Simon Smale
@simonsmale.bsky.social
Write stuff for ABC Sport. Occasionally commentate too.
Swam from England to France with some mates in 2016.
Live sport nut who is honoured to have covered Beijing 2022 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
abc.net.au/news/simon-smale/10007892
Swam from England to France with some mates in 2016.
Live sport nut who is honoured to have covered Beijing 2022 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
abc.net.au/news/simon-smale/10007892
Happy Freddy Eastwood Day one and all…
Can’t believe this was 19 years ago today @southendunited.bsky.social…
Can’t believe this was 19 years ago today @southendunited.bsky.social…
On This Day: Freddy's Man Utd Goal
YouTube video by Southend United Football Club
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Happy Freddy Eastwood Day one and all…
Can’t believe this was 19 years ago today @southendunited.bsky.social…
Can’t believe this was 19 years ago today @southendunited.bsky.social…
Offered my 2 cents worth on the retirement of Ariarne Titmus for the BBC last week on the More than the score podcast.
Have a listen, if not for me, for the actual considered comments of an actual expert, Olympian medallist Jazz Carlin.
Have a listen, if not for me, for the actual considered comments of an actual expert, Olympian medallist Jazz Carlin.
Swimming legend Ariarne Titmus retires aged 25
Podcast Episode · More Than The Score · 27/10/2025 · 16m
podcasts.apple.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Offered my 2 cents worth on the retirement of Ariarne Titmus for the BBC last week on the More than the score podcast.
Have a listen, if not for me, for the actual considered comments of an actual expert, Olympian medallist Jazz Carlin.
Have a listen, if not for me, for the actual considered comments of an actual expert, Olympian medallist Jazz Carlin.
The Australian Championship.
Moreton Bay Excelsior vs Broadmeadow Magic.
Nominal second tier with premiers from the NPLs and a few “foundation” members.
#AusChampionship
Moreton Bay Excelsior vs Broadmeadow Magic.
Nominal second tier with premiers from the NPLs and a few “foundation” members.
#AusChampionship
November 2, 2025 at 2:51 AM
The Australian Championship.
Moreton Bay Excelsior vs Broadmeadow Magic.
Nominal second tier with premiers from the NPLs and a few “foundation” members.
#AusChampionship
Moreton Bay Excelsior vs Broadmeadow Magic.
Nominal second tier with premiers from the NPLs and a few “foundation” members.
#AusChampionship
Final leg of my week-long trilogy of England vs Australia matches across various sports.
#Wallabies tonight, taking on England at Twickenham.
#ENGvAUS
#Wallabies tonight, taking on England at Twickenham.
#ENGvAUS
Live: Wallabies meet England amidst accusations of illegal tactics
The Wallabies return to Twickenham to take on England, a year on from their famous last-gasp victory. Follow all the action in our live blog.
www.abc.net.au
November 1, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Final leg of my week-long trilogy of England vs Australia matches across various sports.
#Wallabies tonight, taking on England at Twickenham.
#ENGvAUS
#Wallabies tonight, taking on England at Twickenham.
#ENGvAUS
October 31, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Steve Smith passes 50, Kurtis Patterson rolling along nicely towards a century in the sun at the Gabba at the tea break on day two.
Good pitch to score runs on against a Queensland attack missing a few weapons.
#SheffieldShield
Good pitch to score runs on against a Queensland attack missing a few weapons.
#SheffieldShield
October 29, 2025 at 4:47 AM
Steve Smith passes 50, Kurtis Patterson rolling along nicely towards a century in the sun at the Gabba at the tea break on day two.
Good pitch to score runs on against a Queensland attack missing a few weapons.
#SheffieldShield
Good pitch to score runs on against a Queensland attack missing a few weapons.
#SheffieldShield
It’s 100 days to go until Milan-Cortina…
Lovely morning with the moguls team.
#MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics
Lovely morning with the moguls team.
#MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics
October 29, 2025 at 3:04 AM
It’s 100 days to go until Milan-Cortina…
Lovely morning with the moguls team.
#MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics
Lovely morning with the moguls team.
#MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics
Leg two in my week of England vs Australia match ups.
This morning it’s the Matildas against the Lionesses from Derby.
This morning it’s the Matildas against the Lionesses from Derby.
Live: England prepared for Matildas 'revenge' in international friendly
The Matildas take on European champions England at Derby's Pride Park, meeting for the first time since the Lionesses broke Australian hearts in the World Cup semi-final. Follow live.
www.abc.net.au
October 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Leg two in my week of England vs Australia match ups.
This morning it’s the Matildas against the Lionesses from Derby.
This morning it’s the Matildas against the Lionesses from Derby.
October 26, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Ashes rugby league is back for the first time in 22 years.
Follow the first Test at Wembley in our live blog.
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🦘
Follow the first Test at Wembley in our live blog.
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🦘
Live: Ashes rugby league returns at Wembley stadium after 22-year absence
International Ashes rugby league returns to Wembley stadium, as Australia's Kangaroos take on England in the first of three Tests. Follow live.
www.abc.net.au
October 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Ashes rugby league is back for the first time in 22 years.
