It may surprise you to know that I had hoped for selection for the 2012 Olympics in London. Not as an athlete but as a commentator. Unfortunately, my Italian, French and Spanish competences were not up to the required standards for the Games and I am stuck as a spectator with the mother tongue.
I do have extensive regional, national and even some international experience as a commentator and seek further opportunities to extend my practice. I have been involved in rowing regattas for over 25yrs. Commentary has been an important and significant way to enhance the events I have supported.
In 2006, I was part of the live on-site commentary team at the Rowing World Championships at Dorney Lake – the Olympic venue for 2012 (see photo below) – which was also globally webcast . I now work with Regatta Radio at Henley Royal Regatta. I also commentate at Women’s Henley and at the National Rowing Championships. I wish to extend my experience to further events – rowing or other – which may benefit from my skills in this area.
Working with full time professionals such as Robert Treharne-Jones and Martin Cross has taught me much about the skills involved in good commentary. The job is to inform, educate and, if possible, entertain. (Of course, this order of priorities is negotiable according to what style is desired.) The most important thing for me is to practise and seek new experiences.
If you have an event which would be enhanced by an enthusiastic, competent and entertaining, professional sounding commentary, please contact me (john@OxfordRowCoach.co.uk) to discuss how I might get involved. It may be as small as a village fete or school sports day or as big as a major international championship or broadcast. I would welcome the invitation. Thank you.