Early Life and Education
Born on 24 October 1937, Davies was educated at Cranbrook School in Kent before graduating from London University. His early passion for sports and broadcasting set the stage for his future career.
Broadcasting Career
Davies began his broadcasting career with BFBS in Cologne and spent a year on BBC Radio's Sports Report. His career gained momentum when he:
- Joined The Times in 1963 and began commentating on football in 1966.
- Covered the 1966 World Cup for ITV, earning recognition.
- Worked for ABC TV (1966-1968) and Granada (1968-1969).
In 1969, Davies joined the BBC, becoming one of its most versatile and respected commentators until his retirement in 2004.
Sports Coverage
Davies covered a wide range of sports, including:
- Football: His main focus, covering 10 FIFA World Cups and presenting Match of the Day.
- Olympics: He provided commentary for 12 Summer Olympic Games, including the opening and closing ceremonies.
- Other Sports: His versatility extended to tennis, badminton, ice hockey, gymnastics, field hockey, cycling, and more.
Notable Achievements
- Commentated on 10 FIFA World Cups.
- Became the "Voice of the Boat Race" from 1993 to 2004.
- Covered Wimbledon championships, providing 3D commentary for major finals.
Post-Retirement
After retiring in 2004, Davies continued to contribute to sports broadcasting, commentating on the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and making a special return to Match of the Day in 2014 to celebrate its 50th anniversary.