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All Videos March 16, 2021

Lee Ralph, the skateboarder who vanished

In the late 1980s, New Zealand skateboarder Lee Ralph had the world at his feet – but right when he seemed poised to join the sport’s elite, he was kicked out of the US, and out of the limelight for good.

More from this series

Finding Heath Davis

Heath Davis was a cult hero of New Zealand cricket in the 1990s thanks to his unpredictable performances and larger-than-life personality. Off the field, however, it was a different story – one that hasn’t been told until now.

Erin Baker’s wild ride to world champion

When triathlete Erin Baker couldn’t remove a punctured bike tyre during a race, she pulled it off with her teeth. This is the story of a world champion who was prepared to do whatever it took to succeed.

Sheree Taylor’s woodchopping power

She paved the way for NZ women to compete in the male-dominated sport of woodchopping, winning countless titles along the way. But of all her wins, there’s one that stands out as especially meaningful.

Koko Ibaraki, pole dancing warrior

She’s regarded as one of the sport’s best, competing around the world – but Koko Ibaraki didn’t enter her first pole dancing competition until she was almost 40.

Ali Afakasi’s boxing knockout

He came from Samoa to New Zealand in 1968 with dreams of being a world champion boxer. After the 1970 Commonwealth Games, a successful professional career beckoned – until a cut above his eye changed everything.

Marise Chamberlain makes her mark

When the New Zealand runner got boxed in and stumbled near the start of the women’s 800m final at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, she thought her medal hopes had disappeared. Then the crowd began chanting the colour of her singlet.

Scratched: Season three trailer

Season three of award-winning series Scratched: Aotearoa’s Lost Sporting Legends celebrates five more incredible New Zealand athletes. Full series streaming on The Spinoff from Tuesday.

Lee Ralph, the skateboarder who vanished

In the late 1980s, New Zealand skateboarder Lee Ralph had the world at his feet – but right when he seemed poised to join the sport’s elite, he was kicked out of the US, and out of the limelight for good.

Jane Tehira, the triple international

New Zealand has had a handful of double internationals, athletes who’ve represented the country in two different sports. In the 1950s, Jane Tehira represented New Zealand in three – basketball, softball and hockey.

Precious McKenzie’s last gold medal

From being barred from weightlifting competitions in apartheid-era South Africa to being embraced by his adopted home country New Zealand, Precious McKenzie’s is a story of determination – and of the importance of knowing your value.

Angela Walker’s forgotten gymnastic gold

This is the story of Angela Walker, New Zealand’s forgotten gold medalist from the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Tuariki Delamere’s somersault long jump

At a college track and field championships meet in 1974, a New Zealand long jumper representing Washington State University did something that had never been done in competition before – a somersault.