James Mortimer's Sportswriter Profile

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James Mortimer

Joined 11 months ago

215 articles written
113 comments posted
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James's Bio

A sportswriter who has been writing since 2007. Have my writing spread across numerous sites, proudly have my own site at www.rugbycountry.net, Community Leader of Bleacher Rugby, most published writer on www.sportingo.com, contributor to Roar and BBC 606 forum, feature writer for Heaven's Game. I'm also the official writer for www.allblacks.com

Love rugby, but am comfortable writing about a variety of sports, including union, league, cricket, formula one, tennis, and others.

But Rugby Union remains my first love.

I think that sports, for all of their progress, still have a long way to go with the way they are run.

The game is about entertainment, but equally, as all sports rely on their public - it is about transperancy. The lack of this by some operating bodies is what affects the individual sports success.

I hope to make a difference about this one day, as I believe sport is a crucial element of our lives.

Like to write with a style "to tell a story", and take alot of pride in my researching ability. Understands the game of rugby and other particular codes and enjoy understanding it in a watch it now fashion - not a "this is like what happened 50 years ago...."

However, I am a keenly honourable when it comes to the history and statistics of a sport.

American sports adapt and evolve to keep audiences and viewers hooked, other international sports could learn alot by this.

Have a career of nearly 15 years in hospitality, with my own advice site at www.hospitalityimprovement.com, but want to also branch out into one of my great loves. A keen business enthusiast, I hope to translate my numerous skills to sports, and media.

"If you do what you love, or work in what you love, you will never work a day in your life". An adapted comment based on a sentence by Oscar Wilde - yeah, it sounds a bit wank, but it is so true. It is something I ignored for many years.

Also a budding model - I workout like a soldier - training six days a week, five of those twice a day. This itself is beginning to pay off. Even if nothing comes from this particular enterprise, it is fantastic to feel great, and know deep down you are healthy and treating yourself with respect.

Am happy to help with anyone who needs help with sportswriting.

James's Recent Articles

SWANSEA, WALES - NOVEMBER 04: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in action during the New Zealand All Blacks training session at Lllandarcy academy of sport on November 4, 2009 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Rugby: All Blacks Look to Extend Welsh Misery

Published 3 days ago
22 reads 0 comments

TOKYO - OCTOBER 31: The Wallabies line up for the national Anthems prior to the 2009 Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at the National Stadium on October 31, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)

Rugby: England to Try to Withstand History-Seeking Wallabies

Published 3 days ago
44 reads 0 comments

Can Australia Really Win a Grand Slam?

Published 6 days ago
20 reads 4 comments

BIARRITZ, FRANCE - OCTOBER 17: A Gloucester fan enjoys himself during the Heineken Cup match between Biarritz Olympique and Gloucester at Parc de Sports Aguilera on October 17, 2009 in Biarritz, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Can France Finally Achieve Their Potential?

Published 6 days ago
19 reads 0 comments

See 211 more of James's articles »

James Writes About

James Mortimer commented on Wales Look To Make Impact on Autumn Internationals

The Short List What James thinks about sport's most pressing questions

Favorite Athletes

All time probably Michael Jordan. Big fan of Jonah Lomu.
Favorite Sports Teams

All Blacks, Wellington Hurricanes, Chicago Bulls, Green Bay Packers, Ferrari, NZ warriors, Australian cricket team, New Zealand League team
Favorite Coaches

Graham Henry, Rod Mcqueen, Daniel Anderson, Phil Jackson. Hate hearing about coaches though with poor people skills - who might be portrayed as legends but are actually **********
All Time Sports Moment

New Zealand winning the rugby league World Cup 2008
Most Memorable Game Attended

All Blacks V Wallabies, Athletic Park 1996 Wellington, NZ - 2003 Rugby World Cup had some excellent games in Brisbane
Most Unbreakable Sports Record

Which one which one?
Ruth or Mays?

Got to be Ruth.
Unitas or Montana?

Montana.
Jordan or Russell?

Jordan all the way!
Gretzky or Orr?

Probably Gretzky
Pele or Maradona?

Pele, Maradona was just a bit too much with his "habits".
Federer or Sampras?

Federer, one of the most humble champions I have ever seen.
Tiger or Nicklaus?

Tiger, for his achievements, but think he's a bit of a wanker.
Petty or Earnhardt?

Earnhardt.
Schumacher or Senna?

The iceman 100%. Miss his racing.
Pac 10, Big 12, Big 10, SEC, ACC, or Big East?

