Clive Tyldesley: I've only been drunk twice and once was with the England women's team'

"I was never good enough at any sport to kid myself that I had a career at elite level. My parents would have told you that from an early age any sporting ambitions I entertained were in the area I ended up in; describing and commentating on top-level sport. I always resist any grading of goals or players or matches because I have a belief that sport belongs in its moment."

"Sport creates memories we can recall vividly where we were, who we were with, what we were thinking, when our team won a trophy or an athlete won an Olympic gold medal or Shane Lowry sunk a putt to seal the Ryder Cup. Those moments are very personal, and the job of the commentator is to try to add something to the memory of those moments. And those moments are unique and should remain separate from one another."

Lack of playing ability prevented pursuit of an elite sporting career and directed ambitions toward describing and commentating on top-level sport. The commentator resists grading goals, players, or matches, believing sport belongs in its moment and that moments are unique and personal. Sport creates vivid memories tied to time, place, companions, and emotions, exemplified by trophy wins, Olympic golds, or decisive moments like Shane Lowry's Ryder Cup putt. The commentator's role is to add to those memories while keeping each moment distinct. Preparation combines research, statistics, and a journalistic focus on the story and meaning of a result, with extra airtime after cup finals to reflect during celebrations and presentations.

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