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Simon Smale
Simon Smale is an online reporter who specialises in covering a huge range of different sports.
He has been with the ABC since 2018 and, as well as reporting and blogging major events, is a regular contributor to ABC Radio and covered the 2022 Winter Olympics from Beijing.
He also commentates and hosts coverage of football and rugby union matches.
Prior to becoming a sports journalist, he worked on three different continents as a geologist.
Latest by Simon Smale
live
live:England has penalty overturned by VAR in knockout game against Nigeria ahead of Matildas' clash with Denmark
The Matildas meet Denmark for a spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup, after England takes on Nigeria in Brisbane. Follow live.
Five quick hits — Sweden sinks USA by this much and Sam Kerr set for first World Cup minutes
The reigning champions are knocked out by VAR and a phenomenal goalkeeper, as Sam Kerr is set to finally take the field. Here are five talking points from the Women's World Cup.
USA suffer historic World Cup knock-out after dramatic penalty shoot-out
Two-time defending Women's World Cup champions USA are knocked out in the round of 16 by Sweden, 5-4 on penalties in Melbourne/Naarm.
Five quick hits — Germany's pain may be Matildas' gain
Germany, two-time champions and number two-ranked side are out, but Morocco's Atlas Lionesses are dreaming of further success after victory against Colombia.
Germany knocked out of World Cup, Morocco through after win against Colombia
Germany is knocked out of the FIFA Women's World Cup after a 1-1 draw with South Korea, while Morocco beat Colombia 1-0 in Perth to keep their tournament alive.
Possibly the greatest Ashes series of all time just finished. Here's how it went down
A lot has happened over the past seven weeks during this Ashes series. Here are some of the key moments from each nailbiting Test.
Five quick hits — England skipper at centre of one last controversial moment as Australia collapses to draw Ashes
Another catching controversy, a spot of rain and a destructive Australian batting collapse on the final day of the Ashes series. Here are five things you missed from The Oval overnight.
Australia's batting collapses on last day of Ashes as series ends in a draw
Australia falls 49 runs short of England in its chase on the last day of the final Test of the Ashes, with a 2-2 draw good enough for Australia to retain the Urn.
Five quick hits — Bowing to Broad and bowling beamers as Aussie openers shine on another rainy day
The penultimate day of the Ashes starts with a tribute to retiring Stuart Broad, before some wild bowling and solid Aussie batting sets up a grand finale. Here are five things you missed from The Oval overnight.
Outright Ashes victory hopes still alive as Khawaja, Warner pile on runs before rain stops play
Rain brings an early conclusion to proceedings on day four of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval, but not before David Warner and Usman Khawaja combine to give Australia hope of victory.
Five quick hits — England's batting puts Aussie bowlers to sword and Steve Smith smashed a fence
England's openers erased Australia's lead in just six balls — and never looked back. Here's the five things you missed from the final Ashes Test overnight at The Oval.
England sets Australia monster target to win Ashes outright on day three of fifth Test
England score quickly on day three at The Oval to set Australia a record target to win the fifth Ashes Test and claim an outright Ashes series victory.
Five quick hits — Steve Smith's great run-out escape and Joe Root's stunning catch
Joe Root takes a mind-bending catch, while Steve Smith survives the tightest of run-out decisions as Australia battles hard on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval. Here are five things you missed overnight.
Australia's tail wags after Steve Smith's departure to get slim first-innings lead at The Oval
Australia takes the entirety of day two of the final Ashes Test at the Oval to do what England did in about 50 overs and finally passes the hosts' first-innings total shortly before stumps.
Five quick hits — Aussies spill catches and Cummins hits back
Australia's poor catching cost them 111 runs on day one of the final Ashes Test at The Oval, but a starring hand from Pat Cummins helped arrest the slide. Here's your five quick hits from day one of the fifth Test.
Australia's decision to bowl first in final Ashes Test pays off, although Warner's late wicket an unwelcome surprise
Australia wins the toss, sends England in to bat and wins the day, bowling them out for under 300 before negotiating the final session for the loss of just David Warner.
Five quick hits — Ireland score an 'Olimpico' and an Argentinian player takes heat for a CR7 tattoo
Ireland score a rare 'Olimpico', an Argentinian player takes heat for a Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo, and Spain win plaudits for more than their football. These are today's five talking points from the Women's World Cup.
Canada eliminates 'heartbroken' Ireland in Perth after Women's World Cup wins for Spain and Japan
The Olympic champions Canada get their Women's World Cup campaign back on track with a win in Perth. Earlier, Spain thrash Zambia at Eden Park and Japan beat Costa Rica at the Women's World Cup.
Australia retains the Ashes in anti-climactic fashion as rain wipes out final day of fourth Test
Australia will carry a 2-1 lead into the final Test of the Ashes series in England, meaning they have retained the Urn on the back of a drawn fourth game at Old Trafford with a little help from the rain that washed out day five.
Five quick hits — Haitian teenage star impresses and Denmark leaves it late
Denmark cap their return to the FIFA Women's World Cup with a late, late winner, while Haiti christen their maiden appearance with a brave performance against a shot-shy England. The five things you missed from day three.
Swimming had its Race of the Century two decades ago — but the 400m free at the World Champs will run it close
What do you get if you put the defending world champion, defending Olympic champion and current world record holder together in the pool? Arguably one of the most anticipated races of all time.
Marnus Labuschagne hits century as rain forces premature end to day's play at drizzly Old Trafford
Marnus Labuschagne reaches his first ton of this Ashes series but is out soon after as Australia try to defy England under heavy clouds on day four of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Follow live.
England labours to victory over exciting World Cup debutants Haiti, Denmark defeats China in late show in Perth
England's well-fancied Lionesses needed a re-taken penalty to see off Haiti in their FIFA Women's World Cup opener. Earlier, former winners Japan and the USA recorded big wins over Zambia and Vietnam and Denmark secures late winner against China.
analysis
analysis:England has a team capable of bringing football home — but injuries have thrown a spanner in the works
England's Lionesses are the fourth ranked team in the world, reigning Euro Champions and inaugural Women's Finalissima champions to boot — but any thoughts that football will be coming home have been put on ice for several reasons.
Five quick hits — Aussies bounced out again as Mancunian rain dances start in earnest
Australia is praying for rain after Jonny Bairstow is left 99 not out as England takes total control of the fourth Ashes Test. Here are five things you missed overnight at Old Trafford.