🎙️ Part 2: The Trust Economy: From London 2012 to The Next Generation (2012–Present)

Karim Bashir
2 days ago
3 min read

Nine days of commentary in Sheffield later, the FIE—the international fencing federation—called: “Would you like to come and commentate at the World Championships?” I gave it one nano-second of thought. Three weeks later, I was in Catania. Thank you, Jochen Faerber, my producer, who gave me an astonished nod of approval after just one take. And thank you FIE for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons in the commentary world. My natural instinct was confirmed.

The Golden Ticket and The Mentor

The biggest call came from five-time Olympic skier, Graham Bell. He wanted me to be his expert fencing commentator for the BBC at London 2012. I agreed, only if he took lessons in all three weapons! Sitting in a room full of British broadcasting legends, fear was present, but Graham was there. “You’ll be fine. I’ve got you.” I completed my first Olympics. Thank you, BBC, for your trust, and to Graham Bell, the best mentor I could have asked for—an athlete turned broadcaster who secured my golden accreditation.

After 2012, sponsorship interest for minority sports fell off a cliff. But a new door had opened: sports communications. Catch Sport seamlessly switched, continuing commentary, writing blogs, and delivering consultancy.

The Olympic Triple and Learning to Lead

Rio 2016 (Olympics #2) came after a call from OBS (Olympic Broadcasting Services). Thank you, Kostas Kapatais, my boss, who later suggested Curling for the Winter Olympics!

Then came a surprise: the lead commentary role at World Archery. Thanks to Chris Wells and David Turner for the opportunity. While Graham mentored the expert in me, the steepest curve—learning to lead—came from Denis Harvey. Thanks, Denis, for beginning the polishing process and your endless patience!

Family and Resilience

During this whole mad period, I met the woman I was to marry. I need to thank my incredible family—Jeanne, Paige, Courtney, Ethan, and Harmony—for their support and for dealing with a single-minded workaholic who travelled the world. I’m still learning how to be a decent husband to my “Angel” and a better than average role model to my beautiful step-children!

When Covid hit, client budgets dried up. I refused to furlough but was driving myself insane. I called a friend, Darral Plant, and asked if I could labour for him to stop me from going both mad and bust. Thank you, Darral. I ended up having one of the times of my life painting, scaling roofs, and completing a loft extension.

Luck found me again. Jack McGill (QTV), whom I'd had a memorable debate with years earlier, called. I told him I was months from selling the house. He said, "Come work for me." Thank you, Jack. I found myself working from home for Glasgow-based QTV, learning the behind-the-camera side of production until Paris 2024.

The Next Generation & Lasting Relationships

The connections built over two decades continue to be the lifeblood of Catch Sport. This was highlighted recently when a relationship forged through Jack led to a brand new client. A special thanks goes out to Florent Boas, my newest client, who has brought me in over the last year to commentate on the major season-ending events for UIPM (Modern Pentathlon). This is a perfect example of how building and nurturing genuine relationships over many years pays dividends and shapes the company’s future direction.

The last few years allowed Catch Sport to reposition yet again. Whilst commentary is at the forefront, I've now got the time, space, and experience to create the next iteration. I am currently developing an app, creating a brand new podcast, and most excitingly, launching a Sports Commentary Training Programme aimed at athletes transitioning from sport and newcomers to the World this Friday.

20 years is a landmark, but the entrepreneur in me still lives strong.

The Real Brains (and The Blame)

Finally, there are two people who require a special mention—the real brains behind the operation. Thank you, Mark Myers, for developing Catch Sport’s first ever transactional database, and Ian Cann, for upgrading it.

You two are truly to blame for this entire 20th-anniversary blog!