Scratched

Barbara Cox, and the type of headlines women’s football attracted during her playing days. (Photos: Supplied)

The first Football Fern: Barbara Cox and the struggle for female footballers

Women's football has come a long way since the first Football Ferns took the field in 1975. A lot of that is down to the tireless advocacy of the team's first captain.

By Madeleine Chapman | 20th July, 2023

Special correspondent

Image: Tina Tiller

Rainbow athletes have always been in sports

Many athletes are queer, but sporting bodies have much to learn when it comes to supporting them.

By Alice Soper | 9th January, 2023

The best videos The Spinoff released in 2022

The best videos The Spinoff released in 2022

Catch up on the must-see episodes of Alice Snedden's Bad News, Scratched, Takeout Kids and more.

By The Spinoff | 22nd December, 2022

Image: Tina Tiller

Rainbow athletes have always been in sports

Many athletes are queer, but sporting bodies have much to learn when it comes to supporting them.

By Alice Soper | 2nd August, 2022

Heath Davis: Terrifyingly fast (Photos: Supplied)

Growing up with the myth of Heath Davis

Even in under-15s, watching him play was watching a legend being written in real time.

By Dylan Cleaver | 2nd August, 2022

Contributing writer

Finding Heath Davis

Finding Heath Davis

'There was a part of me that needed to break free and I wanted a partner to love. That was really all.'

By Madeleine Chapman | 2nd August, 2022

Special correspondent

Heath Davis, the first gay Black Cap

Heath Davis, the first gay Black Cap

The cult hero of 90s cricket is New Zealand's first international male player to speak openly about his sexuality.

By Madeleine Chapman | 2nd August, 2022

Special correspondent

Marise Chamberlain (Image: Scratched/Tina Tiller)

Marise Chamberlain made her mark on the track

In 1964, she made history. But her road to an Olympic medal was a bumpy one – literally.

By Sam Brooks | 16th June, 2022

Contributing writer

Marise Chamberlain (Photo: Scratched)

Watch: Marise Chamberlain’s one shot at Olympic glory

When she stumbled near the start of the 800m final she thought her chance at a medal had disappeared. Then the adrenaline kicked in.

By Scratched | 14th June, 2022

Ali Afakasi (Image: Scratched / Archi Banal)

Ali Afakasi is one of boxing’s forgotten giants

He should be in the conversation around the sport's greatest of all time. Instead, his story is one of what ifs.

By Arizona Leger | 9th June, 2022

Contributing writer

Watch: Ali Afakasi could have been one of boxing’s greats

Watch: Ali Afakasi could have been one of boxing’s greats

He had everything it takes to be a champion. Everything except luck.

By Scratched | 7th June, 2022

Image by Archi Banal

How Koko Ibaraki found power on the pole

Her aim is to be a world champ at 50. 'And I’ve said it, so I will do it.'

By Alex Casey | 2nd June, 2022

Gif by Archi Banal

Watch: Koko Ibaraki is a world class pole dancer at 50

Pole dancing is a brutal, physically demanding sport. 50-year-old Aucklander Koko Ibaraki is one of the best in the world.

By Scratched | 31st May, 2022

Image: Supplied/Archi Banal

On the block: How woodchopping legend Sheree Taylor axed stereotypes

The matriarch of woodchopping in Aotearoa isn't done yet.

By Charlotte Muru-Lanning | 26th May, 2022

Contributing writer

Sheree Taylor (Photo: Scratched)

Watch: Sheree Taylor, New Zealand woodchopping legend

Sheree Taylor didn't just chop wood – she cut a new path for the sport.

By Scratched | 24th May, 2022

Watch: Erin Baker refused to lose

Watch: Erin Baker refused to lose

Erin Baker did whatever it took to win. And boy did she win.

By Scratched | 21st May, 2022

Image: Archi Banal

The triathlete who won and won and won

Erin Baker started 121 triathlons in her career. She finished first in 104 of them.

By Natalie Wilson | 19th May, 2022

Lee Ralph (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘Take me to the ramp’: The story of skateboarding legend Lee Ralph

More than 30 years after he tore through the global skating world, people still remember the barefoot New Zealander with the wild red beard.

By Don Rowe | 31st December, 2021

Contributing writer

Tuariki Delamere performs a conventional hitch kick long jump (Image: Tina Tiller)

How Tuariki Delamere’s somersault turned the sport of long jump on its head

The Delamere Flip could have revolutionised the long jump – but unlike the high jump's Fosbury Flop, it never got off the ground.

By Calum Henderson | 27th December, 2021

Production editor

Watch every episode of Scratched: Aotearoa’s Lost Sporting Legends

Watch every episode of Scratched: Aotearoa’s Lost Sporting Legends

Catch up on Scratched, the Spinoff's video series celebrating New Zealand sporting heroes who never got their due.

By Scratched | 22nd August, 2021