Rita Lazzarotto will jet off to the soccer FIFA World Cup in June to be the official reporter for Mix 101.1. 47621 Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Bridget Cook
HALLAM resident Rita Lazzarotto has done some crazy things in her life. But what she did to become a finalist in a radio competition to be the official reporter for the FIFA World Cup really takes the cake.
Her antics have paid off, as she will fly to South Africa in June as the reporter for Mix 101.1’s breakfast show, after she won the Kia Real World Reporter competition.
The radio station called on people to do something crazy to promote their show.
Ms Lazzarotto made a big poster saying ‘listen to Brig and Lehmo for mix mornings on Mix 101.1’, and ran down the aisle of St Patrick’s Cathedral just before a church service started.
With more than 200 entries, Ms Lazzarotto’s entry was selected in the top four.
Ms Lazzarotto was then required to prepare a 60 second report on the Socceroos’ road to South Africa.
“They wanted it to be sassy and creative,” she said.
“I went to the Socceroos appearance, the ‘Weetbix Breakfast’ appearance, and interviewed three team members,” she said.
“I asked them questions about their rituals, how they are feeling, and if they are going to miss home.
“I worked probably 20 hours on a 60 second piece.”
On Friday 21 May, the finalist reports went to air on the breakfast show and Ms Lazzarotto was announced the winner in the studio.
“I screamed and shouted and flapped my arms around like a bird,” she said.
“And after that I bawled out crying with happiness.”
Ms Lazzarotto has been a keen soccer enthusiast from a young age.
She played with her brother as a child, was a member of her university soccer team and went to the World Cup and “fell completely in love with the game” in 2006.
And while she has Italian heritage, Ms Lazzarotto said she will back the Aussie boys in this year’s World Cup.
