Skip to main content

WOOLDRIDGE: Road to Rio

(This is a guest blog from David Wooldridge who will be commentating on the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships)
I know people say don’t have regrets, but one of the biggest regrets in my career so far, was missing the boat on the London 2012 hype. The time when it seems from looking at other people’s careers, there were LOADS of presenting, announcing and commentary opportunities.
Well luckily for me I’ll be having my ‘2012 moment’ soon. As somehow I’ve been selected as part of the commentary team for the upcoming European Wheelchair Basketball Championships, which acts as a qualifier for the Rio 2016 Paralympics, so yeah A BIG DEAL.
Euro Logo
This huge event also happens to be where I spend most of my Friday nights between September & April, “The University of Worcester Areennnnaaaaa!” Which makes it a little bit more special for me, as it’s in my home town and in a venue I owe a lot of my career to.
I may not be living out 10 year old me’s dream of being the 2nd ever wrestling Olympic gold medalist, (Coming for you Kurt Angle). But this is the closest I’ll ever be to it! And more importantly this event will make up for my, “Pfftt its only the Olympics” attitude back in 2012.
It’s kind of a weird ‘Disney-ish’ full circle of my career so far too. Commentating on a EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP in the same venue where I first stepped out to announce and… well did a terrible job to be frank.
Uni ArenaWhilst I’m still ‘breaking the glass ceiling’ in TV & Radio presenting, I really feel that in the sports announcing & commentary world I’m starting to make a name for myself, (He says before messing up at the event). Which I completely owe to basketball in general and to the fantastic athletes, of which I’m allowed to be part of their ‘show’, their the ones delivering and giving me something to do!
Unfortunately I won’t be commentating on this event as much as I would like to, due to other ‘bits & bobs’ (Might tell you about them soon…), but I’m just happy to be a part of the whole shaa-bang to be honest!Team GB
Ooo by the way, guess what I’m REALLY looking forward to? I’ve looked at my announcing schedule, I’ve got a Team GB game to commentate! *Air Fist Pump *
So here’s hoping I don’t let Great Britain down, or our paralympians. And that I can commentate them to victory, onward to Rio 2016!
Lets also hope our European counterparts can understand my Farmer-Brummie-Southern accent too…

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Kendal Johnson wants to ball in the BBL

Kendal Johnson is an American who wants to play in England in a busy week where he is likely to find out where he will be playing and when. Johnson is the cousin of NBA star Marcus Camby and is looking to be a player/coach in the British Basketball League or English Basketball League. He admits he doesn't know too much about the current state of British basketball but has heard good things. He said: 'I've always wanted to go to England but I don't know a lot about the basketball league, I have a friend at the Worcester Wolves and he has told me there is lot's of positives.' 'I've played basketball since I was little obviously having Marcus Camby as a cousin I was always in that sort of environment.' Johnson revealed he had been in talks with various BBL and EBL clubs and is hoping a move can be agreed in the coming days. He also thinks that it is important to get young people involved in sport. He added: 'One thing I would like to ...

Wolves' Director hopeful of final place

Worcester Wolves’ Managing Director Mick Donovan hopes the team can reward fans’ loyalty with a Final day out as he looks ahead to this week’s BBL Cup clash. The University of Worcester-owned side prepares to face Sheffield Sharks for a place in the final in Birmingham. Donovan said: "We are very proud and appreciative of our loyal fans and this season has seen record breaking home attendances compared to previous seasons. "The fans have a good understanding of the game and, regardless of results and performances, they continue to approach each game with a positive mindset and get behind the team.  "There is certainly a feeling of cup fever in the Worcester Wolves basketball camp this week.  Everyone at the Club would love to see Wolves make the prestigious final in Birmingham and the players in particular will be determined to reward the fans and club volunteers with a semi-final win that would bring a great Cup Final day out.  I am sure that i...

Johnson bringing HoopsAid the American Dream Team.

Kendal Johnson recently spoke to us about the possibility of playing in England and while he may not be playing full-time he is set to play at least one game. Johnson will be representing America at HoopsAid, a charity basketball match in the style of soccer aid - featuring players, celebrities and in this case battle back players. Kendal is looking forward to the opportunity to compete in the Copper Box with some of the stars Britain and HoopsAid have to offer. He said: 'This HoopsAid event is going to be very exciting, this will be my first time in London and I'm nervous and exciting at the same time, I'm just ready to play.' 'Giving back to the community is very important to me and I think HoopsAid gives my the opportunity which is good for me and good for them.' 'I'm excited to be playing in the Copper Box arena, It's where they had some of the Olympics so I'm looking forward to that.' Johnson won't be taking it lightly ...