Quick Summary
World of Sport: TV Firsts sees Richard Henwood look back at landmark moments in televised sport. Among the highlights, the show presents early footage of a 14‑year‑old Ronnie O’Sullivan, a future snooker sensation who would later dominate the game internationally in the sport.
About This Program ✦
World of Sport: TV Firsts is a television episode that forms part of the broader World of Sport series. It is presented as a concise programme that surveys landmark moments when sport first appeared on the small screen. The format centres on a host guiding the audience through archival material, offering a snapshot of how televised sport has evolved over time. The episode is fronted by Richard Henwood, who takes viewers on a retrospective of television’s sporting milestones. Among the highlights is a segment that features rare footage of a 14‑year‑old Ronnie O’Sullivan, captured at a time when the future snooker star was just beginning his journey. Henwood points out how this early clip foreshadows the impact O’Sullivan would later have on the game. Beyond the O’Sullivan excerpt, the programme strings together a series of first‑time broadcasts that marked turning points for various disciplines. By stitching together these historic clips, the show illustrates how early television helped bring sport into homes across the country. The episode’s pacing allows each moment to be examined in turn, giving viewers a clear sense of the pioneering spirit that defined those initial broadcasts. Overall, World of Sport: TV Firsts offers a focused look at the origins of televised sport, anchored by Henwood’s commentary and the memorable glimpse of a teenage O’Sullivan who would go on to reshape snooker. The episode’s blend of narration and archival footage provides a straightforward record of those early, influential moments.
World of Sport broadcasts on ITV4 HD at 10:30am, Sunday, 8 February 2026. (Subtitles)



