibition where you can see all the Olympic torches throughout the years and get a peek inside what the athletes' rooms look like. I want to show people that the Olympics are more than just sports—it’s a whole experience that blends culture, history, and community.
What advice would you give to other young Australian YouTube creators?
Think outside the box. With so much content being uploaded now more than ever, it can be hard to stand out. My advice is to combine different types of content you enjoy creating and watching to develop something unique to you. And most importantly, keep going! If one video doesn’t perform well, don’t give up—try something else and double down on what works.
What's the best thing about what you do?
I love that I get to live life on my terms, create content that I enjoy, and support my family at the same time. It’s the best of all worlds.
Finally, who are you watching on YouTube?
I’m currently hooked on The Diary of a CEO. I love a good podcast, and after every episode, I walk away with new knowledge—whether it’s tips about health, finance, or life in general. It’s my go-to for inspiration and learning.
