The great Murray Walker turned 95 today. In my opinion, simply the greatest sports broadcaster that has ever lived.
My favourite Murray commentary? The two minutes of the 1998 Italian Grand Prix (from 5.50 to 7.45) where from the lead Coulthard's engine blows, Hakkinen takes the lead briefly and Schumacher in the ensuing chaos overtakes Mika at the chicane moments later with the tifosi going wild and it all being topped off perfectly by Murray's commentary which sweetly reflected the drama of the situation. For me, it's an accumulation of all that I loved about the sport - Schumacher taking the lead in his Ferrari in front of the tifosi going nuts with Murray doing so as well.
https://youtu.be/gT43w0EDBPU?t=350I only became a fan of f1 towards the end of Murray's commentary career but it strikes me just how unique and special he really was when watching those old videos. His partnership with Martin Brundle in the comms box on ITV was a particular highlight and the soundtrack to my childhood and so far away from the cringey/forced 'banter' and 'discussion' that passes for sports commentary these days (Guy Mowbray and Danny Murphy anyone?)
He just captured the sport perfectly, his exuberance always sincere and his passion always genuine, sourced from his vast encyclopedic knowledge of the sport.
Many happy returns old pal.
« Last Edit: Oct 11, 2018 12:09:19 am by Frankly, Mr Shankly »
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