Times Insider: The Journey of a Sports Reporter and the Power of Fandom in the Most Remote Places on Earth
Who We Are and What We Do
As a reporter for The New York Times, I’ve had the privilege of covering stories that take me to unexpected places, both geographically and emotionally. My journey into the world of sports journalism began in 2021 when I joined the Sports section to report on the N.B.A. Since then, I’ve shifted to the Business section, where I focus on the business of sports, particularly the N.B.A.’s global initiatives. My work has taken me to Dakar, Senegal, to explore Africa’s booming interest in basketball, to Abu Dhabi to examine the ethical complexities of the N.B.A.’s ventures in the Middle East, and to Paris to cover the league’s future prospects in Europe, including the rise of French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
But one story stands out as a defining moment in my career—a tale that began with a boast, led me to Antarctica, and reminded me of the profound power of sports fandom to connect people across the globe.
The Story Begins: A Boast, a Challenge, and a New Direction
It all started during a conversation about an article I was working on about the global fan base of LeBron James. I proudly mentioned to a friend that I had interviewed someone from every continent—a claim that was nearly true, except for one glaring omission: Antarctica. My friend’s curiosity (“Even Antarctica?”) sparked an idea that I couldn’t shake.
What if I found someone in Antarctica who was a die-hard LeBron James fan? It seemed like a long shot, but I was intrigued by the challenge. Little did I know, this curiosity would lead me down a path I never anticipated, one that would take me away from basketball and into the world of football, introducing me to a group of Buffalo Bills fans in the coldest place on Earth.
A Scientist, a Football Fan, and the Search for Connection
My search for a LeBron James fan in Antarctica led me to Ken Halanych, a scientist with a passion for sports. While Halanych wasn’t the LeBron fan I was initially seeking, he shared stories of how he kept up with his favorite football teams during his time in Antarctica. His tales of limited internet access and the creative ways he and others stayed connected to sports highlight the resilience of fandom, even in one of the most remote places on Earth.
This chance encounter shifted my focus from basketball to football, and I found myself delving into the lives of researchers and technicians living and working in Antarctica. Their stories were a testament to the enduring power of sports to create a sense of community and identity, no matter where life takes you.
The Unlikely Fan: Meredith Nolan and Her Buffalo Bills
One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from my reporting was that of Meredith Nolan, a 24-year-old Buffalo Bills fan who spent four football seasons in Antarctica while conducting research at Palmer Station. Nolan’s dedication to her work and her team was remarkable. Despite missing holidays, family gatherings, and even her grandmother’s funeral, she remained committed to her mission and her fandom.
Nolan’s connection to the Bills wasn’t just about the games; it was about maintaining a link to home. Through social media, text messages with her father, and later, a functioning YouTube TV account, she stayed updated on her team, even as she studied zooplankton in one of the most isolated environments on the planet. Her story became the centerpiece of my article, a heartwarming reminder of how sports can transcend distance and isolation.
Fandom as Identity: The Bond That Transcends Borders
What struck me most during my reporting was the way sports fandom becomes a part of someone’s identity. For Nolan and others like her, allegiance to a team isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about feeling connected to a larger community, even when you’re thousands of miles away from the nearest continent.
Sports have a unique ability to create a sense of belonging, whether you’re watching a game in a packed stadium or alone on a research vessel in Antarctica. This bond is what drives fans to go to great lengths to stay informed, to celebrate victories, and to endure defeats together, even when they’re physically apart.
The Challenges of Reporting from the Edge of the World
Reporting on sports fandom in Antarctica came with its own set of challenges. The National Science Foundation (N.S.F.), which funds research in Antarctica, had halted press trips for the 2024-25 season, so I couldn’t meet any of my sources in person. Instead, I relied on video calls and text messages to gather their stories.
Despite the limitations, the researchers and technicians I spoke to were generous with their time and insights. They shared not only their experiences as fans but also glimpses of their lives in Antarctica, offering a fascinating look at how sports serve as a lifeline to the outside world.
The End of the Story, But Not the Journey
As I wrapped up my article, the Buffalo Bills faced the Kansas City Chiefs in the A.F.C. championship game. Nolan watched the game from a Ukrainian research vessel as she made her way back to Virginia. Though the Bills lost, Nolan’s pride in her team remained unwavering.
“Still proud of the season,” she texted me.
For Nolan and millions of other fans like her, the joy of sports isn’t just about winning—it’s about the connection, the community, and the sense of identity that fandom provides. As a reporter, I’m constantly reminded of the power of sports to bring people together, no matter where they are in the world.
In the end, this story wasn’t just about a fan in Antarctica or even about the Bills’ journey to the championship game. It was about the human spirit—the way we find meaning, connection, and joy in the most unexpected places. And for that, I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
