Legends of Welsh Sport

An intimate portrait of a former miner from the South Wales valleys who swapped life underground for the snooker club and went on to become one of Britain's most successful players. Like for so many of his generation, Doug Mountjoy's working life began below ground as a miner. The work was tough and dangerous. At the age of seventeen he was trapped underground for several hours after a mine collapse. Little did he know then that by the end of his life, he would win numerous titles and the admiration of millions of fans around the world. Doug Mountjoy, who passed away in February 2021, was one of the stars of snooker during the 1970s and 80s, a time when Welsh players ruled the sport. In this film we explore his life and career, an unconventional one in comparison to his fellow players at the time.

In 1987, Glenn Webbe made sporting history by becoming the first man to score three tries at the inaugural Rugby World Cup, one of them while suffering from concussion. That might have been the pinnacle of his international career, but it's not what made Glenn a legend. Born in Cardiff to Windrush-generation parents in an era where black Welsh rugby players were only welcome at English rugby league clubs, he fought his way through the ranks to a stellar career at Bridgend RFC. He came of age during the apartheid era and witnessed racism at first hand as a player. Yet, despite an outstanding track record and a blistering pace, Glenn waited years to be selected to play for his country. Meanwhile, he built a different kind of reputation in Bridgend, as an inspirational one-off and a role-model for players like Gareth Thomas who dared to be different. This is the story of how one man rebelled against the status quo and made his mark anyway. He was loved by rugby fans for his one-club loyalty and record-breaking amount of tries, and by his teammates for his wit and camaraderie. Glenn's great gift was his belief in himself; he stood his ground and did it anyway.

Tanni Grey-Thompson remains Wales's greatest ever Paralympic athlete, with 16 medals to her name. This documentary reveals the incredible grit of a world champion through a single race. But it's not the race that won Tanni her first gold medal, and it's not the race in which she broke her first world record. This is the story of the race she lost: a failure so dramatic, so public and so painful that it almost ended her career. Reflecting upon the most excruciating two minutes in her racing life, Tanni shares what she learned that day on the track – not from winning but from losing. It's 2004. The Athens Paralympics are about to kick off, and Tanni is at the top of her game: one of the most successful Welsh athletes of all time, but at 35, she knows that this will be her final Paralympics. She's going to go out with a bang. She's expected to medal at every event and bring back a handful of golds. Her first race is the 800 metres, her strongest event, and she is expected to win a gold. She performed well in the qualifying rounds, but this is where it really counts: the final. As she warms up, she's feeling good. Her body is fit, her mind is focused. Tanni often gets a sixth sense before a race - she can see herself crossing the line in first position and taking home the gold. Today, as she wheels onto the track, her mind spools forward to the finish line, and she sees herself... failing. The starting gun fires, and the race is on. She starts off well, but doubt seeps in. Fear takes over. She can't decide where to place herself - should she move to the front or stay in the pack and wait for a sprint finish? She falters, and in just a few seconds, the decision is taken from her. Suddenly Tanni knows she's not going to make gold, silver or even bronze. She's not going to place anywhere. She endures the worst performance of her career. She seriously considers flying home. But this is her last Paralympics, her last chance, and Tanni Grey-Thompson is not a quitter. The next race is the 100 metres, her weakest event. Sick with nerves, she throws up 12 times. Her throat is raw as she enters the warm-up space and is approached by her rival, Francesca Porcellato. 'Whatever happens out there, you're still the best in the world,' Francesca says. With these words ringing in her ears, Tanni rolls up to the start line, hands trembling, heart pounding. The starting gun fires. Francesca pulls out first. Tanni is behind but gathering pace, and now she draws level, gains momentum and wins the race. The comeback is successful. She didn't just beat her rivals that day, she conquered her own fear. For all her incredible successes, the race that has stayed with her most intensely over the years is the 800m. She has never been able to pinpoint what went wrong or why. It was defeat that showed her the depth of her own resilience and made her 100m win all the sweeter. Tanni reflects on what she learned from the lowest point in her career: that defeat can be a gift, kindness is a superpower, and we are all so much more than our mistakes.

Born on a farm in the Brecon Beacons, Delyth Prothero grew up passionate about athletics. After a serious injury ended her competing career as a discus thrower, Delyth turned her attention to coaching. By the 1990s, as Wales team manager, she was responsible for some of the biggest names in British athletics, including Colin Jackson, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch and Matt Elias. This programme celebrates Delyth's understated success with warmth and humour, as some of the superstars of Welsh athletics come together to pay tribute to the woman they all called Mam. It takes a look at the role she played in their lives both on and off track, as the athletes tell previously unheard anecdotes describing the highs and the lows of winning medals. Culminating with a reunion of the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games 4x400m relay team, the programme discusses the most controversial race in Welsh athletics history. Modern day computer technology is used to try and finally settle who should have won gold that day: England or Wales?

A moving and insightful film celebrating the remarkable story of one of football's most talented players, Gareth Bale. From his early days as a promising young prospect to his stunning rise to fame with Tottenham and his record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid, this documentary delves into the life and career of this Welsh legend. We get an inside look at what makes Bale tick on and off the pitch as we hear from those who know him best. With archive footage and insightful interviews with teammates, coaches, and friends, this is the ultimate tribute to one of the greatest players of all time.

Swansea's Carwyn Williams dominated the Welsh, British and European surf scene in the 80s as a maverick underdog from Mumbles, who through sheer talent and force of personality surfed his way to respect at the world's most dangerous locations, including the giant waves of Hawaii and competing against the best in Australia. His biggest achievement, however, was to overcome a devastating injury which threatened to end his career just as it was taking off. This intimate portrait charts Carwyn's rise to the top of the sport. A story of pioneering adventure, danger, tragedy, rehabilitation and reinvention.