Sporting Witness

In November 1973, Netherlands women’s football team lined up for their country’s first official international. It was a major step on the road to the development of the game, both in the Netherlands and in England, who were their opponents that day.

Now over 50 years on from that game, with the two countries both now powerhouses in women’s football, Matthew Kenyon speaks to one of the players from the Dutch team who was just 16 years old at the time, Ellen Popeyus, for whom the game was another chance to prove the doubters wrong.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Former Dutch footballer Ellen Popeyus with the shirt she was given to commemorate her role in the country’s first ever official women’s international game. Credit: Matthew Kenyon/BBC)

In 2008, Union Berlin played in the third division in German football. They were best known for the extraordinary atmosphere at their unique stadium, the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, which is surrounded by forest in East Berlin.

But long term financial challenges for the club meant the stadium was becoming too run down to use. The team was at risk of having to move, until fans volunteered in their thousands to take on the renovation work themselves.

Lifelong Union fan Sylvia Weisheit oversaw the project, and she tells her story to Kit Holden. This is a Whistledown production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: A supporter cements stairs during renovation work at Union Berlin's stadium. Credit: John MacDougall / AFP via Getty Images)

In 1961, Brojen Das, a swimmer from the Ganges Delta, set a new world record for swimming from France to England. It was his sixth attempt.

The achievement earned him an audience with the Queen and made him a hero in what is now Bangladesh.

Farhana Haider spoke to his daughter, Sanghita Pal, in 2016.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Brojen Das completing his Channel challenge. Credit: Shutterstock)

Hungarian Agnes Keleti is the world's oldest living Olympian at 103. Her gymnastics career was interrupted by the war when she was forced to flee Nazi persecution in Budapest because of her Jewish faith.

She was the most successful athlete at the 1956 Summer Olympics, winning four golds and two silvers.

Ashley Byrne speaks to Agnes’ nephew John Bence who watched his aunt as a teenager. This is a Made in Manchester production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Agnes Keleti, photograhed aged 95, makes a split in front of Hungarian gymnasts. Credit: Peter Kohalmi/AFP via Getty Images)

The Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania in October 2014 was politically charged between the two nations. But the opening exchanges in Belgrade had passed without major incident, until a drone carrying a flag appeared in the sky above the pitch, with violent breaking out on and off the pitch.

Albania’s captain Lorik Cana and football reporter Nick Ames speak to Jack Butcher about that infamous night in the Serbian capital.

This is a Whistledown production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Serbia's Stefan Mitrovic grabs a flag with Albanian national symbols flown by a drone during the football match between Serbia and Albania in Oct 2014. Credit: Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images)

In 1964, the first ever African Cup of Champions took place in Ghana, as teams from around the continent competed to be crowned the best team in African club football.

It was won by Cameroonian champions Oryx Douala and Justice Baidoo speaks to Oryx Douala player Maurice Epétè about his memories of the tournament.

It’s a Made in Manchester production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Oryx Douala, winners of the first ever African Cup of Champions, photographed in 1967)

Brian McKechnie is one of the few people in history to have represented New Zealand in both international rugby and international cricket.

He has also been at centre of two of the country’s biggest major sporting controversies.

He speaks to Will Yates. This is a Whistledown production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had groundbreaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Brian McKechnie playing for New Zealand. Credit: Getty Images)

In 1996, Thailand watched in awe as the Iron Ladies, a men’s volleyball team made up of gay and trans athletes, triumphed over the country’s best and won the national championships.

Yet despite their outstanding success, none of the team from the northern province of Lampang were selected for the national squad, as the Volleyball Association of Thailand was concerned that they would harm the country’s reputation.

Penny Dale hears from one of the team, Danupol Nuangchang, about the heady events of 1996 and their disappointing aftermath.

A CTVC production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had groundbreaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr recalls taking part at the launch of Formula E in Beijing, China in 2014. It was the world’s first racing championship for electric cars.

The idea for the competition, going through some of the world’s most iconic cities, was written on the back of a napkin in 2011 by former FIA president Jean Todt and founder Alejandro Agag.

Nelson, a former Formula One competitor, tells Daniel Raza about the anticipation leading to the first race and some of the differences and difficulties drivers faced, throughout the inaugural season. The vehicles, which were all the same, had maximum speeds of around 200kmh.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded. Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had groundbreaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Nelson Piquet Jr. Credit: Sam Bloxham/LAT Images via Getty Images)

Have you ever invented a game to pass the time while on vacation? Well, what if that game became a global sensation?

In 1969, Enrique and Viviana Corcuera created Padel while on holiday. With federations in six continents and millions of players around the world, Padel is now the fastest growing sport on the planet.

Viviana shares her experience with Hunter Charlton. It’s an Ember Audio production for BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Enrique and Viviana Corcuera pictured in the 1980s. Credit: Viviana Corcuera)

In 2012, The Gambia made their first appearance at the Paralympic Games. President of the Gambian National Paralympic Committee Sulayman Colley speaks to Justice Baidoo about how he succeeded in organising the team for the London games.

A Made in Manchester Production for the BBC World Service.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had groundbreaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Isatou Nyang was the first athlete to compete for The Gambia in the 2012 Paralympic Games. Credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

In 1960, the Italian city of Rome played host to the first ever Paralympic Games.

