Main content

The cricket star who learned to fly

Ricky Ellcock reached the top in two careers: England cricketer and the first black captain for Virgin Atlantic, before injury threatened not only his livelihood but his life.

Barbados-born Ricky Ellcock had twin ambitions as a boy – to become a cricketer and fly airplanes. His father was, like Ricky, cricket-mad – but on the question of him becoming a pilot his answer was emphatic: black people don’t fly planes.
Ricky’s talents as a fast bowler won him many plaudits and a scholarship to come to England. Before long he was playing at the top of the sport, but the stresses on his body meant he kept breaking down. When those injuries threatened to end his career completely, Ricky looked to disprove his dad and make history in the skies.

Ricky's autobiography is called Balls to Fly.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Edgar Maddicott

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Ricky in action for Middlesex. Credit: Courtesy of Ricky Ellcock)

Available now

41 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Mon 21 Oct 2024 11:06GMT
  • Mon 21 Oct 2024 17:06GMT
  • Mon 21 Oct 2024 21:06GMT
  • Last Tuesday 02:06GMT

Contact Outlook

Contact Outlook

Info on how we might use your contribution on air

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected