Frontman at home

Press, 15 July 1976, Page 12

Frontman at home

Phillip Leishman could be forgiven for feeling just a little envious of his fellow commentators in the “Sport On One” office. They are off to the action at Montreal, and he is the one who has to stay at home.

Nevertheless, Phillip accepts this role philosophically, secure in the knowledge that, “there will come a time.”

Phil'ip’s role is vitally important. He will be frontman for all the Olympic coverage, linking each item, pointing out the highlights. the personalities and the points of special interest.

It is a role that won Bill McCarthy a Feltex Award for his efforts at the 1974 Commonwealth Games and it could earn Phillip similar recognition.

Phillip first joined broadcasting in ' 1970. working in Wanganui and Dunedin before transferring to Wellington in 1971. He joined TVI sports in 1975.

He is the regular racing commentator as well as fronting “Sportsnight” and providing background items from the world of racing for Saturday mornings “Sports Extra”. Naturally enough. Phillip has a strong interest in horses and racing. He is currently leasing a filly which should be racing by the end of the year.

He is looking forward to his role during the Olympic coverage, although with the South African tour as well, it will be a hectic time for TVl’s “home” sports team.