Abingdon School sixth-former Tim McGovern has won BBC Radio Oxford’s, Oxfordshire Young Sport Reporter competition. Tim, aged 18 from Headington, is a sports enthusiast and is interested in a career in sport journalism. He’s also one of the school’s up-and-coming actors.
“Winning the competition came as a real surprise,” says Tim. “I only found out when Radio Oxford phoned me about five minutes before they wanted me to go on air to talk about it. There were some very talented entries so it was a great feeling to have been selected. I really enjoy watching, taking part in and talking about football and cycling and to get the chance to meet and learn from people that report and broadcast about these sports is a fantastic opportunity and will be invaluable in helping me develop as a journalist.”
The competition asked contestants in the year 11-13 category to submit a 60-second radio report on a sport they were passionate about. Tim chose track cycling and submitted a piece called ‘What’s gone wrong with British Cycling?’
BBC Oxford presenter Jerome Sale said: “As one of the judges, I was really taken aback by the standard of the entries. Winning entries like Tim’s had to fight off serious competition. The breadth of knowledge and confidence in the reporting was encouraging – and if I am honest a little concerning – we now have to look over our shoulder as the next generation are after our jobs.”
Tim’s prize includes a day’s training with a professional broadcaster as well as the chance to report or commentate on the Oxfordshire Schools Games later this year. Tim has also just been given an offer to study drama and film at Loughborough University next year.
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