More than 400 athletes gathered to compete in the international competition – all of them were wheelchair users.

Margaret Maughan was a member of the British team and won the UK's first Paralympic gold medal for archery.

In 2010, she shared her memories of the games with Mike Gallagher. Margaret died in 2020, aged 91.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Margaret lights The Paralympic Cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics. Credit: Getty Images)

Trischa Zorn-Hudson is the most decorated Paralympian in history.

Competing across seven games, Trischa - who has been blind since birth - won a remarkable haul of 55 medals.

In that time, she also saw the Paralympics go through drastic changes, as competitors campaigned to get similar privileges and rights as Olympic athletes.

Trischa shares memories of her career with Matt Pintus.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Trischa Zorn-Hudson competing during the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. Credit: Getty Images)

In 2008, the Danish 49er sailing team won one of the most dramatic sailing golds in Olympic history.

Going into the final race, Denmark had a comfortable lead. But on their way to the start line, their mast snapped in stormy seas, seemingly crushing their chances of securing a medal. The only hope of salvaging their Olympic dreams rested on the selflessness of their Croatian competitors.

Sailors Martin Kirketerp and Pavle Kostov tell Marta Medvešek the story of a rollercoaster medal race.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had groundbreaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Jonas Warrer and Martin Kirketerp Ibsen of Denmark in a spare boat borrowed from the Croatian team as they compete in the 49er class race in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Breaking makes its debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but its origins as a sport go back to 1970s New York.

Michael Holman formed a group of the most talented breakdancers in the city called 'The New York City Breakers'.

He remembers when the crew performed at a salute for the US Olympic team in 1984, where they wrote a proclamation backstage - proposing it should be a future event at the games, with a set of rules to go with it.

This is a Whistledown production for the BBC World Service.

(Photo: Breakdancers in 1984 in New York, Brooklyn. Credit: Getty Images)

The 2004 Athens Olympics in Greece were hailed as the Games coming home to its ancient and modern birthplace.

But, on the eve of the opening ceremony, a breaking scandal involving two of the host nation's biggest sporting stars threatened to overshadow the celebration. Final torchbearer Nikos Kaklamanakis and Reuters journalist Karolos Grohmann talk to Jack Butcher about the remarkable return of the Olympics to Greece.

This is a Whistledown production for the BBC World Service.

(Photo: Kostas Kenteris' and Ekaterini Thanou's Olympic passes. Credit: Getty Images)

Sailor Pavlos Kontides was 22 when he competed in the 2012 Olympics. Although he had taken part in the Beijing, he was considered one of the favourites going into the London games.

He became the first Cypriot athlete to win a medal for his country, by competing in the Men’s Laser class. He spoke to Matthew Kenyon about what his success meant to him and his country.

(Photo: Pavlos Kontides sailing for Cyprus in the 2012 Olympics. Credit: Getty Images)

The 1994 Wimbledon Championships were dominated by one story - whether Martina Navratilova could bow out with a record-breaking tenth title.

The 37-year-old looked on course to do so, making it to the final where she'd face 22-year-old Spanish player, Conchita Martinez.

The scene was set but Conchita hadn't read the script.

Thirty years on, she shares her memories of that day with Matt Pintus.

(Photo: Conchita Martinez. Credit: Getty Images)

It's 30 years since the murder of Colombian footballer, Andres Escobar.

Just days before his fatal shooting, Escobar had scored an own goal for Colombia at the 1994 World Cup.

He had been blamed for his country's early exit from the tournament and many linked his death directly to his mistake on the pitch.

Matt Pintus has been through the BBC World Service archive, listening to interviews with the Colombian journalist Luis Fernando Restrepo, a friend of Escobar's who saw him on the night he was killed.

(Photo: Andres Escobar playing for Colombia. Credit: Getty Images)

Jewish tennis star Liesl Herbst dreamt of playing at Wimbledon but after Hitler invaded Austria, she was banned from competing.

After fleeing from the Nazis with her family to London, she finally played two months before World War Two began.

When it resumed in 1946, Liesl returned with her daughter Dorli to play in the ladies' doubles.

They remain the only mother and daughter who have competed together at Wimbledon.

Felice Hardy, granddaughter of Liesl and daughter of Dorli, author of The Tennis Champion Who Escaped The Nazis, speaks to Megan Jones.

(Credit: Hardy)

In June 1976, Muhammad Ali was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Ali travelled to Tokyo, Japan to face his next opponent, the professional wrestler Antonio Inoki.

In a first of its kind, the exhibition fight called “The War of the Worlds” was met with controversy because of the rules applied.

Ringside Photographer Claude Charlier tells Sean Allsop how the fight unfolded in a packed Budokan Hall and how many now consider this fight the origin of MMA Mixed Martial Arts.

(Photo: Muhammad Ali stands over Antonio Inoki, 1976. Credit: Claude Charlier)

In 1988, the Soviet Union made it to the final of the European Championships where they faced competition favourites, the Netherlands.

It proved to be the side’s last great achievement before the breakup of the union.

Soviet defender Sergei Baltacha remembers coming on as a substitute to mark the world’s best player, Marco van Basten.

