Alexis James is a freelance writer, journalist, and podcaster. His work centres around human stories from the fringes of sport and society. He specialises in…

Finding those at the periphery and thrusting them into the foreground. He’s profiled the enigmatic Washington Generals, the jeweller who designs the Super Bowl winners’ rings, and the athletics starter who disqualified Usain Bolt.

Unearthing unfamiliar tales from familiar places. He’s written about the urban innovation behind Medellin’s post-Escobar revival, the Jordanian divers cleaning the oceans, camel racing in the Middle East, and a little-known Portuguese flower festival.

Digging out untold chronicles from the history books. Including the secret history of Cuban contraband, the first ever ‘Champions League’ game in 1885, and the forgotten athletes who favoured fair play over fame.

Profiling the remarkable lives of the overlooked. There’s the doctor who spent the Covid pandemic in Antarctica, the footballer who helped to break racial barriers in apartheid South Africa, and the trailblazing female F1 mechanic.

Shining a rare spotlight on the integral men and women in the shadows. His book Unsung delves beyond the headlines and behind the athletes to introduce and celebrate sport’s unheralded heroes.

Introducing the people you don’t know, telling the stories you can’t miss. His self-produced podcast features full-production audio documentaries and exclusive interviews with sport’s hidden stars.