Sporting Witness

At the 1956 Olympics, political tension between Hungary and the Soviet Union boiled over during the water polo semi-final.

The confrontation became known as the 'Blood in the Water' match.

Witness speaks to Ervin Zador, the star player on the Hungarian side.

This programme first broadcast in August 2011.

Picture: Ervin Zador, Credit: AFP/Getty Images

As Manchester United prepare to defend their Premier League title, Sporting Witness looks back to Sir Alex Ferguson's early years in management at Scottish club, Aberdeen.

Former Aberdeen assistant manager Archie Knox, and former midfielder Neale Cooper, remember how Ferguson's unique style turned perennial under-achievers into European champions in 1983.

The success made Sir Alex Ferguson's reputation and put him on the road to Manchester United.

PHOTO: Alex Ferguson and Archie Knox with the European Cup Winner's Cup (Courtesy Aberdeen F.C.)

The Scottish sprinter Eric Liddell, is famous for refusing to run on a Sunday in the Paris Olympics of 1924.

But, as depicted in the film Chariots of Fire, he went on to win Gold in a different event - the 400 metres.

After the Olympics, Eric Liddell became a Christian missionary in China, where he died in an internment camp during World War II.

Sporting Witness tells the extraordinary story of Eric Liddell's life using archive material and an interview with Steve Metcalf, a survivor from the camp.

PHOTO: Getty Images

The Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci, recalls how in 1976 at 14 years old she achieved a 'perfect 10' - a perfect score from all the judges - for the uneven bars at the Montreal Olympics. This was the first time this had happened at any Olympics games. She went on to become a worldwide star and a heroine in communist Romania.

Nadia talks about how she was discovered by her coaches Bela and Marta Karolyi.

Presented by Madeleine Morris.

This programme first broadcast in July 2011.

Picture: AFP/Getty Images