Follow the first Test at Wembley in our live blog.
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🦘
Follow the first Test at Wembley in our live blog.
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🦘
Had the pleasure of talking about the upcoming Rugby League Ashes Test series for BBC World Service.
#ENGvAUS 🏴 🇦🇺
#ENGvAUS 🏴 🇦🇺
England and Australia renew their Rugby League Ashes rivalry
Podcast Episode · More Than The Score · 23/10/2025 · 18m
podcasts.apple.com
October 24, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Had the pleasure of talking about the upcoming Rugby League Ashes Test series for BBC World Service.
#ENGvAUS 🏴 🇦🇺
#ENGvAUS 🏴 🇦🇺
Unreal display from Lara Gillespie to win the elimination race.
Superb performance and composure after all the crash delays.
#Santiago2025
Superb performance and composure after all the crash delays.
#Santiago2025
October 24, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Unreal display from Lara Gillespie to win the elimination race.
Superb performance and composure after all the crash delays.
#Santiago2025
Superb performance and composure after all the crash delays.
#Santiago2025
Australia's two team pursuit squads both claimed bronze medals on day one of the UCI Track World Championships in Santiago, while the Olympic champion team pursuit squad will race for gold on day two.
Double bronze for Aussie sprinters at world championships
Australia's two team pursuit squads both claimed bronze medals on day one of the UCI Track World Championships in Santiago, while the Olympic champion team pursuit squad will race for gold on day two.
www.abc.net.au
October 23, 2025 at 7:16 AM
The road racing season is over, but the oft-neglected discipline of the track is back with the world championships in Santiago.
I spoke to two Aussie medal hopes about their aims on the boards over the next few days.
#Track #TrackCycling #Santiago2025
I spoke to two Aussie medal hopes about their aims on the boards over the next few days.
#Track #TrackCycling #Santiago2025
Despite lacking race practice, Aussie track riders look for gold in Chile
As the UCI Track Cycling World Championships get underway at the Velódromo de Peñalolén in Santiago this week, the Australian team aims to overcome its geographical limitations and lack of racing to c...
www.abc.net.au
October 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The road racing season is over, but the oft-neglected discipline of the track is back with the world championships in Santiago.
I spoke to two Aussie medal hopes about their aims on the boards over the next few days.
#Track #TrackCycling #Santiago2025
I spoke to two Aussie medal hopes about their aims on the boards over the next few days.
#Track #TrackCycling #Santiago2025
Not many people will conflate Ange Postecoglou’s 39-day tenure at Nottingham Forest with that of the two-time European Cup winner, Brian Clough.
I (kinda) didn’t either, but couldn’t resist a quote from the great man to illustrate where Ange went wrong.
Spoiler alert - it was right at the start.
I (kinda) didn’t either, but couldn’t resist a quote from the great man to illustrate where Ange went wrong.
Spoiler alert - it was right at the start.
How a Brian Clough quote sums up Ange's mistake at Forest
Ange Postecolgou was on a hiding to nothing at Nottingham Forest, his sacking the result of terrible recruitment and a knee-jerk appointment.
www.abc.net.au
October 19, 2025 at 5:05 AM
Not many people will conflate Ange Postecoglou’s 39-day tenure at Nottingham Forest with that of the two-time European Cup winner, Brian Clough.
I (kinda) didn’t either, but couldn’t resist a quote from the great man to illustrate where Ange went wrong.
Spoiler alert - it was right at the start.
I (kinda) didn’t either, but couldn’t resist a quote from the great man to illustrate where Ange went wrong.
Spoiler alert - it was right at the start.
Brisbane Roar open the scoring from the penalty spot, and the crowd goes wild…
October 17, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Brisbane Roar open the scoring from the penalty spot, and the crowd goes wild…
Awesome entertainment as ever at the Powerchair football.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea playing in the Asia Pacific Oceania Cup, part of the qualification process for the World Cup.
Great to see the people watching from the futsal tournament so engrossed too.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea playing in the Asia Pacific Oceania Cup, part of the qualification process for the World Cup.
Great to see the people watching from the futsal tournament so engrossed too.
October 16, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Awesome entertainment as ever at the Powerchair football.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea playing in the Asia Pacific Oceania Cup, part of the qualification process for the World Cup.
Great to see the people watching from the futsal tournament so engrossed too.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea playing in the Asia Pacific Oceania Cup, part of the qualification process for the World Cup.
Great to see the people watching from the futsal tournament so engrossed too.
Reposted by Simon Smale
2025’s final Monument podium 🏆
Tadej Pogačar won Il Lombardia 2025 for the fifth consecutive time, with Remco Evenepoel and Michael Storer filling out the podium spots.
📸 Sprint Cycling
Tadej Pogačar won Il Lombardia 2025 for the fifth consecutive time, with Remco Evenepoel and Michael Storer filling out the podium spots.
