My name is Rick Broadbent and I love writing about sport.
I have been a sports journalist on The Times for 15 years and have covered events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, Six Nations rugby, Formula One and Wimbledon. I have interviewed hundreds of stars from Usain Bolt to David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton to Jonny Wilkinson. I often find children are interested to hear about these experiences so will schedule some time into sessions to do a Q and A.
I have also written lots of books. After the 2012 Olympics I worked with Jessica Ennis-Hill on her Sunday Times best-selling autobiography ‘Unbelievable’ and I’ve been a winner at the British Sports Book awards. I’ve been twice shortlisted for the prestigious William Hill prize and have been nominated as sports feature writer of the year by the Sports Journalists Association. Topics of books range from football and boxing to the escapades of a maverick zookeeper who rides a Harley Davidson and rescues orang-utans and chimpanzees
I’m also a dad and am passionate about getting children reading and writing. I have tutored journalism students, but am particularly interested in inspiring a love of writing in younger pupils. That’s what Press Packers is all about.
“Thank you for coming to our school. I learnt a lot about journalism and now want to be an author when I’m older.”
Aliyah, Year 6, St Walburga’s School.
“I’d like to thank Rick for his support over the years and for helping me to tell my story.”
Jessica Ennis-Hill, Olympic heptathlon champion.
