Best sport coverage by an individual - video
Best sport coverage by an individual - video
This award recognises an individual who has delivered exceptional media coverage of sport in video format, notably television or online, during the nomination period.
2021 Winner
David Culbert, Seven Network
David Culbert’s commentary at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games informed, educated and entertained.
Across canoe slalom, triathlon, marathon, walks and field events at the Olympics and field and track at the Paralympics, Culbert’s breadth of coverage was unsurpassed, with his deep knowledge, engaging and often humorous style making the audience smile, laugh and sometimes cry.
Through his commentary, Australia debated the quality of long jump pit sand and got tape measures out in lounge rooms to see exactly how high Brandon Starc had jumped.
He combined brilliantly with experts giving them space to share their knowledge, highlighted by his commentary with Richard Fox in the canoe slalom which was widely regarded as the commentary of the Games.
Finalists
Matt Carmichael, Seven Network
Matt Carmichael dedicated years building up to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, with his ability to connect with and develop trust with athletes helping him share the incredible highs and heartbreaking lows of the 2020 Games.
His work included the inspirational story of Kai and Saya Sakakibara, opens in a new tab which became a centrepiece of the story of Australia's Olympic team, Australia’s success in the pool and Dean Boxall’s animated response to Ariarne Titmus claiming 400m gold, to Jaryd Clifford’s raw emotion after taking silver in the men’s T13 5000m.
Brenton Speed, Fox Sports and Seven Network
Over the past 12 months, Brenton Speed has commentated on various sports and teams for Fox Sports including the AFL, NRLW, Socceroos, Matildas, A-League and W-League where the grand final was won in the final seconds of extra-time.
He joined the Channel 7 commentary team for the 2020 Olympic Games to call football and beach volleyball, culminating in the gold medal match for the Aussie beach volleyball team of Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho Del Solar, as well as the Matildas’ quest for that elusive Olympic medal.
Bruce McAvaney, Seven Network
October 24, 2020 was one of Australian sport’s most memorable days and was the perfect platform to showcase Bruce McAvaney’s remarkable versatility.
He brought his trademark insights to Seven’s coverage of the 100th running of the Cox Plate during the day, before joining Brian Taylor to call the first AFL night Grand Final between Richmond and Geelong at the Gabba. That call would ultimately be his last of an AFL game and he bowed out on top, capturing all the excitement and colour of Richmond’s 31-point triumph with his trademark passion and accuracy.
McAvaney also spearheaded Seven’s coverage of the most anticipated Olympic games ever in Tokyo, hosting the Opening Ceremony and calling the athletics as only he can. He also expertly led Seven Racing’s commentary team across the major spring and autumn meetings.