He speaks to Tim Mansel.

(Photo: Sergei Baltacha tackling Holland's Ruud Gullit. Credit: Reuters)

In August 1971, a group of footballers were catapulted from obscurity to overnight stardom in Mexico when record-breaking crowds turned out as the country hosted a forerunner of the women’s World Cup.

With women’s football still in its infancy after being suppressed in many parts of the world for decades, players got a taste of the sport’s potential popularity when they appeared in front of 100,000 fans in Mexico’s biggest grounds.

One of the English team, Trudy McCaffery, tells Ian Youngs what it was like to go from playing in empty parks to the packed Azteca Stadium – and back.

(Photo: Trudy McCaffery with scrapbox. Credit: Trudy McCaffery)

It's 30 years since John Aldridge made headlines for all the wrong reasons during a World Cup match between Ireland and Mexico.

The Irish striker lost his temper with a match official, after not being allowed to take to the field as a substitute. Ireland were losing the match 2-0 and needed a goal.

Aldridge and his manager, Jack Charlton, were pictured on television broadcasts around the world shouting expletives.

Both were punished after the game, but when Aldridge finally was allowed on the pitch, he scored a goal to give Ireland a chance to get back into the game.

He shares his memories of that day with Alan Hamilton. This episode is narrated by Tricia Penrose.

A Moon Road Production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: John Aldridge shouting at FIFA official. Credit: Shutterstock)

Ten days at the end of Manchester United's 98/99 season would define the club as one of the greatest teams in the world. They won the English Premier League, followed by the FA Cup.

It had been 31 years since they last won the European Cup, with Bayern Munich determined to end their bid for the record-breaking treble.

Former United midfielder Jesper Blomqvist speaks to Uma Doraiswamy about the pressure of trying to get the treble when everybody expects you to win, and how being substituted led to United equalising when they needed it most.

(Photo: Jesper Blomqvist with the European Cup. Credit: Reuters)

It's 30 years since the death of Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna.

The three time world champion died in a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. The Brazilian icon was just 34-years-old at the time.

Following his death, major safety changes in Formula One were introduced.

Matt Pintus has been delving into the BBC World Service archives to find first person accounts of the tragedy.

You'll hear from Senna's manager, Julian Jakobi, and from one of the first people on the scene of the crash, Professor Sid Watkins.

(Photo: Ayrton Senna before the San Marino Grand Prix. Credit: Getty Images)

Alice Annum is Ghana's original 'Baby Jet'.

She gained the nickname after winning two silver medals at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, for the 100m and 200m sprint races.

Alice was also the first woman to represent Ghana at the Olympics. Throughout her career, not only did she compete as a runner, she also competed in long jump.

In more recent years the name 'Baby Jet' has been taken on by former footballer, Asamoah Gyan.

But Alice knows that she is the original. She tells Gill Kearsley the story of how she got the nickname.

(Photo: Alice Annum in 2024. Credit: Sally McBratney. Photo: Alice Annum the finish line of the Women's 100-metre event of the 1970 Commonwealth Games. Credit: Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

In May 1974, the Italian Bridge Federation invited a team of American women players to an invitational challenge match against their own women's team.

Over eight days, the two highly successful teams would compete in the city of Venice for a new trophy dubbed 'The Venice Cup'.

Originally a one-off event, the Venice Cup continues to this day as a biennial tournament and is held around the world.

Andrew Edwards speaks to American Bridge life-master Bette Cohn, now in her 90s, about her memories of the competition.

A Made In Manchester production for the BBC World Service.

(Photo: The Italian Venice Cup team. Credit: World Bridge Federation)

It's 20 years since the death of the scout responsible for finding some of the greatest players in Liverpool's history.

Geoff Twentyman joined Bill Shankly's Liverpool in 1967 as chief scout, tasked with overhauling the club's recruitment system.

Armed with his scouting diary, he unearthed lower league players who would later on go to be world beating superstars, including Kevin Keegan, Alan Hansen and Ian Rush.

His two decades as chief scout contributed to the most successful period in the club's history - as they won nine titles, six domestic cups and six European trophies.

In March 2024, a plaque celebrating Geoff along with the rest of 'the boot room boys' was unveiled outside Liverpool's Anfield stadium.

His son, Geoff Jr, has been speaking to Matt Pintus.

(Photo: Geoff Twentyman with the European Cup. Credit: The Twentyman family)

Alex Higgins was the two-times World Snooker champion from Northern Ireland whose speedy style of play helped turn the game into a must-watch sport.

But, away from the table, he was a wild boy – whose gambling, drinking and womanising eventually led to his downfall.

He died in 2010 at the age of 61.

Producer Vicky Farncombe uses archive interviews to tell the story of Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins in his own words.

(Photo: Alex Higgins. Credit: Getty Images)

It's 20 years since Mianne Bagger became the first transgender athlete to play in pro golf tournament.

The Danish golfer made history by competing at the 2004 Women’s Australian Open. It was a landmark moment for trans sport and made headlines around the world.

In 2021, Mianne Bagger spoke to Robbie Wojciechowski.

(Photo: Bagger at the 2004 Women's Australian Open. Credit: Getty Images.)

