It’s forty years to the day since the Olympics that nearly never were, writes James Toney.
And for a British Olympic Association official at the heart of one of sport’s most gripping off-field dramas, it still feels like yesterday.
Dick Palmer headed the British team at ten Olympics but the 86-year old’s memories of Moscow 1980 perhaps burn brighter than any other.
Five legends of British sport left those Games with gold medals – Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, Daley Thompson, Duncan Goodhew and Allan Wells.
But if it had not been for the steely resolve of an unassuming one-time PE teacher from Pembroke Dock, they’d never have got on the plane.
More words & Images – https://www.teamgb.com/news/moscow-40-years-on-remembering-the-olympics-that-nearly-never-were
A host of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s best sprinters have become the latest athletes to confirm their participation for the Müller British Athletics Championships in Manchester from September 4-5.
World champion as part of the history-making British men’s 4x100m relay team in 2017 and Diamond League champion from the same year, CJ Ujah (coach: Ryan Freckleton; club: Enfield & Haringey) has confirmed his bid for further national success having first medalled at the Championships in 2014.
Ashleigh Nelson (Michael Afilaka; City of Stoke) and Imani-Lara Lansiquot (Steve Fudge; Sutton & District), who both contributed to the British women’s 4x100m relay silver at the World Championships in Doha last year, will join Ujah in racing in Manchester seven weeks from today.
Ojie Edoburun (Fudge; Shaftesbury Barnet) is the latest reigning British champion to confirm his entry after claiming a memorable 100m crown in Birmingham in 2019, joining Holly Bradshaw, Abigail Irozuru, Jodie Williams, Laviai Nielsen, Eilish McColgan and Naomi Ogbeta, who were confirmed last week, in bidding for a title repeat.
Jessie Knight (Marina Armstrong; