EPISODE · Apr 4, 2025 · 49 MIN
The Grand Opening
from Not by the Playbook · host BBC World Service
A new era for sports broadcasting starts with a grand opening. What better way to announce our transformation from Sportshour to Not by the Playbook than with some of the grandest people you'll ever meet! We have an exclusive interview with Grand Slam tennis legend Bjorn Borg. He's been revealing how happy he is that for some people in Scandinavia they don't know him for winning Wimbledon five years in a row, but instead as the man who makes underwear.We celebrate the most famous horse race in the world, the Grand National. From hedges to ditches, it is a challenge of mind and body. But what exactly is it like to face this terrifying race? We visit the stables of former jockey Geraldine Rees who, in 1982, became the first woman to complete the course, riding a horse called “Cheers”.(PHOTO: Bjorn Borg of Sweden holds the trophy aloft after defeating Jimmy Connors during the Men's Singles Final match at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship on 8 July 1978 CREDIT: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Plus, is there any other grand better than a grandmother?! We hear from ‘IronGran’ herself Edwina “Eddie” Brocklesby who at the age of 81 is still taking part in Ironman competitions, and just a reminder that means a 4km swim, a 180km bike ride, followed by a full marathon run.
What this episode covers
A new era for sports broadcasting starts with a grand opening. What better way to announce our transformation from Sportshour to Not by the Playbook than with some of the grandest people you'll ever meet! We have an exclusive interview with Grand Slam tennis legend Bjorn Borg. He's been revealing how happy he is that for some people in Scandinavia they don't know him for winning Wimbledon five years in a row, but instead as the man who makes underwear.We celebrate the most famous horse race in the world, the Grand National. From hedges to ditches, it is a challenge of mind and body. But what exactly is it like to face this terrifying race? We visit the stables of former jockey Geraldine Rees who, in 1982, became the first woman to complete the course, riding a horse called “Cheers”.(PHOTO: Bjorn Borg of Sweden holds the trophy aloft after defeating Jimmy Connors during the Men's Singles Final match at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship on 8 July 1978 CREDIT: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Plus, is there any other grand better than a grandmother?! We hear from ‘IronGran’ herself Edwina “Eddie” Brocklesby who at the age of 81 is still taking part in Ironman competitions, and just a reminder that means a 4km swim, a 180km bike ride, followed by a full marathon run.
NOW PLAYING
The Grand Opening
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m