The Drive Phase

In the Play of the Day, Producer, Rosheika Grant returns for The Producer’s Corner to discuss “The State of Football: Club, Regional and International”.

Guest: Machel Turner, Sport Administrator

Football Analyst and Sport Coordinator at the University of Technology, Jamaica

In this episode, Machel, Dalton and Rosheika discuss “The State of Football: Club, Regional and International”. They share their views on the recently concluded seasons of top football leagues across the world and the international competitions that will be taking place this summer.  

The trio also speaks about:

1. Chelsea Football Club winning the UEFA Champion’s League
2. The picks for top performers in the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1
3. Favourites for Euro 2020
4. Dark Horses for Euro 2020
5. Copa America and their expectations 
6. The CONCACAF Gold Cup 
7. Jamaica’s chances of doing well in the Concacaf Gold Cup
8. The Reggae Boyz’ and their push to be a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In this episode, Physiotherapist and Clinical Director at Physiotherapy & Optimal PerformanceServices (POPS) Marita Marshall, discusses Covid-19-  Physical Therapy and Return to Sport in the Caribbean. The Barbadian shares her thoughts on the role of physiotherapy in athlete development as we look to the safe return of sport in the region. Marita has served as Physiotherapist for Cricket West Indies women’s team and gives advice to athletes, coaches and officials on ways to ensure they can train and compete; as well as injury management and prevention advice as they return to the field of play. 

Marita also talks about:

1. Some of the common injury she sees in professional sport
2. Precautions physiotherapists have to take now as you look to treat athletes and officials
3. Things athletes and coaches should be mindful of as they look to resume sport
4. The role of physiotherapy in the Caribbean
5. Advice for youngster who wants to become a physiotherapist

Marita also talks about her decision to become an entrepreneur and the impact of covid-19 on her business. She also explained how she has been able to navigate the issues and challenges associated with the pandemic to continue operating and providing service to clients.

In this episode, Olympic Discus throwers Fedrick Dares and Traves Smikle discuss their career as professional athletes. The Jamaicans share their plans for the 2021 season and how they overcome struggles to be at the top of the event. Traves and Fedrick talk about their brotherly bond outside of the ring but their fierce competition over the years. 

They also speak about:

1. The role of coach Julian Robinson on their lives
2. Overcoming injuries over the years
3. The impact of the annual High School Boys and Girls Athletics championship on their career
4. Advice for young athlete who wants to become a professional athlete

In the “Play of the Day”, Dalton speaks with Sports Producer and Commentator, Donald Oliver. 

In this episode, Donald discusses sport journalism and commentary in a changing world. He shares his inspiration for his documentary, “Alia: Darling of the Pool”, the production of the project and his aspiration to produce more documentaries locally. 

Donald also speaks about:

• How he got started in sport journalism 
• The importance of sport commentary to broadcasting 
• Challenges of modern sports journalism and commentating  
• How he rebounds from errors made during commentary

Donald discusses working on major projects including the London 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup and addressing the challenges to constantly improve their products. 

Other topics discussed are:

• Advice for young sport journalists 
• Sport Commentators that inspires him (Peter Drury, Brian Rickman, Simon Crosskill and Lance Whittaker)
• Most memorable moments in sport commentary (from his commentary and other broadcasters)
• Expectations for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics

In our new feature, Donald’s knowledge about Manchester United Football Club is tested in 60 seconds. In the “Podcast Pick”, Sports Event Management: The Caribbean Experience by Leslie-Ann Jordan, David Truly and Ben Tyson is recommended by Dalton. 

In the “Play of the Day”, Dalton speaks with World Championship and PanAmerican Triple Jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts. In this episode, Shanieka discusses the phases of her career. She explained why she chose to specialise in the triple jump instead of the long jump and the level of discipline that it takes to master her event.

Shanieka also speaks about:

• Her decision to attend the Vere Technical High School despite being from St Thomas
• Her student-athlete experience abroad and the motivation to return to Jamaica to train post-college
• The improvement in her career since returning to Jamaica and how she stayed motivated while adjusting to her return

 The 2019 RJRGLEANER Awards Sports Woman of the Year Nominee shared details about her fairytale season in 2019 and how it changed her life.

Other topics discussed are:

• The dynamic and experience of her husband, Kerry Lee Ricketts being her coach
• The importance of Jamaican field event competitors doing well to increase participation in events besides track 
• The issues and opportunities that came with the pandemic for her preparation for Tokyo 2020
• Advice for young track and field athletes
• What she wants her legacy to be and her post-track and field aspirations
• Aiming for the national record

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