What exactly is the question? Can't give a insightful answer as they are all so different.

Bulletin Board (33) Post a note »

by Sean
6 days ago

Hey James,

I couldn't think of a good way to word double space/single space so an example seemed more appropriate.
Double space. Like this.
Single Space. Like this.

In terms of sentence lengths, I find, and for the most part B/R believes, that short, simple sentences get the point across more effectively.

By no means should you avoid impressive vocabulary, but generally if you can get the same point across with less words or less sentences, you should probably do so.
by Dan
19 days ago

Thanks James. As for the question concerning dates, I go by the rule that you do not include "st" or "th" with an specified date ("Today is Oct. 19."). Hope that helps!
by Ryan
about 1 month ago

There is nothing I enjoy more than explaining the series comma (aka the Harvard comma).

When items are being listed, the series comma is the comma that comes before the word "and" (She loves socks, ice cream, books, and God).

A few styles call for its removal, but I'm a staunch supporter of it, as is BR.

Why am I for it? Glad you asked. One of the first rules of editing is consistency. Consistency is king.

And in that vein, since there are times when the Harvard comma is needed*, I put it in every time, for consistency.

*Example: "After winning her award, Mary thanked her parents, Tina Turner and the Pope." Without the Harvard comma, this sentence is saying that Mary's parents are Tina Turner and the Pope.
by Ryan
about 1 month ago

Why thank you, sir. But the honor is all mine.

Yes, staff editor means I'm contracted by Bleacher Report to edit articles to help maintain a consistent house style and format throughout the site.
by Andrew
2 months ago

Woops, sorry mate, I meant to say your the least biased writer (most unbiased writer).
by Andrew
2 months ago

Come back bro, all is forgiven, please, I'm begging you. Seriously though, your definately the least unbiased writer that I've come across in yonx.
You make sense mate, pure depth in your articles concerning rugby irrespective of which team wins or loses.
by Mohamed
2 months ago

Hi Mate this my latest article..interesting I hope:-)
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/240144-child-souvenirs-between-sports-and-fear-humor

Thanks in advance for ur time and comment!

Mohamed.
by Dann
2 months ago

hey james

I am trying to make the cricket section more popular. So I am keeping a few awards for cricket writers. I hope you can read this

Also if possible participate

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/235650-announcing-cricket-awards

Thanks
by Andrew
3 months ago

Hey James, your by far the most informative unbiased rugby writer on Bleacher Report. I'm trying damn hard recently not to comment any further on Sanjay's biased articles because if I do I'll look like having sour grapes due to the AB's performance or lack of. Again we lost due to our unforced errors although the Bok's played well. Come on Ozzie, thrash the Bok's to put Sanjay in perspective. I question whether Sanjay knows anything about tactical rugby.
by Mohamed
3 months ago

This is a serious and useful article hope you enjoy it
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/229331-useful-tips-of-utmost-importance-to-users-of-br

Thanks in advance!
Mohamed
by Mohamed
3 months ago

Hi there ¡ Hope not to bother.Please take a look at this funny article.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/219165-the-top-wisest-secrets-to-succeed-in-sports-dont-miss-the-show

-Thanks soo much for your precious Time and have a nice day!
Mohamed
by Dominica
4 months ago

hey there. i see you're a rugby fan. i was curious - what's the difference b/w rugby union and league? i was trying to research it but it didn't make much sense the way it was written. thx

dee
by Dann
4 months ago

He mate

wrote a piece which I tried to make my master piece. Could you please cheack it out. Don't be scared of telling me if it is bad

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/200865-painting-my-sports-idol
by Dan
5 months ago

No problem James. Keep up the great writing, I enjoyed your last piece!
by Heartbeat of the Bronx
5 months ago

Hey James,

Ryan Zimmerman’s hit streak halted at 30 games last night. As one streak ends, another is admired. Read about how Joe DiMaggio forever redefined ’56,’ and how his feat may never be broken. It is a record that thankfully cannot be broken through steroid use, and represents all that was once right in a game that has since gone so wrong.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/175186-one-streak-ends-another-is-admired-how-joe-dimaggio-redefined-56

Thanks in advance!

-Stephen (Heartbeat of the Bronx)

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James Mortimer

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James's Recent Articles

Rugby: All Blacks Look to Extend Welsh Misery

Rugby: England to Try to Withstand History-Seeking Wallabies

Can Australia Really Win a Grand Slam?

Can France Finally Achieve Their Potential?

James Writes About

The Short List What James thinks about sport's most pressing questions

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