Sporting Witness

In April 2001, the small island nation of American Samoa took on Australia in the World Cup qualifiers. You could only play for the team if you held an American passport, which automatically ruled out the majority of the American Samoans, leaving them to resorting to picking schoolboys to play for them. What followed was the biggest defeat in international football – 31-0. In 2024, goalkeeper Nicky Salapu told Uma Doraiswamy about how he felt as the 31 goals flew in past him. 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: Nicky Salapu in goal for American Samoa against Australia in 2001. Credit: Darren England/Allsport Getty Images)

In November 1993, James Miller interrupted the highly anticipated world heavyweight championship rematch between Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe. He crashed onto the boxing ring ropes after parachuting into the outdoor arena in Las Vegas. The media dubbed him the "fan man" because of the propeller in a cage strapped to his back. Marc Ratner, who was executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, tells Jen Dale about the bizarre bout. 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: James Miller interrupts the heavyweight title fight between Bowe and Holyfield in Las Vegas. Credit: Reuters)

On 5 August 1970, a pre-season match between second division Hull City and European giants Manchester United changed football forever. With the game drawn, it became the first professional competitive fixture in the world to be decided by a penalty shootout. Tied matches were previously decided by coin tosses, the drawing of lots, or replays. The match was in the inaugural season of the Watney Cup which was a short-lived English knockout competition. Manchester United’s team included George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. Hull City player Frankie Banks and fan Martyn Kelly, who was 11 at the time, tell Phil Jones how the penalties played out. 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: The penalty shootout between Hull City and Manchester United. Credit: Hull City AFC)

In 1996, the Czech Republic played in their first major football tournament since the country's formation three years earlier. The unfancied team went on an unexpected run in the competition. One of the stars of the team, Patrik Berger, tells Guy Kilty how it all happened. 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: Patrik Berger in Euro 96. Credit: Lutz Bongarts via Getty Images)

Nathalie Amiel was a star of French rugby for more than fifteen years, from when she started playing internationally aged 15. She was part of the team which won the Five Nations, as well as the European Championship four times. In 2002 Nathalie crowned her long career with a win in the first ever Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship. Nathalie spoke to Laura Jones in 2023. 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: Nathalie (right) playing Rugby in 2002. Credit: Craig Prentis/Getty Images)

In 1977, Michael Jay from England becomes the first foreigner to take part in the Soma Nomaoi which celebrates classical martial arts and military horsemanship. The Soma wild horse chase in Japan is an annual three day event and dates back to the 10th Century. Michael participated for 17 years, earning the rank of group commander. He speaks to Jen Dale about the honour and challenges of taking part. 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. (Picture: Michael Jay in front of Odaka shrine. Credit: Michael Jay)

In 1952, the Summer Olympics took place at the height of the Cold War in Helsinki, Finland. Czechoslovak army officer Emil Zatopek achieved a unique feat in athletics and won three distance-running gold medals. This programme was first broadcast in 2016 with help from archive recordings. 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: Emil Zapotek (number 903), of Czechoslovakia. Credit: Bettmann)

In 1995, Canadian BMXer Jay Miron took part in the first ever Extreme Games. A celebration of action sports like skateboarding and BMXing, the event - now rebranded the X Games - has been held every year since and become a global phenomenon. Jay Miron, known in the sport as 'The Canadian Beast', tells Guy Kilty how one US TV network's decision to televise the first ever Extreme Games changed his life and his sport overnight. 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: Jay at the X Games in 2001. Credit: Elsa/Getty Images)

In the 1970s and 80s the sport of darts was booming in the UK. It was on TV almost every week and the sport’s stars were household names. But by 1989 the sport was in decline, and the world championship was the only event that was still televised. The sport’s top players blamed the British Darts Organisation for failing to keep the game on TV and broke away to form their own competitions in 1993. This rival tour became the Players Darts Council in 1997, which is now responsible for the sport’s biggest tournaments. John Lowe MBE is a three-time world darts champion and was one of the rebel players. He’s been speaking to Tim O’Callaghan. 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: John Lowe at the 1993 Darts World Championship. Credit:Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images)

In 2003, skiing history was made when Croatian siblings Janica and Ivica Kostelić became the first sister-brother duo to win World Cup Alpine slalom races on the same day. Despite coming from a country with limited skiing facilities, the Kostelić siblings managed to make it to the pinnacle of the sport. They would both go on to win again at the World Championships a month later - although this time a day apart. They have been speaking to Marta Medvešek about what it felt like to chase — and achieve —their dreams together. 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: Credit: Janica and Ivica Kostelić at the Alpine Ski World Cup in 2003. Reuters/Denis Balibouse DB/CR/GB)

In 2004 a rugby union team was formed in the Syrian capital Damascus. It consisted of British and French players working in the country, and one Syrian: Mohamad Jarkou. As protests against Syria’s government in 2011 were met with violent crackdowns by the authorities, foreign workers began to leave the country. But it didn't spell the end for the sport, in that same year a team formed exclusively of Syrians, including Mohamad Jarkou, won the Men’s Gulf Open at the Dubai Sevens tournament. Mohamad then formed the Syrian High Rugby Committee and set about growing the game, he is now the General Secretary of Syrian Rugby. He’s been speaking to Tim O’Callaghan about how the sport thrived in a country that had become engulfed by civil war. 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: The Damascus Zenobians celebrating their win at the Dubai Sevens in 2011. Credit: Mohamad Jarkou)

