Sportspiel

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you the third SportSpiel Winter Olympics special as we tick down to PyeongChang 2018 in style. In this episode we take a look at some of the key talking points ahead of the games: - Have the Russian dopers won after the latest decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport? (2:49) - Russian speed skater Olga Graf's defiant stance (8:41) - North and South Korea's unification for the women's ice hockey (12:52) - Who to keep an eye out for during the games (18:52) Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper hosts the second SportSpiel Winter Olympic special as we tick down to PyeongChang 2018 in style. On this episode we are joined by British biathlete Amanda Lightfoot who has add a difficult journey to the games. Thanks to federation upheaval in April, Amanda has had to organise pretty much everything in her quest for qualification - all while maintaining a full time training regime.  It has been far from easy but the hard work has more than paid off.  In this one-on-one interview Amanda tells us all about her sport, the journey she has taken to get to PyeongChang 2018 as well as how her military experience has proved invaluable. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper hosts the first SportSpiel Winter Olympic special as we tick down to PyeongChang 2018 in style. On this episode we are joined by Britain's number one ski cross athlete Emily Sarsfield who will be attending her first Olympic Games at the third attempt. It has been far from an easy journey for Emily to realise her Olympic dream as she missed out on the Vancouver 2010 games after suffering a career threatening injury during the test event. However, for Sochi 2014 there was to be more agony as she was controversially not selected by Team GB for the games. After falling out of love with her sport for a while she soon dug in and, through sheer persistence, gave it one last try. This year she made it.  In this one-on-one interview Emily takes us through those setbacks, explains why she loves her sport and tells us how much she has put in to make her dream a reality. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton are joined by 2017 SJA Student Sportswriter of the Year Katie Smith to bring you episode 18 of SportSpiel. In our first segment we discuss: - England's disastrous Ashes tour in Australia (3:09) - The Australian Open and the controversy surrounding Margaret Court (13:24) - Saudi Arabia's decision to allow women into football stadiums for the first time (29:08) - Our outstanding display of the week award (33:10) - Our feel good story of the week award (35:01) Our feature interview segment in this episode is with 2014 Commonwealth gold medalist, and current CEO of British Fencing, Georgina Usher (36:40). Georgina tells us all about her career as an Epee fencer, how becoming a mother changed her approach to competing as well as the current challenges she faces as CEO of the national governing body. She also gives us an update on the funding situation in the sport and explains why involvement in any sporting activity is so important for women. Follow sportspielpod on social me

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 17 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Our best, worst, funniest, most memorable, game-changing and most inspirational moments of 2017 (2:32) - Our outstanding display of the week award (25:45) - Our feel good story of the week award (27:33) Our feature interview segment in this episode is with British steeplechaser Rosie Clarke (29:39). Rosie discusses her unusual path into the sport and the rapid progress she has made since switching to the steeplechase just 18 months ago. She also tells us what it takes to become an elite athlete - particularly in terms of dietary requirements - as well as whether genetics have a part to play in competitive success. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 16 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Who should or shouldn't be in the running for BBC Sports Personality of the Year (2:41) - Is the IOC's ban on Russia competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics all it seems? (14:11) - Our Outstanding Display of the Week Award (20:46) - Our Feel Good Story of the Week Award (22:24) Our feature interview segment in this episode is with T44 long jump world champion Stef Reid (24:33). In a wide-ranging interview Stef discusses her career so far and about finally claiming the gold medal she always wanted during the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships.  She also takes us through the accident that led to her becoming an amputee, how she coped mentally with such a drastic change, being accepted by the British fans and how her Christian faith has helped her throughout her life. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpo

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you a SportSpiel Special looking at some of the biggest sports talking points from the past fortnight. Here is what is included in today's discussion podcast: - Stonewall's rainbow laces campaign - what more needs to happen to support LGBT fans and players? (2:12) - Was this year's Formula One season a colossal disappointment? (10:24) - Does the BBC's Price of Football study show greed is still paramount at the top end of football? (19:44) - After Michael Carrick's revelation over his heart condition is screening as important as we think it is? (27:14) - Introducing our Outstanding Display of the Week and our Feel Good Story of the Week Awards! (31:47) Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 15 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - The awkward - and blatant - sexism on show at the ATP Next Gen Finals launch event (2:56) - The incredible recovery of cyclist Vicky Barnes after a shocking crash left her with severe, paralysis-threatening injuries (8:01) - If Patrice Evra's ill-advised kung-fu kick at a fan spells the end of his footballing career (12:12) Our feature interview segment in this episode is with British boxer Stacey Copeland (17:24). One week on from her third fight since turning professional, the Mancunian remains undefeated and is paving the way at the forefront of women's sport. In a wide-ranging interview she tells us how a terrible botched knee operation led to her decision to become a professional fighter, why she has youngsters at her fights instead of the customary ring girls as well as her time spent in France helping child refugees. Follow sportspiel

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 14 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Elise Christie's deserved Sportswoman of the Year Award (2:16) - Ellie Downie's Young Sportswoman of the Year triumph (7:22) - Hannah Cockroft's shocking revelations about Para classification tests (9:46) - The Best FIFA Football awards - a glamorous ceremony for the men but not quite the same for the women (17:43) Our feature interview segment in this episode is with England Rugby star Kay Wilson (25:11). After announcing her surprise retirement from international rugby earlier in October, the wing tells us why she made her decision. She also looks back on the highlights of her stellar career and takes us through the heartbreak of losing the 2017 World Cup final to New Zealand. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 13 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Will Qatar be stripped of the 2022 FIFA World Cup (2:16)? - Are we obsessed with medal table success after British Swimming had to apologise for the creation of a 'climate of fear' amongst Paralympic athletes (11:57)? Our feature interview segment in this episode is with Jack Rutter - the captain of the England cerebral palsy football team (18:38). As a promising youth player at Birmingham City the defender's professional career was taken away from him as an 18-year-old on one fateful night. He talks about the impact it had on his life and the way he bounced back proudly in the face of adversity. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 12 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Is England's Ashes squad selection one of the weakest we've seen (2:15)? - Should Ben Stokes be stripped of the England vice-captaincy and will he be on the Ashes tour (10:00)? - Is British Bobsleigh's latest announcement just a glimmer of good news in a swirl of controversy (12:57)? Our feature interview segment in this episode is with British rifle shooter Jen McIntosh - Scotland's most decorated female athlete in Commonwealth history (18:04).  She tells us what it's like competing against her sister, living up to her mother's own medal success as well as looking ahead to the fast-approaching Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 11 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Why is Chris Froome not revered and hailed in the same way as other British stars? - Should Russia be banned from the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics? Our feature interview segment in this episode is with British sprinter Reece Prescod who shot into the public eye with his seventh-placed finish in the 100m at the London 2017 World Championships. At just 21 years of age he has been nominated for the European Athletics male rising star award but it could have been so different. Reece tells us about his career, racing against Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin in that 100m final, why he credits the 'dark times' for where he is now and why he could so easily be an estate agent instead. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com Visit our website at: sportspielonline.com Image credit: British Athletics/Getty

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 10 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - England's shock defeat to the West Indies in the second Test - Heartbreak for England in the Women's Rugby World Cup final - The Badminton World Championships and if UK Sport funding should be reinstated - The ongoing saga between Eniola Aluko, Mark Sampson and the FA Our feature interview segment in this episode is with Belfast Giants forward Colin Shields. The 37-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career in ice hockey as he is both the Giants and Great Britain's all-time record goalscorer. He joins us to discuss his impressive achievements, being awarded a testimonial by his club and the new-look expanded Elite League ahead of the new season. There is also chat about his career in North America, becoming just the second British player ever to be drafted by an NHL team, and why the 2004 lockout may have hindered his chances of stepping up to NHL

