Lesson 10: Sports Writing - Match Reports
1) Watch a sports event on TV and write a 300-word report to a deadline half an hour after the finish (300 words)
ASSIGNMENT TEN: SPORTS EVENT REPORT
KATERINA JOHNSON THOMPSON WINS HEPTATHLON GOLD
Luke Richards
Word count: 299
Katerina Johnson-Thompson completed a remarkable comeback to regain the world heptathlon title after an enthralling 800m.
The 30-year-old went into the final event knowing that she had to stay within 2.5 seconds of rising star Anna Hall to secure gold.
Hall, 22, ran a storming first lap and held a significant lead. However, Johnson-Thompson refused to give up on this redemption story.
With 200m to go, the British athlete had recovered and finished 1.54 seconds behind the American as they crossed the line.
Despite Hall breaking a championship 800m heptathlon record, Johnson-Thompson’s haul of 6740 points was 20 points ahead of her rival.
“It’s the greatest day of my life,” she told BBC Sport.
“I have been thinking about this for months and months. Nobody else could see the vision apart from me and my team. I'm just so happy that it's come true.”
Johnson-Thompson’s revival was aided by new coach Ashton Moore, who was tasked with rebuilding her career after suffering injuries to her achilles and calf in Tokyo and Eugene.
Johnson-Thompson started slowly on day one. In contrast, Hall secured a personal best in the shot put after strong performances in the 100m hurdles and 200m.
Hall’s undoing in Budapest was the reoccurrence of a knee injury in the long jump that was heavily bandaged on the final day of competition.
Johnson-Thompson took advantage in her strongest event, also winning the high jump, 200m and posting a personal best in Javelin.
Dutch athlete Anouk Vetter, 30, won bronze after impressive performances in the field events.
This was athletics at its finest despite the absence of Naffi Thiam - the double Olympic, World and European champion.
If the contenders stay healthy, the heptathlon promises to be one of the most mouthwatering events at next year’s Olympics in Paris.
2) Take a game of your choice and write the outline of a post-match analysis for a live Facebook stream. (300 words)
POST MATCH ANALYSIS FOR A LIVE FACEBOOK STREAM
ENGLAND 27-10 ARGENTINA – RUGBY WORLD CUP POOL D
Luke Richards
Word count: 285
Go live 10-15 minutes after Final Whistle
- An introduction in the style of a verbal match report.
- George Ford scored all 27 points for England – six penalties and three drop goals.
- Tom Curry controversially sent off in the third minute for a head-on-head collision. Initially given a yellow card and sent to the bunker for 8 minutes before the TMO upgraded to a red card.
- Argentina fly-half Santiago Carreras also sent to the bunker following a late hit on Ford – Not upgraded to red by the TMO.
- England ruthlessly take advantage of an undisciplined Argentina despite being down to 14 men.
Introduction of the comments section
- Encourage viewers to give their thoughts on the game in the comments section.
- Why was Curry sent off but not Carreras?
- What effect is the bunker having on Rugby?
Press Conferences with England Manager, Steve Borthwick and George Ford
- Inform viewers on what has been said
- How did England win?
- Their opinions on Curry red card and next week against Japan.
Press conference analysis
- Return to the comments section for user reactions from the press conference.
- Is there another interesting quote from a pundit or former player on social media?
General talking points
- Interesting observations during or post-match that may give the viewer a feel-good factor?
- For example, the Princess of Wales or Curry being cheered by supporters when shown on the big screen.
- Final reactions from viewers – Having been written off pre-tournament, how far can England go?
Wrap Up
- Very short recap of what had happened tonight.
- Share social media and website links.
- Inform viewers when your next stream is.
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