In 1948, London hosted the first Olympic Games after World War Two, but when it came to the hockey final, it was newly independent India who won gold, beating Great Britain. In 2014, Ashley Byrne spoke to one of the stars of the Indian team, Balbir Singh, about the victory at what became known as the ‘Austerity Games’. Singh died in 2020. 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: India's centre forward Balbir Singh tries to score a goal during the men's Olympic Games Hockey match. Credit: Associated Press)

At the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1985, three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna won his first race. In torrential rain, Senna dominated the race, leading from the start and winning by more than a minute and lapped nearly every other driver. Whilst other drivers were crashing out, the Brazilian kept his cool and took the chequered flag after 67 laps. Senna’s mechanic at Lotus, Chris Dinnage, speaks to Guy Kilty about watching from the pit lane. 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: Senna taking the chequered flag at the Portugese Grand Prix in 1985. Credit: Ercole Colombo/Studio Colombo/Getty Images)

Imagine creating a swimsuit so good it would have to be banned. That's what Jason Rance and his team at Speedo did ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games in August 2008. Wearing the LZR Racer swimsuit, United States swimmer Michael Phelps won a record eight gold medals at the Water Cube. Athletes wearing the swimsuit would shatter 30 world records in the space of three months. The reduction in skin friction drag was so significant, some called it "technological doping". The suit developed with space agency Nasa had no seams, featured a special water-repellent fabric and had a design covering the legs which lifted the swimmer's hips in the water. It caused a furore with athletes ditching sponsorship agreements with rival firms to get hold of it. A slew of copycats came on the market before the design was banned from future competitions. Jason Rance who was the head of Speedo's research and development Aqualab, reveals to Josephine McDermott the behind-the-scenes development which would turn competitive swimming on its head. 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: Swimmer Michael Phelps in the Speedo LZR Racer. Credit: Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

In 2009, British 17-year-old Ben Greenhalgh won a reality TV show called Football's Next Star, earning him a six-month contract to play for Italian champions Inter Milan. During his time in Milan, the club enjoyed the greatest season in its history - winning the treble of Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. He trained alongside star players including Patrick Vieira, Samuel Eto'o and a young Mario Balotelli. But Greenhalgh says nobody was above José Mourinho, who was at the peak of his managerial powers. Ben Greenhalgh looks back on the remarkable story with Ben Henderson. 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: Ben Greenhalgh. Credit: Ben Greenhalgh)

In the 1990s, businessman Ramm Mylavaganam created a new way to analyse football matches, which would change how managers and coaches saw the game forever. Whilst trying to sell some high-end massage chairs to Derby County, he found their assistant manager Steve McClaren watching hours of footage of opponents, trying to gain an advantage. This gave him an idea – filming every minute of a match and then analysing the footage could be something football clubs want to invest in. His idea would revolutionise the way football clubs looked at data, players and opponents. He’s been speaking to Tim O’Callaghan. 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: ProZone analysing a game between Reading and Manchester United. Credit: ProZone/Ramm Mylvaganam)

In August 1961, the Soviet Union began building a wall between East and West Berlin. Weeks after construction began, the Scotland international women’s hockey team were invited to play against West Germany. They travelled by plane and coach, getting stopped at Checkpoint Charlie, before arriving for the match at the Olympic Hockey Stadium in West Berlin. Although they didn’t win, Valerie Crombie has been speaking to Megan Jones about the significance of taking part and about the memento she got to keep. 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: The team at Turnhouse Airport, now known as Edinburgh Airport, in 1961. Credit: Scottish Hockey).

How an international skiing scene developed in the mountains of Bamiyan province in 2011. Long: In 2011, the rugged mountains of Bamiyan Province in central Afghanistan became the backdrop of something as unlikely as it was uplifting-an international ski scene. As Bamiyan was then relatively safe for tourists, a new travel agency, supported by a development NGO, started offering holidays to skiers seeking a unique adventure. A ski school was also set up for locals who were keen to learn, including Alishah Farhang, who went on to become one of Afghanistan's top skiers. In 2022 he spoke to Viv Jones, about how his hopes of competing in the Winter Olympics were shattered by the return of the Taliban. 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: The 2015 Afghan Ski Challenge. Credit: KAMRAN SHEFAYEE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Nigerian national women’s football team were the first African team to reach the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup Tournament in China in 1991. In 2023 Justice Baidoo spoke to Nkiri Okosieme – who captained the hastily assembled squad – and hears how they overcame opposition to claim their tournament spot. This programme 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: Nigeria playing Germany in their first game at the tournament. Credit: TOMMY CHENG/AFP via Getty Images)

In 1986, Magi Haroun began her career in football photography. She would become the first female photographer in the Premier League in the 1990s. She grew up with close connections to Manchester United. Her uncle was the club’s chairman from 1965 until 1980, and she had a good relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson during his tenure as manager. She speaks to Tim O’Callaghan and tells him about embarking on a career in a male-dominated field. She also reveals the unlikely story of how she rescued a cat from Manchester United’s training ground. 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: Magi at Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Coventry City in the Premier League in 1995. Credit: BBC)