Leishman, Phillip

THE ONE THEY LEFT BEHIND

Morris, Clive "TV Personality Parade" (1976)

Phillip Leishman could be forgiven for feeling just a little envious of his fellow commentators in the "Sport On One" office. They were off to the action of Montreal-he's the one who had to stay at home.

Nevertheless, Phillip accepted this role philosophically, secure in the knowledge that "there will come a time". Phillip's role was a vitally important one. He was the frontman for all the Olympic coverage, linking each item, pointing out the highlights, the personalities and the points of special interest.

 It was a role that won Bill McCarthy a Feltex Award for his efforts at the 1974 Commonwealth Games and could be quite likely to earn Phillip the same recognition.

Phillip first joined broadcasting in 1970 working in Wanganui and Dunedin before transferring to Wellington in 1971.

He joined Television One sports in 1975, and is the regular racing commentator as well as fronting "Sports-night", and providing background items from the world of racing for Saturday morning's "Sports Extra".

Naturally enough, Phillip has a strong interest in horses and racing. He is currently leasing a filly which should be racing by the end of the year.