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Simon Smale

@simonsmale.bsky.social
257 followers 284 following 728 posts

Write stuff for ABC Sport. Live sport nut who is honoured to have covered Beijing 2022, Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Swam from England to France with some mates in 2016. abc.net.au/news/simon-smale/10007892

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Reposted by Simon Smale
Domestique @domestiquecycling.com · 27/09/2026
🇺🇸 Brandon McNulty becomes 🌈 World Champion with epic solo raid The top five in the Elite Men’s RR in Montreal! Full results 📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/cycling-r... 📸 Cor Vos
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Was a real pleasure to talk to Sarah Gigante ahead of the elite women’s road race - she’s been through such injury hell that you’d love to see a strong performance from her, even if the course doesn’t quite suit her. #Montreal2026
abc.net.au
Why Sarah 4.0 needs no further upgrades following year of injury hell
Australian cyclist Sarah Gigante has only recently returned to racing after more than 400 days, following complications from a fractured femur. Now the 25-year-old is set to make up for lost time, sta...
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Domestique @domestiquecycling.com · 21/09/2026
🇬🇧 Matthew Brennan says the sport has moved on from Fin Tarling's death without change 🗣️ "It feels the world has moved on, nothing has changed and there's events where cars have been on the course still." 📰 domestiquecycling.com/en/news/matt... 📸 Cor Vos
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
This is just sensational. #Bluey
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Pretty exciting that an NFL game is happening at the MCG. The differing approaches of the two teams in terms of when they got over here is fascinating to sports scientists. But from a hearts and minds perspective, it’s no contest. #NFLMelbourne #NFL
abc.net.au
The FIFO Rams may have lost the battle for hearts and minds
Ahead of the NFL's debut at the MCG, the San Francisco 49ers have embraced Australia and been embraced right back in turn. But have the LA Rams missed an opportunity to throw their arms around the loc...
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Everyone needs a hobby, and Stefie Fejes’s helps fund her athlete journey. Her playing partner Taliqua Clancy has a plan that could take both to LA28, and offer up a surprising gift to Snoop Dogg at the same time.
abc.net.au
Aussie beach volleyball stars have crafty plan for success in LA
Taliqua Clancy and Stefie Fejes have already secured qualification for the 2028 LA Olympic Games, but as well as knitting together a formidable partnership, Fejes's talent for crochet has Clancy's eye...
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Bit late to this, but gutted to hear that the iconic Ski Sunday will be ditched by the BBC. A genuine gateway drug into the world of winter sport when I was a kid.
telegraph.co.uk
BBC presenter learnt of Ski Sunday axing hours before announcement
Chemmy Alcott says she is ‘so sad’ corporation has ditched much-loved winter sports highlights show
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Domestique @domestiquecycling.com · 29/08/2026
🇸🇮 Tadej Pogacar diagnosed with concussion, broken collarbone and neck fracture after Vuelta crash 📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/news/poga... 📸 Cor Vos
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Bitta boxing on the Gold Coast.
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Reposted by Simon Smale
ABC News Bot (unofficial) @abcnewsbot.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The top seed in this year's Iron Series, who made headlines by helping save a shark attack victim earlier this year at Coogee, says having surf life saving in the Brisbane Olympic Games would help raise the profile of the sport, and as a result, save lives.
abc.net.au
How getting surf life saving into the Olympics could save lives
The top seed in this year's Iron Series, who made headlines by helping save a shark attack victim earlier this year at Coogee, says having surf life saving in the Brisbane Olympic Games would help raise the profile of the sport, and as a result, save lives.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Was really amazing to chat to Tiarnee Massie last week. Her story is remarkable - given CPR after drowning in the family pool as a baby, saving a swimmer as a teenager when on holiday and now sits as the number one Surf Life Saver in the country.
abc.net.au
From almost drowning as a child to the pinnacle of surf lifesaving
A childhood accident could so easily have cost surf lifesaver Tiarnee Massie her life. But now the 28-year-old heads into this year's Iron Series as the number one seed.
