Hazel Irvine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hazel Irvine
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Irvine in 2025
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| Born | 24 May 1965 St Andrews, Scotland
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| Alma mater | University of St Andrews |
| Occupation | Sports presenter |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Snooker, Athletics, Golf, 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics, 2018 Winter Olympics. |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent(s) | William Hyslop Irvine (father) Norma Bryson (mother) |
Hazel Jane Irvine (born May 24, 1965) is a well-known Scottish sports presenter. She is famous for her work with the BBC, where she has presented many big sporting events. These include the Summer and Winter Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, major snooker tournaments, and important golf events. She also presented Ski Sunday.
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Early Life and Education
Hazel Irvine was born in St Andrews, Scotland. She has a younger brother named David. She went to Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh. Later, she studied History of Art at the University of St Andrews. While at university, she was good at sports like golf, netball, and athletics.
Starting Her Broadcasting Career
Hazel Irvine started her career in broadcasting in 1986 at Radio Clyde. In 1988, she moved to Scottish Television. There, she first worked as a voice-over announcer. Soon after, she became a sports reporter and presenter.
Her talent led her to work on the national ITV network. She helped present coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics and reported from the Scotland football team's training camp for the 1990 World Cup.
Joining the BBC
Irvine joined the BBC in 1990. She presented Sportscene for BBC Scotland. On June 19, 1993, she became the youngest presenter ever for the BBC's main sports show, Grandstand. For ten years, she also hosted BBC Scotland's coverage of Children in Need.
In 1994, she co-hosted Hogmanay Live for the BBC. The next year, she introduced coverage of the FIFA Women's World Cup. She also started reporting for Football Focus.
Presenting Major Sporting Events
Hazel Irvine has presented for the BBC at every Summer Olympics since the Barcelona Games in 1992. She has also covered five Winter Olympics and four FIFA World Cup tournaments.
In December 1996, she became the main presenter of Ski Sunday. She has also been a regular presenter for the biggest snooker tournaments. These include the World Snooker Championship, the Masters, and the UK Championship. She has led the BBC's snooker coverage since 2002.
She often presented sports news on major BBC evening news shows. She also reported on events like Wimbledon and the London Marathon.
Olympic Games Coverage
- Sydney 2000: Irvine presented the overnight action for the BBC.
- Salt Lake City 2002: She was a main presenter for the BBC's coverage.
- Athens 2004: She hosted Olympics Grandstand with Steve Cram.
- Turin 2006: She was one of three main presenters, along with Sue Barker and Clare Balding.
- Beijing 2008: Irvine presented Olympic Breakfast with Adrian Chiles. She also commented on the opening and closing ceremonies.
- London 2012: She did these roles again, presenting Olympic Breakfast with Bill Turnbull.
- Sochi 2014: Irvine again led the coverage for the Winter Games.
- Rio 2016: She commented on the opening and closing ceremonies. She also anchored the early action during the afternoons.
- Pyeongchang 2018: Irvine led the coverage from the Winter Games.
- Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021): She commented on the ceremonies and led coverage with Gabby Logan.
- Beijing 2022: Irvine anchored the evening action, broadcasting through the morning.
- Paris 2024: She presented the afternoon action live from Paris.
Commonwealth Games Coverage
- Manchester 2002: Irvine presented coverage for the BBC.
- Melbourne 2006: She was a main presenter for the BBC's coverage.
- Delhi 2010: She returned to this role.
- Glasgow 2014: Irvine led the coverage and commented on the Opening Ceremony.
- Gold Coast 2018: She was one of two BBC presenters anchoring coverage live from Australia.
- Birmingham 2022: Irvine fronted the afternoon coverage of events.
Other Sports and Recognition
Irvine covered golf for the BBC as a reporter and presenter for 25 years. Her last golf event was the 2017 Masters Tournament. She also presented the 2019 Netball World Cup from Liverpool for the BBC.
In 2024, Hazel Irvine was given the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This honor was for her great work in sports and for her charity efforts.
Personal Life
Hazel Irvine married her long-term partner in a private ceremony in Scotland in 2008. They live in London with their daughter, who was born in 2008.
