Sporting Witness

In 1996, Josia Thugwane won the closest marathon in Olympic history and became the first black South African to take a gold medal in athletics. Thugwane's victory was cheered by millions - including the sports-mad president, Nelson Mandela - but his story has now been largely forgotten in South Africa. He talks to Lisa Needham. The programme is a Sparklab Production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Josia Thugwane after winning the 1996 Olympic Marathon. Credit: Getty Images)

In February 2003, Zimbabwean cricketers Henry Olonga and Andy Flower risked their careers to protest against President Mugabe during the World Cup. After issuing a statement condemning the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, the players took to the field wearing black armbands to symbolise what they considered the "Death of Democracy" in their country. Henry Olonga talks to Rob Walker for Sporting Witness.

PHOTO: Henry Olonga (Getty Images)

In 1978, US female sports journalists won a major victory in their fight to do their jobs in the same way as men. US sports had a tradition of allowing reporters to do interviews in the dressing-room after big games. Women were not allowed in until baseball reporter Melissa Ludtke's case went to court. Ludtke and pioneering American Football journalist Lesley Visser talk to Nija Dalal-Small. The programme is a Sparklab Production.

(Photo: Melissa Ludtke in the 1970s. Credit: Associated Press)

In 1908, hundreds of thousands of Londoners crowded the streets to watch the dramatic events of the Olympic marathon. Dorando Pietri, an Italian sweet-maker from Capri, was first into White City Stadium but he collapsed and had to be helped to the line. He was consequently disqualified and Johnny Hayes of the USA was declared the winner.

However, with their love of a gallant loser, the disqualification made Pietri a celebrity for British people and he was greeted with cheers wherever he went. Simon Watts tells his story through newspaper reports from the time.

Picture: Dorando Pietri crosses the line, Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The Iditarod dog-sled race runs through 1,000 miles of Arctic wildnerness in Alaska and is regarded as one of the toughest sporting events in the world. In the winter of 1985, Libby Riddles drew international attention to the Iditarod by becoming the first woman to win. She talks to Robert Nicholson. The programme is a Whistledown Production.

(Photo: Libby Riddles in 1985. Credit: Associated Press)

In 1972, the Soviet gymnast, Olga Korbut, was one of the stars of the Munich Olympics. Just four foot eleven, the "Sparrow from Minsk" charmed the world by breaking down in tears after messing up a routine - but then fought back to take three Gold medals. Olga Korbut talks to Ashley Byrne. The programme is a Made in Manchester Production.

PHOTO: Olga Korbut at the 1972 Olympics (AFP/Getty Images)

In 1991, Mike Powell and Carl Lewis took on Bob Beamon's iconic Long Jump world record at the World Championships in Tokyo. In an epic battle, both men went further than Beamon, with Mike Powell eventually setting a record that stands to this day. He talks to Adrian Moorhead for Sporting Witness. The programme is a Sparklab Production and was first broadcast in June 2015.

PHOTO: Mike Powell breaking the record. Credit: Getty Images.

In 1967, the American motorcycle stuntman made his name with a spectacular - if unsuccessful - attempt to jump over the fountains of Caesar's Palace casino. Ashley Byrne talks to Evel Knievel's family about the man behind the legend. The programme is a Made-In-Manchester Production.

PHOTO: Evel Knievel in mid-leap (Getty Images)

In 1990, the East German football team played their last ever match - just a few weeks before the country was officially dissolved. Only 14 players bothered turning up for the friendly against Belgium, but those that did were determined to go out on a high note. Tim Mansel talks to the former East German striker, Uwe Rosler.

PHOTO: The East German team at the 1974 World Cup (AP)

In 1995, the Japanese wrestler, Antonio Inoki, organised an international tournament in secretive North Korea. Featuring wrestling stars from Japan and America, the Collision in Korea was an attempt to foster peace through sport and attracted crowds in the hundreds of thousands. Ashley Byrne reports. The programme is a Made-in-Manchester Production.

(Photo: The crowd at the Collision in Korea in Pyongyang. Credit: Getty Images).