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Domestique @domestiquecycling.com · 24/08/2026
☔️ Shelter from the storm: Riders take cover as hail hits the 🇪🇸 Vuelta GALLERY 📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/news/gall... 📸 Cor Vos
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Velon CC @veloncc.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 Grand Tour road stage, 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 win 🤯 Matthew Brennan blew away the competition to win Stage 2 at La Vuelta a España with a supreme final kick 💥 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁: 1. Matthew Brennan 2. Pau Miquel, s.t. 3. Tadej Pogačar, s.t. 𝗚𝗖: 1. Tadej Pogačar 2. Wout van Aert, +9” 3. Matthew Brennan, +10”
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Domestique @domestiquecycling.com · 22/08/2026
🇬🇧 Josh Tarling, third in the Vuelta TT a week after the death of his brother Finlay. 🇬🇧 Thomas 🗣️ "To put in a performance like that at the end of the week he's had is just fantastic. It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person." 📰 domestiquecycling.com/en/news/we-c... 📸 Cor Vos
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Some pre-Vuelta Pogačar thoughts…
abc.net.au
Why these people believe in 'freak' Tadej Pogačar's victories
As Tadej Pogačar continues to mop up cycling's biggest accolades and most controversial record, one former doper believes he has found the answer to his success: he is just a "freak".
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Oh god, this is horrific. Finlay Tarling, dead at 19. If reports are true that he was hit by a non-race vehicle on the course… I don’t even know what to say.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Very belatedly got around to reading this incredible book today. An amazing story, brilliantly told, of a women’s cyclist who was decades ahead of her time. You’re in such complete awe of her through the first 200 or so pages, before the reality of being so driven strikes home. Brilliant book.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Great night for Lions, beating Melbourne City 2-0 to advance to the Australia Cup quarterfinals.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Supporting the 🚀
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Reposted by Simon Smale
ABC News Bot (unofficial) @abcnewsbot.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Korey Boddington was briefly in the frame to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games but was classified out of the competition. It's not an uncommon situation, as athletes battle with 'difficult' conversations around para sport.
abc.net.au
How a classification change ended Korey's Commonwealth Games hopes
Korey Boddington was briefly in the frame to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games but was classified out of the competition. It's not an uncommon situation, as athletes battle with 'difficult' conversations around para sport.
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Andrew McGarry @sporting-tragic.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Sporting droughts are fascinating - as long as they're not for your club, county or country. Mayo has gone 75 years without an All-Ireland football title, a wait that some ascribe it to a "Mayo curse". But no more. Here's my piece for ABC on Mayo beating Kerry: www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07...
abc.net.au
Mayo wins All-Ireland title, ending 75-year 'curse'
A huge Gaelic football upset sees Mayo beat GAA giants Kerry in the All-Ireland football final and one of the stars of the team that ended a 75-year "curse" is headed to the AFL.
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Gavan Reilly @gavreilly.com · 26/07/2026
“The famine is over! The curse be damned!! Hit the nuclear button! Mayo have won the All-Ireland!!” An all-time great sports commentary moment from Stephen Grealis and Martin McHugh on Mayo’s Midwest Radio. #gaa
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
What a Tour de France stage win means, by Richard Carapaz. Chapeau to a man who’s done more than anyone to animate this years race. #TDF26
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Reposted by Simon Smale
Domestique @domestiquecycling.com · 24/07/2026
Supersonic 🇸🇮 Tadej Pogacar shatters Marco Pantani’s 31-year-old Alpe d’Huez record 📰 www.domestiquecycling.com/en/news/poga... 📸 Cor Vos
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
What a stage. Anyone saying that Pogačar winning all the time is boring is so far off the mark. That was exhilarating. Extraordinary. Or to quote Paul Seixas, “insane”. #TDF26
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Australia’s Sharks pulled off one of the great victories in their history by beating world championship gold medallists Spain to get to the semifinal of the Sydney World Cup. The Stingers are already there, and are hoping to channel the spirit of their trailblazing colleagues of Sydney 2000.
abc.net.au
History beckons as Stingers, Sharks surge into water polo semifinals
As a four-year-old, Stingers skipper Bronte Halligan attended the Sydney Olympic Games, where the Aussies secured a famous victory against the USA, and 26 years later, they aim to do it all again in a...
