Natalie Pirks Leaves BBC Sport

May 5, 2026, 13:39

Introduction

Natalie Pirks worked for BBC Sport for thirteen years. Now, she is leaving her job.

Main Body

Natalie worked in many countries. She went to four Olympic Games and four World Cups. She was very successful at her job. One day, her daughter drew a picture. The picture showed Natalie on her phone. Natalie was pregnant in the picture. Natalie felt sad because she worked too much. Now, Natalie wants to spend more time with her children. She wants a quiet life. Other sports reporters say this is a hard job for parents.

Conclusion

Natalie will leave the BBC in two weeks. She wants a better life for her family.

Learning

🕒 Talking about the Past vs. Now

Look at how the words change when Natalie talks about her old job versus her new wish:

Then (Past) $\rightarrow$ Now (Present)

worked (she did this for 13 years) $\rightarrow$ wants (she feels this now)
went (she visited the Olympics) $\rightarrow$ is (this is her current state)
felt (she was sad) $\rightarrow$ will leave (this is her future plan)

💡 Simple Pattern: The '-ed' ending When we see -ed at the end of a word, it usually means the action is finished.

Work $\rightarrow$ Worked

⚠️ The 'Rule Breakers' Some words change completely. You just have to remember them:

Go $\rightarrow$ Went
Feel $\rightarrow$ Felt

Vocabulary Learning

work (v.)

to do a job or task

Example:She worked for BBC Sport for thirteen years.

job (n.)

a paid position of employment

Example:She has a job at BBC Sport.

country (n.)

a nation with its own government

Example:Natalie worked in many countries.

time (n.)

a period during which events happen

Example:She wants to spend more time with her children.

family (n.)

a group of people related by blood or marriage

Example:She wants a better life for her family.

child (n.)

a young person who is not yet an adult

Example:Her daughter drew a picture.

picture (n.)

an image created by drawing, painting, or photographing

Example:The picture showed Natalie on her phone.

phone (n.)

a small electronic device used for voice or text communication

Example:She used her phone to take the picture.

pregnant (adj.)

expecting a baby inside the womb

Example:She was pregnant when she saw the picture.

sad (adj.)

feeling unhappy or sorrowful

Example:She felt sad when she saw the picture.