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 9 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - The end of the glittering careers of Mo Farah and Usain Bolt - Were the London crowd right to boo Justin Gatlin - shouldn't other drug cheats get the same treatment? - The IAAF's decision to bar Isaac Makwala from the 400m final because of 'norovirus' - With the return of the Premier League has the art of defending died a horrible death? - Scotland and Wales' impressive performances at the EuroHockey games Our feature interview segment in this episode is with snowboarding star Katie Ormerod. Despite being just 19 years old, Katie has already claimed X Games medals and became the first ever British woman to win a Big Air World Cup in 2017. As the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics approach the West Yorkshire native is targeting big success at the games and is fast becoming a household name in the UK. With an important year on the horizon she tell

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 8 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Adam Peaty's global dominance - If the England Women's Cricket World Cup triumph can be a springboard for the sport - Managing team-mates and the role of team orders in Formula 1 Our feature interview segment in this episode is with 2014 Rugby World Cup-winning star Marlie Packer. With the 2017 World Cup due to start on August 9 in Ireland the hopes are high that England can retain their title. Marlie looks ahead to the upcoming tournament and gives us an insight into what it takes to be a part of the world's best team. She also tells just how she juggles playing rugby with being a plumber. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 7 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews.  In our first segment we discuss: - If 2019 will be the last ever British Grand Prix at Silverstone  - British success at the World Para Athletics Championships including a gold medal and world record for friend of the show Sammi Kinghorn - England cricket's highs and lows - a damaging Test defeat for the men but a World Cup final for the women Our feature interview segment in this episode is with Winter Olympian and short track speed skater Charlotte Gilmartin. After representing Great Britain at Sochi 2014, Charlotte has gone from strength to strength and has enjoyed a hugely positive 2017 with a European bronze coming her way amongst other accolades. With the 2018 Olympic qualifiers just weeks away all eyes are focused on making the grade and bouncing back from a disappointing World Championship result back in March. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 6 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews.  In our first segment we discuss: - Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton coming together in Azerbaijan  - Dan Evans' failed drugs test, John McEnroe comparing Serena Williams and Petra Kvitova's comeback - The England U21s losing to Germany on penalties - The British & Irish Lions Test defeat to the All Blacks - Would you refuse an invite to Donald Trump's White House like the Golden State Warriors? Our feature interview segment in this episode is with Paralympic wheelchair racing star Sammi Kinghorn. After a severe injury that left her paralysed from the waist down the Scot is taking her sport by storm with three European gold medals and a World Championship bronze. In this interview she talks about the impact the accident had on her, the success she has enjoyed so far and her aims for the future. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmai

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 5 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - The America's Cup and what next for Britain - The Pittsburgh Penguins retaining the Stanley Cup - The hockey internationals and Alex Danson's 100th goal - England's Under-20 World Cup heroes - Who is the best value goalkeeper? Our feature interview segment in this episode is with cyclist Niki Kovacs - someone who has had to face numerous battles in order to ride a bike. After being diagnosed with a childhood condition, being involved in a hit-and-run and suffering a host of injuries she successfully fought of each challenge to compete at prestigious Six Day events and other competitions around the globe. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 4 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 adventure - Tiger Woods' latest challenge - Arsene Wenger staying on at Arsenal - Real Madrid's Champions League triumph - English hockey clubs' European success - Who has the most embarrassing name in sport? Our feature interview segment in this episode is with Wales international hockey player Beth Bingham. We discuss her unconventional journey into the sport, winning 50 caps for her country and managing training with studying.  Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton bring you episode 3 of SportSpiel, a podcast full of sporting discussion and feature interviews. In our first segment we discuss: - Maria Sharapova - should she have a French Open wildcard? - Shamed sprinter Ben Johnson putting the 'roid' in android - Women's FA Cup final - Manchester City show how it's done - Are the Washington Capitals sport's chief chokers? Our feature interview segment in this episode is with former West Ham United captain Stacey Little who has just retired after her spell with C & K Basildon. We discuss her life in football, playing under Julian Dicks, hopes for the future and making her dad proud. Follow sportspielpod on social media or email us feedback at sportspielpod@gmail.com