Koko Ibaraki, pole dancing warrior

Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends

17 May 2022

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She’s regarded as one of the sport’s best, competing around the world – but Koko Ibaraki didn’t enter her first pole dancing competition until she was almost 40.

When Ryoko (Koko) Ibaraki discovered pole dancing on a night out, her life changed forever. The Auckland software developer now competes around the world and is regarded as one of the sport’s best – an achievement made even more remarkable by the fact she didn’t enter her first competition until she was almost 40. | Watch more Scratched episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-xxT3W4uRNauc6GMRUs_XTGwu543Hnb2

🎞 Season three of Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends celebrates five more New Zealand athletes whose incredible feats have been forgotten or gone unappreciated. Featuring Marise Chamberlain, Sheree Taylor, Ryoko (Koko) Ibaraki, Ali Afakasi and Erin Baker.

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Episodes

Finding Heath Davis

Finding Heath Davis

Heath Davis was a cult hero of New Zealand cricket in the 1990s thanks to his unpredictable performances and larger-than-life personality. Off the field, however, it was a different story – one that hasn’t been told until now.

Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends02 Aug 2022

Erin Baker’s wild ride to world champion

Erin Baker’s wild ride to world champion

When triathlete Erin Baker couldn’t remove a punctured bike tyre during a race, she pulled it off with her teeth. This is the story of a world champion who was prepared to do whatever it took to succeed.

Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends17 May 2022

Sheree Taylor’s woodchopping power

Sheree Taylor’s woodchopping power

She paved the way for NZ women to compete in the male-dominated sport of woodchopping, winning countless titles along the way. But of all her wins, there’s one that stands out as especially meaningful.

Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends17 May 2022

Koko Ibaraki, pole dancing warrior

Koko Ibaraki, pole dancing warrior

She’s regarded as one of the sport’s best, competing around the world – but Koko Ibaraki didn’t enter her first pole dancing competition until she was almost 40.

Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends17 May 2022

Ali Afakasi’s boxing knockout

Ali Afakasi’s boxing knockout

He came from Samoa to New Zealand in 1968 with dreams of being a world champion boxer. After the 1970 Commonwealth Games, a successful professional career beckoned – until a cut above his eye changed everything.

Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends17 May 2022