In 1988, the British mountaineer, Stephen Venables, was forced to spend the night by himself in the so-called "Death Zone" near the top of Mount Everest. In one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of climbing, Venables managed to survive despite not having a tent or supplementary oxygen. He talks to Lucy Burns.

PHOTO: Stephen Venables (Getty Images)

As George Weah takes office as President of Liberia, we look back at his footballing career through the memories of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger. Wenger discovered the African striker when he was manager of the French side Monaco and became a father figure to the young Weah. Arsene Wenger talks to Tayo Popoola.

PHOTO: George Weah in action in the 1990s (Getty Images)

In January 1995, the French forward Eric Cantona shocked football by attacking an opposition fan during a match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Cantona faced a court case and was banned for nine months. Simon Watts tells the story of his Kung-Fu kick through BBC interviews with people who were there.

PHOTO: The Cantona Kung-Fu kick (AFP/Getty Images)

In 1994, the Irish jockey, Declan Murphy, was reported as dead in the racing press after sustaining severe brain damage in a fall at Haydock Park. Murphy later woke from his coma, although he had lost all memory of the previous four years of his life and his personality had changed. The Irish jockey learnt to walk and then ride again, making an emotional return to the sport 18 months later. Declan Murphy talks to Simon Watts.

(Photo: Declan Murphy)

In January 1967 the record-breaking British driver, Donald Campbell, was killed at the helm of his jet-boat Bluebird as he tried to beat his own water speed record. His only daughter, Gina, remembers her legendary father. This programme was first broadcast in 2013.

Photo: Campbell's boat "Bluebird" on a training run (Getty Images)

In 1998 the annual yacht race descended into disaster as hurricane force storms capsized boats and threw sailors into the ocean. Six people were killed but fifty were winched to safety in daring sea rescue operations that risked the lives of the emergency crews. Rebecca Kesby has been speaking to Peter Davidson, one of the first paramedics to arrive on the scene, who saved the lives of eight stranded sailors in treacherous conditions.

(PHOTO: Sydney, Australia - December 26: General view of the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race December 26, 1998 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Nick Wilson/Getty Images)

In 1987, the Libyan dictator, Colonel Gaddafi, decided to sponsor a struggling German ice hockey team called ECD Iserlohn. Gaddafi paid a million dollars for the team to wear an image of his infamous “Green Book” on their uniforms, but the sponsorship deal outraged fans and became a media scandal. David Prest speaks to former Iserlohm player, Early Spry, and the writer, Gabriel Luis Manga. The programme is a Whistledown Production.

PHOTO: An ECD Iserlohn player wearing the "Green Book" logo (Press Association)

In December 1995, the journeyman Belgian midfielder, Jean-Marc Bosman won a European court ruling that transformed his sport. The European Court of Justice declared that players had the right to negotiate transfers when their contracts expired, and ended limits on the number of European footballers per club. The ruling created the modern transfer market and fuelled the power of players – but ruined the career of Bosman himself. He talks to Ashley Byrne.

PHOTO: Jean-Marc Bosman with his lawyers (Getty Images)

In 2008, former refugee Lopez Lomong carried the flag for the USA at the Beijing Olympics, before competing in the 1500 metres. As a child, Lomong fled from a prison for child soldiers in South Sudan, eventually reaching a refugee camp in Kenya where he was one of the thousands of so-called “Lost Boys”. Lomong was later adopted by an American family, who encouraged his dream to reach the Olympic Games. He talks to Simon Watts.

PHOTO: Lopez Lomong in 2008 (Getty Images)

The world of tennis is mourning the death of the popular Czech player, Jana Novotna, at the age of 49. In 1993, Novotna threw away a huge lead in the women's final at Wimbledon but captured the hearts of tennis fans by breaking down in tears on the shoulder of the Duchess of Kent, the tournament's patron. Five years later, Novotna was back on Centre Court, and this time she won. In 2015, she told her story to Kirsty McQuire.

PHOTO: The Duchess of Kent consoles Jana Novotna after her 1993 defeat (Getty Images)

In 2002, a middle-aged mother made history by winning one of the toughest races in the world outright. Pam Reed beat all the elite men competing in the 135-mile Badwater marathon through the desert of Death Valley, California. After her victory was seen by some as a fluke, she responded by defeating all the male runners again the following year. Pam Reed talks to Lissa Cook.

(Photo: Pam Reed after her victory at the Badwater marathon. Credit: Getty Images)

In November 1993, eight fighters from a range of martial arts disciplines took part in the first ever “Ultimate Fighting Championship” in Denver, Colorado. The controversial and often bloody event was a huge success and marked the beginning of one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Ashley Byrne talks to the promoter, Art Davie.

PHOTO: Action fro the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993 (Getty Images Sport)

Kelly Kulick broke into the men's game in 2006 - she was the first woman to compete on an equal footing with men in the Professional Bowling Association tour. She has been speaking to Adrian Moorhead about her career in bowling.

Photo: Kelly Kulick in action at the Pan American Games in 2011. Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Sport.

Lynn Hill was the first person to free-climb 'The Nose', the most challenging route up El Capitan, a 3,000ft granite wall in America's Yosemite National Park.