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
As Nathan Power leads the Stingers into a home World Cup quarterfinal against the reigning world champions Spain, he is relishing the chance to do so with his new son and partner with him. 🤽‍♂️
abc.net.au
Aussie captain relishes 'special' chance 'to take time to be a dad'
As Nathan Power looks to lead the Australian Sharks at the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals in Sydney this week, the 33-year-old reflects on how fatherhood has changed his outlook, and how v...
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Reposted by Simon Smale
ABC News Bot (unofficial) @abcnewsbot.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
The Aussie Sharks are more than content to take ownership of the underdog tag when they host Spain in their opening match of the World Aquatics World Cup event on Thursday. But underestimate them at your peril.
abc.net.au
Sharks 'happy to take underdog tag' ahead of blockbuster World Cup
The Aussie Sharks are more than content to take ownership of the underdog tag when they host Spain in their opening match of the World Aquatics World Cup event on Thursday. But underestimate them at your peril.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The Australian women’s water polo team might be my favourite of all Australian sports teams. The joy they bring to every match and training camp reflects the love they have for each other as people and competitors. The example they set is unmatched. 🤽‍♀️
abc.net.au
Stingers hitting new heights thanks to shared love for each other
Australia's women's water polo team, the Stingers, were the most successful Australian team at the Paris Olympics, winning a stunning silver medal. This is the secret to their success.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
This is an absolute masterpiece.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The Water Polo World Cup is on in Sydney this weekend. The Stingers, Olympic silver medallists in Paris, are among the favourites, and come into the tournament with some of their biggest names in fine form, as Abby Andrews’ MVP performance in the Champions League Final Four attests. 🤽‍♀️ #WaterPolo
abc.net.au
How this Champions League winner aims to ignite Stingers
Winning the Champions League with Greek giants Olympiacos was "one of the coolest moments" of Abby Andrews's life. She wants to use that experience to push the Stingers to the next level.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Messi’s tears could signal the end of an era, as not even he could drag Argentina to the winners rostrum. #FIFAWorldCup
abc.net.au
Tears streaming down his face, Messi leaves the World Cup stage a legend
As the champion wept on the pitch after the World Cup final defeat, Argentina may well have wondered with trepidation what life will look like in the post-Messi era.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The UCI BMX Racing World Championships get underway this weekend. For Australian Lauren Reynolds, it’s her first as a mother. #Brisbane2026 #BMXRacing
abc.net.au
How motherhood has changed things for BMX racer Lauren Reynolds
Lauren Reynolds is embracing her tag as one of the most experienced racers at this year's UCI BMX World Championships in Brisbane, her first as a mother.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Gutted. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🦁 🦁 🦁
abc.net.au
England's hopes fade again, but it never stop them dreaming
England aren't going to be bringing the World Cup home, 60 years of hurt due to extend at least another four years after the devastation of another semifinal defeat. But it won't stop them dreaming.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
So much bad blood. So much history. England vs Argentina is one of the World Cup’s greatest, and ugliest, head-to-head contests. #FIFAWorldCup 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇦🇷
abc.net.au
Why the England-Argentina rivalry is one of the ugliest in football
England's World Cup semifinal clash against Argentina is the latest chapter in a sporting rivalry that dates back 60 years to an ill-tempered quarterfinal, featuring cheating, violence and redemption.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Ten years to the day after my team and I swam the English Channel, it’s disheartening to read that a valuable community asset is to close. Hopefully enough people sign the petition that QUT reconsider.
c.org
Sign the Petition
Save the Kelvin Grove pool
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Bazball was supposed to be simple, removing the shackles and allowing England’s talented players to show their skills. After the four-year experiment, it all feels a bit confusing.
