THE Australian sporting community has showered Fox Sports commentator Brenton Speed with praise after a touching message from his hero brought him to tears.
Speed has forged a reputation as one of the most respected and loved commentators in Australia. In one weekend he can find himself calling football, NRL and AFL matches and he slips seamlessly between the codes.
One of his most memorable moments in the box came during the last A-League season when he called Newcastle star Riley McGree’s stunning “scorpion kick” goal. It caught the attention of iconic English football commentator Martin Tyler, who Speed reveres, and Tyler was full of praise for the way the Australian captured the significance of the moment.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO OF SPEED AND TYLER IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
“This is special,” Tyler said. “Brenton really captured it. It’s going to be shown forever.
“He certainly matched up to it. He can be very proud if that. You never know, history is made before your eyes and when it comes along you have to be ready for it.
“I hope both the goal and the broadcast enhances the perception of the A-League around the world because both were top draw.”
The message brought Speed to tears and he broke down. “It was pretty cool getting a wrap from Tyler,” he said. “It’s awesome that he’s even seen it.
“He’s the doyen and it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
After the video of Speed’s emotional reaction was released online football players, other athletes, journalists and fans jumped on social media to send him their well wishes. Even McGree jumped in on the act.
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