The Last Word: Emma Dodds

Armed with more than 16 years’ experience at the forefront of media broadcasting, Emma Dodd has secured a name for herself as a sports presenter, reporter and producer on the likes of Sky Sports News and BT Sport. Now, Emma co-presents Sports Tonight on Dubai Eye 103.8 while running the Arabian Radio Network’s sport output: all nine stations in six different languages, covering the major sporting events like Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, DP World Tour golf and Dubai Duty Free tennis. This summer she’s heading to Rio with the Olympic Broadcasting Service to cover the 2016 Olympic games.

Needless to say, Emma is an avid sports player earning herself a basketball scholarship in the States. A native of Glasgow, she is also a huge Rangers fan.

What was the last thing you did before answering these questions?
I went directly to the coffee machine! I’m a creature of habit and don’t communicate well until that first cup of coffee is down, so for the sake of everyone else in the office, it’s the first thing I do.

When was the last time someone doubted your sporting knowledge because you are a woman?
This week on Twitter! Social media gives followers easy access to challenge your views. In fairness it’s not necessarily because I’m a woman, they just didn’t agree with me! Starting out, I was one of the few females in sport but there are so many women now that we do carry weight with our opinions. That said, you’ll always have the unfortunate few who judge you.

When was the last time you felt homesick?
Last month. My football team, Rangers, beat our biggest rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final. I watched it at Barasti but would have loved to have been in the stadium. It’s been a tumultuous journey to get back to the top.

What was the last thing you uploaded to social media?
I’m running in the Wings For Life race and posted an inspirational video clip from Skydive Dubai instructor Jarrett Martin. He’s a quadriplegic after damaging his back in an accident yet doesn’t let anything stop him.

When was the last time you blew over AED10,000 – what did you spend it on?
I went on a skiing holiday this year to Austria. I love my winter sports and don’t get to hit the slopes often, so I go all out when I do. It was a brilliant trip: blue sky, sunshine, great snow and outstanding après ski. Fond memories means money well spent.

What was the last memorable meal you ate?
Friends of mine have opened Inver restaurant in the West of Scotland and it’s all locally sourced fish, meat and veg. The food is mind blowing. I had mussels and crab claws, which were brought out of the sea that morning. I’m proud of the produce we have in Scotland.

What was the last really great piece of advice you received?
Professionally, “think before you speak” is very applicable in broadcasting. But “be prepared” is probably the most key piece of advice I was given on my first work placement. I’ve seen it many times when people aren’t prepared. The only person who suffers in front of a camera or behind a microphone is you.

What was the last thing that made you angry?
Animal abuse and negligence infuriates me and I see it daily on the internet. This lack of humanity deserves much tougher sentencing and it enrages me.

What was the last country you visited that make you think, “I could live here”?
More a city really. I went to Melbourne last November for the Melbourne Cup Carnival and I fell in love with the place.

The last sporting occasion you wished you’d seen?
Leicester City being crowned Premier League champions. I’m not a Leicester fan, but this season has been the ultimate sporting fairy tale for them and amazing to watch.