Since her ascent in 1993 only a handful of others have followed in her footsteps. With a career spanning decades, she tells Sporting Witness how in the early days she was told that women wouldn't be able to accomplish the toughest climbs. (Photo: Free mountain rock climber Lynn Hill clings to the rock face during a climb on 1 June 1983, in Yosemite Valley, California. Credit: Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty Images)

In October 1989, the bitter feud between Brazilian Ayrton Senna and Frenchman Alain Prost boiled over onto the track when the two drivers collided in a now infamous edition of the Japanese Grand Prix. The two men were supposed to be team-mates but their barely concealed mutual loathing gripped motor-racing audiences and led to controversy on and off the circuits. Ashley Byrne talks to Italian F1 driver, Alessandro Nannini.

PHOTO: Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in 1989 (Getty Images)

In 1973, Billie-Jean King made tennis history by winning a challenge match against a former Wimbledon champion called Bobby Riggs. The "Battle of the Sexes" was watched by a global TV audience of nearly 100 million and is credited with improving the credibility of the women's game. The story has now been turned into a Hollywood movie. Billie-Jean King talks to David Sillito.

PHOTO: Billie-Jean King and Bobby Riggs leaving the court (Getty Images)

How the Irish-born footballer, Eamon Zayed, became a folk hero in Iran after scoring three goals in the Teheran derby.

In 1973, O.J. Simpson made American Football history by becoming the first running back to break the seemingly impossible barrier of rushing for 2000 yards in a single season. The record made Simpson a superstar, although it was later overshadowed by off-field scandal. Simon Watts talks to O.J.'s team-mate at the Buffalo Bills, Reggie Mckenzie.

PHOTO: O.J. Simpson in action for the Buffalo Bills in the 1970s (Getty Images).

Nigerian athlete Chioma Ajunwa stunned the world at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Ajunwa returned from a doping ban to compete at the Games as a sprinter. But she was to make history competing in the long jump, for which she had done no training. Alex Last speaks to Chioma Ajunwa about her remarkable comeback. Photo: Chioma Ajunwa at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

In 1978, a US naval officer and his wife invented an extreme form of triathlon which is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Called Ironman, John and Judy Collins' creation consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle ride and a 26.2 mile running marathon. They talk to Ashley Byrne about how the event was first launched in Hawaii. The programme was first broadcast in 2014.

Picture: A recent edition of Ironman in Hawaii, Credit: Getty Images

In 1984, the Moroccan 400-metre hurdler, Nawal El Moutawakel, became the first Muslim woman to win an athletics gold at the Los Angeles Olympics. She talks to Rob Bonnet.

PHOTO: Nawal El Moutawakel crossing the finishing line (Getty Images)

In 1983, American motorcyclist "Fast Freddie" Spencer won the world motorcycling championship aged just 21. Spencer won an epic battle against Kenny Roberts, another legendary US rider. Their rivalry is regarded as one of the fiercest in the history of the sport. Freddie Spencer talks to Simon Watts

Photo: Freddie Spencer in action. Credit: Getty Images)

At the 1988 Olympics in South Korea, Canadian sailor Lawrence Lemieux was winning his race when he dropped out to rescue two fellow sailors who'd capsized in a storm. It's now regarded as one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship in the history of the Games. Emily Williams talks to Lawrence Lemieux and to Jo Chan, one of the Singaporean sailors he rescued.

PHOTO: Racing boats in a storm (Getty Images)

In August 1995, the British mountaineer Alison Hargreaves was killed in an accident on K2 in the Himalayas. Lucy Burns tells her story through archive BBC interviews and the memories of her biographer and fellow climber, Ed Douglas.

PHOTO: Alison Hargreaves on Everest in 1995 (Press Association)

In August 1997, the Ukrainian pole-vaulter, Sergey Bubka, won his sixth consecutive World Championship in Athens. Bubka defied advancing age and a serious achilles tendon injury to claim victory with one massive vault. His performance is now regarded as one of the greatest in track-and-field history. Sergey Bubka talks to Alex Capstick.

PHOTO: Sergey Bubka in action (Getty Images)

In August 1991, the maverick golfer John Daly became a superstar overnight by winning the US PGA tournament as a rookie. Daly's ferocious hitting and hard-living lifestyle had not been seen in the sport before and earned him a legion of fans. Ashley Byrne talks to two golfers who were on the course with the most controversial player in golf.

In 2002, the American football star Pat Tillman became a national hero when he gave up a lucrative career to join the US army and fight in the war on terror. Tillman was a poster boy for the military, but two years later he was killed in a controversial friendly fire incident in Afghanistan. His friend and fellow American footballer, Jeremy Staat, talks to Dina Newman.

PHOTO: Pat Tillman in action (Getty Images)

In 1975, the great Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx lost the Tour de France after being punched by a spectator during a mountain stage. The incident marked the start of the decline of a rider so dominant he was nicknamed "The Cannibal". British cyclist Barry Hoban recalls the punch and shares his personal memories of racing with Merckx. The programme was first broadcast in 2014.

(Photo: Eddy Merckx. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

In 1985, Boris Becker caused a worldwide sensation by winning Wimbledon as an unseeded teenager. He talks to Russell Fuller about one of the biggest upsets in tennis history.

