The 2019 SJA Sports commentator of the year and BBC Radio 5 Live’s main commentator for both boxing and athletics joins Hamish this week. In this episode Mike details his career progression from starting at the BBC aged 16 to becoming the voice of their boxing and athletics coverage. He also speaks of his experience amateur boxing and how that has helped his commentary of the sport, as well as why the 100 metres is one of the most difficult sporting events to commentate on and why a post-match interview with a losing boxer can be so powerful. With credit to BBC Radio 5 Live.

Mixed and Sound Designed by Rocket Ears and Graham Slack.

Time Codes:-

- 1:35-3:25- Mike's early years.

- 3:25-12:05- Mike's frustrations, his initial break and being ready when the opportunity strikes.

- 12:05-18:00- How Mike's experience amateur boxing helped his commentary of the sport.

- 18:00-21:40- Why the 100 Metres is one of the most difficult sporting events to commentate on.

- 21:40-25:00- Mike's aims as a commentator.

- 25:00-28:30- Why interviewing a losing boxer can often be the most powerful interview in sport.

- 28:30-31:20- Mike's advice for aspiring sports broadcasters.

- 31:20-33:00- Mike Costello Quiz.