Judy Murray interviews the biggest names in sport on discrimination and other challenges faced

For new Sky Sports docuseries

'Driving Force’ series set to explore stories of success, discrimination and achieving the impossible in sport.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


NEWS PROVIDED BY
SKY

Airing on Sky Sports from 24th November 2020, Driving Force, led by Judy Murray OBE, is a 11x47 minutes docuseries exploring the making of 10 legendary female athletes and the driving forces behind their success.

Exclusive to Sky Sports, the series aims to shine a light on inequality and other challenges in sport, with a view to calling out, educating and highlighting the need for change for future generations.

Back in 2017 Sir Andy Murray OBE went viral for correcting a journalist in a post-match press conference. He was praised for highlighting casual sexism and the battle professional female athletes face. With these issues still relevant today, the first episode looks at the driving force behind the series and Andy himself, his mother, Judy.

In the episodes that follow, distinguished athletes lay their stories bare unveiling both the negative and positive sides of professional sport. The team investigate topics such as physical training extremes, sexism and discrimination, coaching and the importance of mental health. Alongside these important topics, Judy delves deep into what makes these athletes tick.

Among the athletes and contributors featured are Billie Jean King, Sir Andy Murray OBE and Jamie Murray OBE, Dina Asher-Smith, Martina Navratilova, Steph Houghton MBE, Graziano Pellè, Katie Taylor and Jamie and Harry Redknapp.

Rob Webster, Managing Director of Sky Sports said: “Sky Sports made the commitment back in March 2020 to invest in more original women’s sport content and programming. Driving Force is a great example of how Sky Sports can use its voice to bring important sporting stories to new audiences with the ambition of raising awareness around the challenges female athletes face, for both existing and future generations. We want to bring to life stories we know viewers will love, but that will also ultimately drive change within sport.”

Judy Murray OBE said: “Driving Force tells the backstory of some of our most successful sportswomen – discovering who and what inspired them and helped them to the top of their game. We explore their journeys and feature the highs, the lows and the curve balls. It’s a fascinating watch and will raise awareness not just of their incredible achievements but also of the issues and challenges that still exist for women in sport.”

The first episode of Driving Force will be available on 24th November 2020 on Sky Sports Mix at 9pm, and Sky Sports Main Event at 10:15pm. It will also be available On Demand via Sky and NOW TV.

Episode guide below:

Ep 1. Judy Murray OBE: Episode 1 looks at the driving force behind Judy herself, her career and why she won’t take no for an answer.

Ep 2. Steph Houghton MBE: Episode 2 with Steph Houghton examines the responsibility of becoming captain, the importance of family and how to stay true to yourself.

Ep 3. Victoria Pendleton CBE: Episode 3 with Victoria Pendleton explores how to overcome setbacks, quiet determination and what it takes to succeed.

Ep 4. Dina Asher-Smith: Episode 4 with Dina Asher-Smith takes a look at the power of visibility within sport, feeling invincible and really hard work.

Ep 5. Natasha Jonas: Episode 5 with Natasha Jonas talks about respect, supporting others and the mindset needed to be the best.

Ep 6. Charlotte Dujardin CBE: Episode 6 with Charlotte Dujardin explores unexpected success, pushing boundaries and keeping her cool during competition time.

Ep 7. Rebecca Adlington CBE: Episode 7 with Rebecca Adlington highlights the importance of a support network, sports psychology and becoming a champion.

Ep 8. Dame Sarah Storey DBE: Episode 8 with Sarah Storey on training, falling in love and dealing with the unexpected.

Ep 9. Dame Kelly Holmes DBE: Episode 9 with Kelly Holmes delves into fighting injury battles, mental health and the price of success.

Ep 10. Christine Ohuruogu MBE: Episode 10 with Christine Ohuruogu on harsh realisations, learning to adapt and what it takes to win.

Ep 11. Katie Taylor: Episode 11 with Katie Taylor offers a rare glimpse into her life in the spotlight, what makes her tick and the pressures of staying at the top of her game.

Editor’s Note: Driving Force is partnering with leading youth homelessness charity Centrepoint which supports 15,000 vulnerable young people a year by providing accommodation, teaching valuable life skills, tackling their physical and mental health issues and working with them to get them into education or employment.

Source SKY

November 12, 2020 8:05am ET by SKY  

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