By Chris Nicholls

SYDNEY: A man commentating on toad races on Magnetic Island has won himself a trip to the Beijing Olympics, after taking out the Panasonic, Yahoo!7 ‘The fanatic’ competition.

Wayde Chiesa of Townsville won the first prize of a trip to the Games to act as a ‘roving reporter’ for Yahoo!7 for his efforts, and will file daily stories, interview fans and give his ‘top Olympic moments’ throughout the approximately two weeks of competition.

Panasonic said Chisea’s ability to relay the “excitement and tension of the toad race; including interviews with the winning toad owner and the ‘toadmaster’ of the toad racing community” won him the job.

“It is such an amazing opportunity to actually be ‘The Fanatic’. I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and excitement of the Olympic Games in Beijing,” he said.

Brad Smith from Whyalla Norrie was runner-up for his trackside entry ‘Cycling Sprint’.

Wayde and Brad each receive a Panasonic HD plasma TV, valued at over $5,000 for their entries.

Launched in April, The Fanatic competition received more than 500 entries from would-be sports commentators fighting to be Australia’s biggest sporting fanatic and report from the 2008 Olympic Games.

The judging panel included Channel 7 sport reporters Matt White and Johanna Griggs.