abc.net.au
Bazball: An uncomplicated idea leaving a very complex legacy
Brendon McCullum deliberately set out to make England's men's Test team a less complicated team to play cricket for. After four years of Bazball's highs and lows, it leaves a very complicated legacy.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
That was fun. Such an incredible privilege to be sideline for the Wallabies against France with 52,121 fans in the stands. #Wallabies
A man inside a stadium with a microphone Two teams stand under-lit in a tunnel. A microphone on a page of notesA team of footballers inside a stadium.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Lots happening in Australia at the moment - UCI BMX Racing World Championships in a couple of weeks. Grandstand at Sleeman looks amazing - but it’s gunna look even better packed with green and gold supporters. 🌈 🚲
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Got to interview some Aussie Sharks yesterday. World Cup Sydney should be epic. #WaterPolo
Waterpolo ball and hats.Waterpolo match being played at night. Waterpolo pool set up at night.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Terrific Tadej, the Slov-alien who knows no fear and is seemingly unstoppable. #TDF26
abc.net.au
Pogačar's daring knows no bounds as he crushes Tour rivals
Tadej Pogačar delivers another masterclass in grand tour dominance, conquering the Col du Tourmalet and crushing his Tour de France rivals in one fell swoop.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Oh. My. God. He is impossible.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I’m so heartbroken for Nordic Combined athletes today. Speaking to Annika Malacinsky before Milan-Cortina (abc.net.au/news/2026-02-11/winter-olympics-2026-milan-cortina-nordic-combined-inequality/105991114) it was clear she had high hopes a historic wrong would be rectified for les Alpes 2030.
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Reposted by Simon Smale
ABC News Bot (unofficial) @abcnewsbot.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
England teams of old would have buckled under the pressure put upon them by Mexico and their 80,000-strong band of supporters at the Azteca. But this England team turned a nightmare into a dreamland, at a venue haunted by so many ghosts of the past.
abc.net.au
England's Azteca thriller a stunning deliverance from ghosts of the past
England teams of old would have buckled under the pressure put upon them by Mexico and their 80,000-strong band of supporters at the Azteca. But this England team turned a nightmare into a dreamland, at a venue haunted by so many ghosts of the past.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Great place to watch football. And The Gap won 5-3 against Palm Beach in FQPL1. #FQPL ⚽️ 🚀 🐊
Two signs saying go Anna on a table with a football pitch behind.A football pitch with players near the goal. A clubhouse with players standing in front of it. Football players on a pitch in the Sun.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Soul destroying defeat for the #Socceroos this morning. Penalties are hideous. #FIFAWorldCup ⚽️ 🦘
abc.net.au
Heartbreaking penalty shootout ends Australia's World Cup dreams
The Socceroos have been knocked out of the World Cup, losing in a heartbreaking penalty shootout against Egypt.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Tour de France starts this weekend. Pogačar is an almost unbackable favourite - but this is such a deep field that there are more than a couple of pretenders ready to step up should he falter. #TDF26
abc.net.au
Pogačar unbackable Tour de France favourite. Here's who is lining up to stop him
Tadej Pogačar, defending champion is the man to beat as the 116th Tour de France gets underway in Barcelona on Saturday. Here's everything you need to know.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
God Save Harry Kane. #FIFAWorldCup 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
abc.net.au
'Ridiculous' Kane's 'hero moment' sends England through
Facing World Cup elimination at the hands of DR Congo, England needed a hero to step up when it mattered most. Harry Kane was that man.
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Very early start for England vs DR Congo today at the Riverside Arms… 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇨🇩
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Simon Smale @simonsmale.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
My 10 cents worth on Ben Stokes’s totally on-brand retirement and why it summed up everything wrong with the cult of personality within English cricket.
abc.net.au
Ben Stokes's retirement a perfect example of his main character energy
Ben Stokes has been the centre of England's cricketing universe for 15 years. In announcing his retirement mid-match, he highlighted how damaging that main character energy can be.
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