PHOTO: Boris Becker with the Wimbledon trophy in 1985 (Getty Images)

In 1997, Sheryl Swoopes became one of the first stars of the newly-formed Women's NBA in America. Regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time, Swoopes is also an Olympic gold medallist and a trailblazer for the women's game. She talks to Ashley Byrne.

PHOTO: Sheryl Swoopes in action (Getty Images)

In the 1930s, Fred Perry won three Wimbledon tennis championships in a row, becoming a global celebrity. Simon Watts tells his story using BBC archive interviews with Perry and other players from a golden era of tennis.

PHOTO: Fred Perry in action at Wimbledon in the 1930s (Getty Images)

In 1973, seven teams of women cricketers took part in the first ever Women's Cricket World Cup in England. The successful tournament changed perceptions of the women's game and blazed a trail for the men's version of the World Cup. Ashley Byrne talks to June Stephenson of England and Dorothy Hobson of the West Indies.

PHOTO: The victorious England women's team in 1973 (Getty Images)

In June 1994 the Argentine soccer superstar failed a routine drugs test and was expelled from the USA 1994 World Cup. It signalled the end of his dazzling international career. Mike Lanchin has been speaking to Dr Roberto Peidro, who was part of Argentina's medical staff at the tournament.

Photo: Diego Maradona leaves the field for a routine drugs test, accompanied by a FIFA nurse, June 25 1994 (Getty)

In 2001, a group of Tibetan exiles and a Danish ex-footballer teamed up to create the Tibetan national football team, in the face of many obstacles, including threats from China. Robert Nicholson talks to Michael Nybrandt and team captain Sonam Wangyal about their first ever game against Greenland.

PHOTO: The Tibetan team lining up for their match against Greenland (Getty Images)

In 1967, Celtic became the first club side in Britain to win the European Cup when they defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in the final in Lisbon. The so-called Lions of Lisbon were all Scots born within a few miles of Celtic's stadium. Simon Watts tells their story using archive from BBC Scotland.

PHOTO: Celtic just before the 1967 European Cup final in Lisbon (Getty Images)

In May 1967, the British sailor, Sir Francis Chichester, was given a hero's welcome when he completed an epic solo voyage around the world. Thanks to his frequent reports back to newspapers, the trip inspired millions of people, particularly schoolchildren. Simon Watts talks to Sir Francis Chichester's son, Giles.

(Photo: Sir Francis Chichester with well-wishers shortly after finishing his circumnavigation. Credit: Getty Images)

In 2007, the British triathlete Chrissie Wellington was the surprise winner of the World Ironman Championship in Hawaii - the first in a series of victories and world records. Wellington only became a professional athlete in her late 20s after giving up a successful career in development. She talks to Lisa Needham. The programme is a Sparklab Production.

(Photo: Chrissie Wellington in action in a triathlon in Germany in 2011. Credit: Getty Images Sport)

In May 1985, Hong Kong inflicted an unexpected defeat on their neighbours and rivals China in a World Cup qualifying game in Beijing. The disappointed Chinese fans rioted and the Hong Kong team had to flee to the safety of their hotel. They later returned home to a heroes' welcome. Ashley Byrne talks to Hong Kong captain, Lawrence Kee Yu Kam.The programme is a Made-In-Manchester Production.

(Photo: Lawrence Kee Yu Kam with a photo of his team celebrating in their hotel in 1985. Credit: Private Collection)

It is forty years since the international cricket world was thrown into chaos when an Australian media tycoon called Kerry Packer set up his own super league for the world’s best players. In 1977, he brought a brash new form of the game to television, featuring one day matches played under floodlights with white balls, and the players wearing coloured team strips rather than the traditional white clothing. Tayo Popoola hears the memories of Jeff Thomson of Australia, and Clive Lloyd of the West Indies, two of the players who signed for Packer, and risked never playing again for their country again. The programme is a Whistledown Production.

PHOTO: Kerry Packer fielding questions in 1977 (Getty Images)

In 2011, the Japanese Women's football team defied the odds to win the World Cup. It came as a badly needed boost for Japan which was recovering from a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Robert Nicholson speaks to Japan's star midfielder Mizuho Sakaguchi and coach Norio Sasaki.

Photo: The Japanese Women's team pose before the World Cup Final match between Japan and the USA in 2011. Credit:Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images

In 2007, Simon Beresford became the first runner with Down's Syndrome to complete the London Marathon. Simon has gone on to run several more marathons and raise tens of thousands of dollars for charity. Rebecca Kesby met Simon, his running partner and his parents at their home in the English Midlands.

PHOTO: Simon Beresford and running partner, John Dawson (Family Collection)

In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 - the biggest race in American motorsport. Guthrie, a former aerospace engineer, had faced opposition and scepticism from male drivers and some sections of the press. She talks to Rachael Gillman.

(Photo: Janet Guthrie after qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. Credit: Getty Images)

In April 1977, Red Rum entered the history books when he became the first and only horse to win Britain's famous Grand National race three times. Red Rum and his trainer, Ginger McCain, became immensely popular figures in the world of racing and beyond. Simon Watts tells their story through the BBC archives.

