Richard Van Poortvliet

Richard Van Poortvliet is a sports presenter and correspondent at RT.

He recently followed Russia in the build-up to Euro 2008 and was with the team during the championships in Austria and Switzerland. Richard also covered the Beijing Olympics which he cites as the highlight of his career thus far.

He especially enjoyed being in the Bird's Nest stadium, where he was lucky enough to see Usain Bolt and Gulnara Galkina-Samitova break world records.

But there’s another part of the job that Richard also particularity enjoys.

“I get a lot of fulfilment out of being able to interview childhood heroes such as Gerorgi Hagi and Jaromir Jagr,” he says.

Richard graduated from University College of London with a degree in Russian Studies. His first forays into journalism were whilst still at school, working weekends for a local radio station as a sports reporter in Norwich.

He now speaks fluent Russian and has lived in Moscow for over 4 years.

When he is not working, Richard enjoys spending time with his son Nikita and his partner Maria. His other interests include cooking, travel and looking after his “ever-growing collection” of cats.