Think of Monty Betham and the following might spring to mind: boxer, rugby league player or, lately, Kiwi Living’s personal training guru. But the presenter and sports buff has a surprising new interest – horse riding.
And while the 38-year-old won’t be swapping the boxing ring for the saddle just yet, he’s recently become an expert in all things equine, since he’s been at the frontline of Sky’s Rio 2016 Olympics equestrian coverage.
“Going to the Games is definitely a career highlight,” says Monty, who had five injections to prepare for the trip and was juggling packing with home renovations.
“I’ll also be interviewing the New Zealand cyclists at the velodrome. Just to see the athletes who are flying the flag for us is a real honour.”
Monty, who says his earliest Olympic memories are of Kiwi gold medallists Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald dominating in the kayak and sprint canoe – “there was little old New Zealand punching above its weight,” he says – is thrilled to be the “new guy” on Sky’s presenting team, which includes The Crowd Goes Wild’s Andrew Mulligan, as well as seasoned pros Scotty Stevenson and Melodie Robinson.
“There have been jokes that I’ve been put in charge of boot camp in the morning. I said, ‘Be careful what you wish for!’”
With a huge global audience, Monty is hoping the Games will inspire future athletes closer to home. But if your sporting goals don’t include the coveted gold medal, the boxer says you can still join in the fun – whatever the weather.
“If you can find a strong purpose for what you’re doing, that will help you to get out there in the elements and you’ll be more likely to stick to any health kick. But if you’d rather stay indoors, just get online and Google ‘exercises in a small space’. Either way, purpose is key!”
See Monty’s Sky Sport team mate Melodie Robinson introduce Olympian, Jacko Gill, in the video below