PHOTO: Red Rum in the Grand National winner's enclosure in 1977 (Getty Images)

In the 1990s, the small Italian city of Parma had one of the most successful and entertaining teams in European football, winning several trophies and featuring great players such as Faustino Asprilla, Gianfranco Zola and Guinluigi Buffon. But FC Parma’s glory days were bankrolled by the Italian conglomerate, Parmalat, which later became embroiled in one the biggest corporate scandals in European history. FC Parma now languish in Italy’s third division. Nick Marsh talks to Parma super-fan, Vittorio Farnetti, and historian and former Parma resident, Tobias Jones.

(Photo: Parma's passionate fans in 1993. Credit: Getty Images)

In 2004, the Zimbabwean swimmer, Kirsty Coventry, won the first of two Olympic gold medals at the Athens games. By the end of her career, she would become the most decorated Olympian in African history and a hero in Zimbabwe, where President Robert Mugabe hailed her as a "Golden Girl". Kirsty Coventry talks to Nija Dalal-Small. The programme is a Sparklab Production.

PHOTO: Kirsty Coventry in action at the Olympics (Getty Images)

In 1984, Lucho Herrera, a former gardener from the Colombian mountains, stunned the world of cycling by storming to victory on the most famous climb in the sport, the Alpe d'Huez. It was the beginning of a golden age for Colombian cyclists. Simon Watts talks to Lucho Herrera, and Colombian cycling fan, Matt Rendell, author of Kings of the Mountains.

PHOTO: Lucho Herrera on an Alpine stage in the 1980s (Rex).

In March 2009, heavily-armed gunmen attacked buses carrying the touring Sri Lankan Cricket team and match officials to a game in the Pakistani city of Lahore. Rebecca Kesby speaks to Ahsan Raza, a Pakistani Umpire who was badly injured in the attack, and Chris Broad, the British referee credited with saving his life.

PHOTO: Pakistani police patrolling the cricket stadium in Lahore following the 2009 attack (Getty Images)

In February 1968, the aboriginal fighter Lionel Rose was cheered by Australians of all races when he won the world bantamweight boxing title. Ashley Byrne talks to Rose's rival and later friend, Noel Kunde. The programme is a Made-In-Manchester Production.

PHOTO: Lionel Rose celebrating his world championship victory in 1968 (Getty Images)

In January 1994, the US ice-skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed in the knee shortly after a training session, putting her Olympic hopes in jeopardy. To the shock of America, the plot was traced back to the entourage of one of Nancy Kerrigan's rivals, Tonya Harding. In 2012, Kerrigan's coach, Mary Scotvold, gave her first interview about the attack to Sporting Witness.

(Photo: Tonya Harding (left) and Nancy Kerrigan (right) during practise at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Credit: Getty Images)

In the 1980s, punks and squatters in the run-down port district of Hamburg began to adopt the local football team, FC St Pauli. They turned the club into a champion of left-wing politics and created such a good atmosphere at matches that FC St Pauli now attracts supporters from around the world. Results on the pitch are still poor, but on one memorable occasion in 2002, the team beat German giants, Bayern Munich. Claire Bowes talks to FC St Pauli fan, Sven Brux.

PHOTO: FC St Pauli fans flying their Pirate flags (Getty Images)

In 1988, Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins made history by becoming the first African-American quarterback to play in the Super Bowl - the biggest sporting event in the USA. Williams overcame injury to lead the Redskins to an unexpected 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos. He speaks to Lisa Needham. The programme is a Sparklab Production.

PHOTO: Doug Williams in action at the 1988 Super Bowl (Getty Images)

In the early 2000s, competitive computer-gaming, or eSports, began to take off in South Korea before spreading to the rest of the world. Ashley Byrne talks to e-gamer, Lim Yo-hwan, nicknamed Boxer, one of the biggest names in the new sport.

(Photo: An e-gamer taking part in a tournament in South Korea. Credit: Getty Images)

In January 2001, the German driver, Jutta Kleinschmidt, became the first - and only - woman to win the Paris-Dakar rally, one of the biggest events in motorsport. She talks to Simon Watts.

PHOTO: Jutta Kleinschmidt celebrating her victory in 2001 (Getty Images)

In 2008, India won its first ever individual gold medal in the Olympics after nearly 100 years of trying. The winner was a rifle shooter called Abhinav Bindra, who received more than 300,000 letters of congratulations from his fellow Indians. Abhinav Bindra talks to Farhana Haider about his obsessive battle for victory.

PHOTO: Abhinav Bindra with his Olympic gold medal (Getty Images)

In 1984, Lamine Gueye of Senegal became the first black African skier to take part in the Winter Olympics. The grandson of a prominent Senegalese politician, Gueye founded his country's ski federation and for a long time was the only member. He talks to Tayo Popoola. The programme is a Whistledown Production.

PHOTO: Lamine Gueye in action (Getty Images)

The Iditarod dog-sled race runs through 1,000 miles of Arctic wildnerness in Alaska and is regarded as one of the toughest sporting events in the world. In the winter of 1985, Libby Riddles drew international attention to the Iditarod by becoming the first woman to win. She talks to Robert Nicholson. The programme is a Whistledown Production. It was first broadcast in January 2016.

