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Sporting Action

The camera dramatically changed the ways we interact with sport.

Watching sports on the screen allows us access that would be impossible for the ordinary spectator, whether it’s running with footballers, floating above the clouds with skydivers or drifting so close to surfers we're getting splashed. Sports broadcasting brought these elite athletes into our homes. On-pitch dramas and post-match interviews transformed athletes from sporting heroes into celebrities, flogging everything from training tips to new fashions to crisps.

Nowadays there are screens in every stadium – enhancing the in-person experience and assisting the umpire. Wherever you are, you are in the best seat, enjoying extraordinary access to the energy, excitement and agility of sporting action. 

29 videos in this collection

Newquay's Fistral Beach plays host to the Fosters Draught Euro-Pro and attracts top surfers.

Splashdance

  • Fistral Beach
  • 1983
Watch in libraries only

WBO World Championship: Duke McKenzie V Gaby Canizales

  • 1991
Watch in libraries only

London 2012: Imagine

  • 2004
Watch in libraries only

New Era

  • 1992

George Best

  • 1969
Watch in libraries only

Skiing with Gina [15/09/74]

  • 1974
Watch in libraries only

Swimming - David Wilkie

  • 1979
Watch in libraries only

Tennis Doubles Match

  • 1940
Watch in libraries only

Barry McGuigan Fight Preview

  • Belfast
  • 1984
Watch in libraries only

Play the Game Table Tennis

  • 1974
The end of the season at Somerset and an award for Viv Richards

Ian and Viv at Somerset CCC

  • Taunton
  • 1981
Santos Football Club bring Brazil's world cup talent to Home Park in Plymouth with Pelé playing his beautiful game.

The Day Pele Came to Town

  • Plymouth
  • 1973
Watch in libraries only

Swimming: The First European Community Championships

  • 1987
Stand upright and keep your head over your feet.

A Lyme Regis Water Skiing

  • Lyme Regis
  • 1977

Virginia Wade v Ann Jones in Dewar Cup Tie

  • Torquay
  • 1970
Watch in libraries only

At One with the Wind

  • 1987
Watch in libraries only

Golden Wonder Crisps: Pat Cash

  • 1989
Watch in libraries only

Judo [10/05/70]

  • 1970
Watch in libraries only

Canon Uc-10 Camcorder: Ski Acrobatics

  • 1991
Watch in libraries only

Manchester

  • 1986
A skateboard park in Barnstaple holds a tournament where the new fad for sidewalk surfing has prompted the local council to build a skateboard park. Young hopefuls show off their skills and tricks.

Barnstaple Skateboard Park Competition

  • Barnstaple
  • 1978
England's 1966 hat-trick hero doesn't sweat the small stuff - or at all, according to this deodorant commercial.

Target - Geoff Hurst

  • 1968
Determined archer hits the target.

Archer's Target

  • Grampound
  • 1979
An England team takes on an invitational XI

Old England XI

  • Somerset
  • 1966
Watch in libraries only

Para Sports at Stoke Mandeville

  • 1983
Watch in libraries only

Pro-Celebrity Darts [10/05/1979]

  • Leeds
  • 1979
Watch in libraries only

Women Set Sky Diving World Record

  • Pampisford
  • 1985
Watch in libraries only

Sport: The New Opium

  • 1977
Watch in libraries only

The Oval Globe: A World of Rugby Part 1

  • 1991