Martin Offiah features in episode 21 of Sky Sports' My Icon series
Friday 20 October 2017 16:13, UK
Martin Offiah used the racism he endured as the fuel to fire him to the very top of rugby league.
A talented cricketer in his youth, Offiah was spotted by Widnes coach Doug Laughton playing for rugby union club Rosslyn Park in the Middlesex Sevens.
The Hackney-born wing would go on to become one of the most recognisable faces in rugby league and one of the sport's greatest-ever try scorers, crossing the whitewash 501 times in his career.
Born to Nigerian parents, and the youngest of three children, Offiah played for Widnes, Wigan, and NRL teams St George Dragons and Eastern Suburbs before turning out for London Broncos, Salford City Reds and rugby union side Wasps later in his career.
But his rise to legendary status in rugby league was far from straightforward, with Offiah frequently encountering racism, particularly during the early stages of his career.
"I've experienced blatant racism," Offiah says in episode 21 of Sky Sports' My Icon series.
"People calling me names, being abused by spectators - or on rugby league pitches - and experiencing direct racism from players in international matches.
"A lot of people say we have a long way to go but we've also come a long way. Gone are the days when you are on a rugby pitch and you are getting bananas thrown at you and wholesale chanting which is something I have experienced.
"Due to a strong mindset I overcame these things and turned it from a disadvantage into an advantage."
Offiah talks about his journey in the latest instalment of My Icon, which premieres on Friday at 7am on Sky Sports Mix and is available On Demand. The episode is repeated on Friday at 1pm, 6pm and 10.15pm.
Coinciding with Black History Month, Sky Sports' #MyIcon campaign brings you 31 exclusive interviews with top BAME sports personalities across the month of October. For more information click here.