(Photo: Libby Riddles in 1985. Credit: Associated Press)

At the 2012 Paralympic Games, the Dutch wheelchair tennis player, Esther Vergeer, took two gold medals and completed one of the longest winning streaks in sport. By remaining undefeated for more than a decade, Vergeer became a hero in the Netherlands and earned the admiration of all tennis players. She talks to Ashley Byrne. The programme is a Made-In-Manchester Production.

PHOTO: Esther Vergeer at the 2012 London Paralympics (Getty Images)

At the 1956 Olympics, the Czechoslovak discus thrower, Olga Fikotova, caused a scandal by falling in love with an American hammer thrower called Harold Connolly. Despite winning her country's only gold medal, Olga was treated as a potential traitor by the communist government and her achievements were ignored. A few months later, Harold Connolly visited Prague to marry Olga and take her back to America with him. Olga Fikotova tells her story to Claire Bowes.

PHOTO: Harold Connolly and Olga Fikotova on their honeymoon in 1957 (Associated Press)

In 1966, an all-black team went head-to-head with an all-white team for the National College Basketball championship - one of the biggest prizes in American sport. To the surprise of every pundit, the African-Americans of Texas Western College defeated the University of Kentucky, then the number one team in the country. The game is now regarded as breaking down the colour barrier in US basketball. Nija Dalal-Small talks to Nevil Shed of Texas Western. The programme is a Sparklab Production for BBC World Service.

PHOTO: Texas Western celebrate their victory in 1966 (Getty Images)

In 2009, thousands of Iraqis gathered at the National Football Stadium to attend the funeral of the player and coach, Emmanuel Baba Dawud, better known as Ammo Baba. Ammo Baba was a beloved player, whose heading ability was legendary and who scored Iraq's first ever international goal. As a coach, Ammo Baba won many regional trophies for the Iraqi team and stood up to Saddam Hussein's sadistic son, Uday. His brother, Banwal Baba Dawud, talks to Ashley Byrne. The programme is a Made-In-Manchester Production.

PHOTO: Mourners at Ammo Baba's funeral (Getty Images)

In 1996, England won the inaugural Home Nations championship in women's rugby. It was a major victory in the English players' fight for official recognition for their sport. Robert Nicholson talks to Gill Burns and Nicky Ponsford about how the women's game overcame entrenched sexism and official indifference. The programme is a Whistledown Production.

PHOTO: The England women's team in action in the 1990s (Getty Images)

In November 1986, aged just 20, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion of all time. Tyson came from a troubled upbringing in New York and only found a direction in life when he met the legendary trainer, Cus D'Amato. But, after D'Amato's death, Tyson's career was marred by a rape conviction and an ongoing battle with drink and drugs. He talks to the BBC Boxing Correspondent, Mike Costello.

PHOTO: Mike Tyson on the way to his first world heavyweight title (Getty Images)

In April 1996, the manager of Galatasaray and former Liverpool star, Graeme Souness, went down in Turkish football history. After winning the Turkish Cup final, Souness celebrated by planting a Galatasaray flag in the middle of arch-rival Fenerbahce’s pitch. The Scottish manager almost sparked a riot, but won the hearts of Galatasaray supporters. Graeme Souness speaks to Cagil Kasapoglu.

Photo: Graeme Souness planting the Galatasaray flag in 1996 (Turkish television)

In November 1973, Chile played an international football game at the National Stadium in Santiago even though it was being used as a torture centre following General Pinochet's coup. Chile were due to face the Soviet Union, but the USSR boycotted the match, which the Chileans ended up playing against no opposition in a virtually empty stadium. Robert Nicholson talks to the Chilean captain, Leonardo Veliz. The programme is a Whistledown Production.

PHOTO: General Pinochet's troops guarding the National Stadium in Chile in 1973 (Getty Images)

In 2002, Aussie rules footballer, Jason McCartney, was seriously injured in the terrorist attacks in the Indonesian island of Bali. Despite suffering 50% burns, McCartney regained his fitness and made an emotional return to top-level football. His story helped lift Australia's spirits after the worst terrorist attack in its history. He talks to Simon Watts.

(Photo: Jason McCartney after his comeback game for North Melbourne. Credit: Getty Images Sport)

At the 1956 Olympics, political tension between Hungary and the Soviet Union boiled over during the water polo semi-final. The confrontation became known as the 'Blood in the Water' match. In 2011, Witness spoke to the late Ervin Zador, the star player on the Hungarian side.

(Photo: Ervin Zador. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

In 1995, promising Kenyan runner Henry Wanyoike suffered a stroke and lost his sight. After initially feeling depressed, Henry learnt how to run tethered to a guide and went on to a set a series of long-distance running records for the blind – many of which stand to this day. Henry Wanyoike talks to Alex Last.

(Photo: Henry Wanyoike, with his guide, on the way to setting a marathon world record in 2005. Credit: Getty Images)

In 1969, the African-American players on the successful University of Wyoming football team were sacked for trying to stage a protest against racism at a rival university. Their dismissals attracted national coverage and ended up in federal court. The incident ruined many of the players' careers and spelled the end of Wyoming's period of sporting success. Robert Nicholson talks to Jay Berry, one of the Black 14.

(Photo: A rally in support of the Black 14 in 1969. Credit: AP)