It was always Leigh-Ann Paulick’s dream to follow in the legendary Tinky Pringle’s footsteps, and become a sport presenter. Now, after putting in the hard yards, she is happily living her dream. Leigh-Ann is the perfect package, professional, passionate, and personable, no doubt one of the top sports anchors currently on South African TV.
She had the privilege of cutting her teeth on two of our country’s most credible media platforms, Talk Radio 702, and then SuperSport, where Leigh-Ann currently works.
While admitting to having a soft spot for cricket, Leigh-Ann tends to cover tennis, athletics and special events, like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Her role models are sportsmen and women who “represent real commitment”. She is in awe of what individuals are willing to give up to realise their dreams. Her favourite sports stars include Roger Federer, Bruce Fordyce, Ernst van Dyk, and Steffi Graf.
This go-getter keeps fit by running and is also fond of Pilates. She is currently nursing a knee injury, so no Comrades Marathon for her, which was the original plan…
Leigh-Ann’s love for sport started back in school, and her passion has grown stronger by the year. She encourages women who are keen to break into sports broadcasting to go for it.
She says: “Your country needs you. There should be more women sports anchors. We have the ability to really bring someone out of their shell because we are generally very good listeners and also tend to be less intimidating.”
Leigh-Ann more than holds her own, whether in a television studio or out on location. Here is a true role model for any young woman who dreams of breaking into sports broadcasting. She had a dream and worked hard to make it come true. One
can only stand back and marvel.
Introducing gsport’s June 2008 Woman in Media, class act, Leigh-Ann Paulick!
Leigh-Ann, how did you get involved in sports broadcasting?
It was always my dream to be a sports presenter, just like Tinky Pringle. I studied Journalism at Rhodes in Grahamstown and was lucky enough to be offered a job by Jeremy Maggs at 702 on the sports desk. I went for an audition at Supersport and they said ýes’. The rest is history.
What are some of the projects you were involved with before that?
I was the sports editor at Rhodes Music Radio at university and that’s where it all started. I remember on one show, we interviewed Neil Tovey and Gary Teichman – that was quite an achievement to have 2 national captains speaking to us in a single afternoon (bearing in mind that we weren’t that important, but I was impressed with how accessible they were).
What are your current career projects?
Life is very hectic at the moment with the tennis season in full swing. It’s the French open for the next two weeks, 2 weeks off and then on to Wimbledon.
And of course the Olympics after that.
Where does your love for sport come from?
My love of sport started in school, but was helped along by a friend who was without a doubt the biggest cricket supporter in the world. We watched alot of cricket together and then there was also this small-time betting ring that we were involved in my Matric Science class during the 1992 world cup.
What have been some of your career highlights to date?
Definitely working with Bo Moseneke, who was the most gifted presenter. I still feel his absence even though its been a few years since he passed away. Going to the Melbourne Commonwealth games is also right up there.
What is the best live sports event you’ve covered and what did you enjoy most about it?
It would have to be the Commonwealth games as above. I was hugely impressed with the way the nation came together. For them it was a PR exercise, they knew the world was watching and they made the most of it.
What are your favourite sports to report on?
I will always have a soft spot for cricket. But I tend to cover Tennis, Athletics and special events, like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Who are your favourite sports stars?
I am the biggest Roger Federer fan, he is a machine(I still haven’t met him though). Bruce Fordyce is a legend. Ernst van Dijk is a real gentleman. Steffi Graf was the complete package.
How do you keep fit?
I am a runner, although a very frustrated one at the moment because I am nursing a knee injury, so no Comrades (which was the original plan). I have recently discovered the joys of Pilates and am convinced I am in the process of growing a 6-pack (just very deep down).
How can we improve the state of women’s sport in South Africa?
Things have definitely improved over the last few years, but there’s still a long way to go. What we really need is the emergence of new individual stars to be role models. There just doesn’t seem to be anyone great coming through right now.
Think back to Penny Heyns and what she did for swimming. She got people excited and watching sport again and inspired a whole new generation of sports people.
Television coverage also helps promote a sport, that’s the problem right now.
All the money is going on the big 3, rugby, cricket and especially soccer – and not for women. So it all boils down to money, as usual.
What is the best part of your job?
You know, I am just not a 9-5 kinda gal. The flexibility of my life is great, each day is different and that keeps me on my toes.
What challenges do you face as a woman in the world of sports broadcasting?
It’s a man’s world out here, no doubt about that. You need to remind the guys that you actually do know what you are talking about. I may not have played professional sports, but I am an anchor and a host – it is not my job to know everything, and that’s why we bring in expert guests.
What is the best career advice you’ve been given?
Don’t stress the small things, if it’s out of your hands – there’s nothing you can do about it anyway.
Who are your role models?
I would have to say sports people in general because they represent real commitment and show what drive is all about. The sacrifices that are made are huge, and it is really admirable to see what people are prepared to give up in order to realise their dreams.
How do you balance your life as a mother with your role as a sports broadcaster?
I am fortunate to have a lot of support; both my parents and my in-laws are at hand to provide baby sitting services on tap. My daughter is already 5 and at school in the mornings, but my son is a bit more work – he has just turned 1.
What advice do you have for women who would like to break into sports broadcasting?
Your country needs you. There should be more women sports anchors. We have the ability to really bring someone out of their shell because we are generally very good listeners and also tend to be less intimidating. Having a special talent such as a good voice, bubbly personality, being able to think on your feet, ad-libbing skills also help you to stand out amongst the
“boys”. And when in doubt say it with conviction and nine times out of ten you make it believable.
gsport strives to celebrate femininity. What role does it play in your life?
Femininity is hard to define; it is an elusive quality to pin down. I would say it represents the celebration of being a woman. On the flip side, if you want a real challenge, wear a baggy men’s golf shirt and try to be feminine.
Recently someone pointed out to me that you should always be aware of how you look, just let it slip once and that tends to be the image of you that sticks in someone’s mind. But it is not just about appearance, it’s in the voice, a look, a flick of the hair – we just do it differently to the guys. Full stop
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the fact that there is good in everyone and that there is always hope, no matter how bad things may seem at the time.
What is the best thing about being a woman?
To experience pregnancy is a real gift. Unless you actually go through it yourself, it is impossible to describe.
What would you like to be doing in 2010?
Hopefully retired to my house in Knysna, the most beautiful place in the world. Spending more time with my gorgeous children and wonderful husband(gotta be some brownie points in it for me right there).
Greatest ambition?
I have been living it for the past 10 years. This is all I have ever wanted to do and it has been a real privilege – TV is a powerful medium. I still have lots to offer, but I would also like to be the best mother that I can be – children are small for
such a short time and I just don’t want to miss a thing.
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