📸 Sprint Cycling
October 11, 2025 at 4:18 PM
2025’s final Monument podium 🏆
Tadej Pogačar won Il Lombardia 2025 for the fifth consecutive time, with Remco Evenepoel and Michael Storer filling out the podium spots.
📸 Sprint Cycling
Tadej Pogačar won Il Lombardia 2025 for the fifth consecutive time, with Remco Evenepoel and Michael Storer filling out the podium spots.
📸 Sprint Cycling
Another example of the extraordinary being made to look routine.
Incredible.
Incredible.
World champ one week, European the next 🥇
Tadej Pogačar follows up his World Championship victory with another huge solo win, this time riding alone to the finish from 75km out at the European Championship road race in France.
📸 Sprint Cycling
Tadej Pogačar follows up his World Championship victory with another huge solo win, this time riding alone to the finish from 75km out at the European Championship road race in France.
📸 Sprint Cycling
October 5, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Another example of the extraordinary being made to look routine.
Incredible.
Incredible.
Queensland openers Matt Renshaw and Usman Khawaja heading out to bat for the first time on day two of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season at Allan Border Field.
Tasmania all out for 379 (Jordan Silk 104, Michael Neser 4-75).
Tasmania all out for 379 (Jordan Silk 104, Michael Neser 4-75).
October 5, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Queensland openers Matt Renshaw and Usman Khawaja heading out to bat for the first time on day two of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season at Allan Border Field.
Tasmania all out for 379 (Jordan Silk 104, Michael Neser 4-75).
Tasmania all out for 379 (Jordan Silk 104, Michael Neser 4-75).
The clash of ash on ash, the speed of the sliotar flying through the air, the sound of Irish accents so far from home.
The sporting aspect of the Australasian Gaelic Games Championships is, obviously, of huge importance.
But it also means a whole lot more than that.
#GAA
The sporting aspect of the Australasian Gaelic Games Championships is, obviously, of huge importance.
But it also means a whole lot more than that.
#GAA
'That's the beauty of sport': How an ancient Irish game connects
As over 400 players head to Brisbane for the Australasia Gaelic Games Championships, the bond that exists between a distant home and sport is laid bare.
www.abc.net.au
October 4, 2025 at 9:50 PM
The clash of ash on ash, the speed of the sliotar flying through the air, the sound of Irish accents so far from home.
The sporting aspect of the Australasian Gaelic Games Championships is, obviously, of huge importance.
But it also means a whole lot more than that.
#GAA
The sporting aspect of the Australasian Gaelic Games Championships is, obviously, of huge importance.
But it also means a whole lot more than that.
#GAA
A nice morning at the Gaelic Grounds in Willawong for the 2025 Australasian Championships.
October 3, 2025 at 9:35 AM
A nice morning at the Gaelic Grounds in Willawong for the 2025 Australasian Championships.
Some rare books have that incredible ability to just grab you by the soul and force you to keep reading.
This is one of them.
Obviously I’m a decade or more late to this, but @ricktimes.bsky.social, this is just a stunning story told with heart-rendering honesty and skill.
This is one of them.
Obviously I’m a decade or more late to this, but @ricktimes.bsky.social, this is just a stunning story told with heart-rendering honesty and skill.
September 30, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Some rare books have that incredible ability to just grab you by the soul and force you to keep reading.
This is one of them.
Obviously I’m a decade or more late to this, but @ricktimes.bsky.social, this is just a stunning story told with heart-rendering honesty and skill.
This is one of them.
Obviously I’m a decade or more late to this, but @ricktimes.bsky.social, this is just a stunning story told with heart-rendering honesty and skill.
Reposted by Simon Smale
🇸🇮 Tadej Pogacar resumes 'normal' service with another Worlds win from another era
Analysis by ✍️ Barry Ryan:
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/features/...
📸 Cor Vos
Analysis by ✍️ Barry Ryan:
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/features/...
📸 Cor Vos
September 28, 2025 at 7:33 PM
🇸🇮 Tadej Pogacar resumes 'normal' service with another Worlds win from another era
Analysis by ✍️ Barry Ryan:
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/features/...
📸 Cor Vos
Analysis by ✍️ Barry Ryan:
📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/features/...
📸 Cor Vos
Another astonishing performance from Tadej Pogačar.
Ignited the race with over 100km to go and killed it off with 66km remaining.
Enormous respect for Remco Evenepoel though. He bent but did not break and to work as hard as he did to get second is remarkable.
#Kigali2025
Ignited the race with over 100km to go and killed it off with 66km remaining.
Enormous respect for Remco Evenepoel though. He bent but did not break and to work as hard as he did to get second is remarkable.
#Kigali2025
September 28, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Another astonishing performance from Tadej Pogačar.
Ignited the race with over 100km to go and killed it off with 66km remaining.
Enormous respect for Remco Evenepoel though. He bent but did not break and to work as hard as he did to get second is remarkable.
#Kigali2025
Ignited the race with over 100km to go and killed it off with 66km remaining.
Enormous respect for Remco Evenepoel though. He bent but did not break and to work as hard as he did to get second is remarkable.
#Kigali2025