News

Cricket legend speaks at the university

Published 21 December 2012

Event 10 January 2013

Mike Atherton, the former England cricket captain and award-winning sportswriter, is coming to the university to present its Annual Sport Journalism Lecture.

Atherton, currently in India covering the England tour for The Times and Sky Sports, will be speaking at the university's School of Sport and Service Management in Hillbrow, Eastbourne, on 10 January.

Atherton became England captain at the age of 25 and set a record by leading the national team in 54 Test matches and playing more than 100. He retired at the end of the 2001 Ashes.

Atherton has subsequently become an acclaimed sportswriter, TV commentator and author, winning the British Journalism Award as both a specialist and feature writer.

Jed Novick, senior lecturer, said: "Mike was a brilliant cricketer and is now a top commentator. His lecture will be incisive and, I imagine, highly amusing. Our sports journalism students especially are looking forward to his visit."

The 6.30pm lecture is open to the public and is by ticket only. They are free and are available from the school office in Hillbrow.

Update

Event organisers Rob Steen (left) and Jed Novick (right) with Mike Atherton

Sports students should not be put off from attending university because of higher fees, according to former England cricket captain and award-winning sports writer Mike Atherton OBE.

Atherton, who was educated at Cambridge University, said: "I would encourage everyone who can to go to university – the skills taught are worthwhile."

There were, he said, successful cricketers including current England captain Alastair Cook who chose not to go on to higher education, but he said he would not hesitate: "It's a good thing to go to university."

Cricket dominated the 44-year-old legend's life but he chose other sports for his 2012 highlights. His top magic moments in the year were: Europe's golfing "Miracle in Medinah" Ryder Cup win over the USA, which he attended, and Mo Farah's second gold medal, in the 10,000 metres, during the Olympics: "Mo just wasn’t going to let the guy behind him catch him."