Routine is an important part of being a pro athlete. But sometimes there's a fine line between ritual and irrational. Whether it’s Rafa Nadal refusing to walk on tennis court lines or Tiger Woods always wearing a red shirt on Sundays, for some reason, athletes are a superstitious bunch.

Routine is an important part of being a pro athlete. But sometimes there's a fine line between ritual and irrational. Whether it’s Rafa Nadal refusing to walk on tennis court lines or Tiger Woods always wearing a red shirt on Sundays, for some reason, athletes are a superstitious bunch.

Join Tony Armstrong on a trip through the annals of sports history to uncover some of the most extraordinary, untold tales that will captivate, surprise, and inspire. From footy to Formula 1, this is the show that celebrates the winners, losers, and the weird stuff between.

Join Tony Armstrong on a trip through the annals of sports history to uncover some of the most extraordinary, untold tales that will captivate, surprise, and inspire. From footy to Formula 1, this is the show that celebrates the winners, losers, and the weird stuff between.

The Pool Room with Tony Armstrong

Strange Sporting Superstitions

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/8d04bafd-9fe3-45c0-9444-b0290051fa29/transcript

It’s the year 1990, in the small town of Vinton, Louisiana, where a horse race is about to get started. A thick fog has settled on Delta Downs Racecourse. Visibility for this one-mile race is almost zero. It seems like winning is going to be a close-your-eyes-and-hope situation. But jockey Sylvester Carmouche has a sneaky plan to take them all by surprise. 

It’s the year 1990, in the small town of Vinton, Louisiana, where a horse race is about to get started. A thick fog has settled on Delta Downs Racecourse. Visibility for this one-mile race is almost zero. It seems like winning is going to be a close-your-eyes-and-hope situation. But jockey Sylvester Carmouche has a sneaky plan to take them all by surprise.

The Ghost of Delta Downs

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/4a779816-eaa5-4b0d-a103-b20300599e7b/transcript

Long before Serena, Ash and Naomi, women’s tennis was dominated by one name. Known as “la Divine” - The Goddess - Suzanne Lenglen was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Not only was she an unstoppable force on the court, but she was also a pioneer of fame, fashion and celebrity in women's sport. 

Long before Serena, Ash and Naomi, women’s tennis was dominated by one name. Known as “la Divine” - The Goddess - Suzanne Lenglen was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Not only was she an unstoppable force on the court, but she was also a pioneer of fame, fashion and celebrity in women's sport.

The Goddess of Tennis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/cb2c1668-5c3f-40c6-bd16-b2020174ffef/transcript

There’s nothing wrong with a little sibling rivalry. But if you can’t back it up in the sporting arena yourself, maybe don’t provoke your brother or sister. When Maria Teresa de Filippis took an interest in motor racing, her brothers mocked her. They didn't think she stood a chance. Well, that was all the inspiration Maria needed to prove them wrong. 

There’s nothing wrong with a little sibling rivalry. But if you can’t back it up in the sporting arena yourself, maybe don’t provoke your brother or sister. When Maria Teresa de Filippis took an interest in motor racing, her brothers mocked her. They didn't think she stood a chance. Well, that was all the inspiration Maria needed to prove them wrong.

The First Woman of Formula 1

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/10b8efa8-8fdb-4fc8-9e2c-b1fd018933e5/transcript

Strange Sporting Superstitions

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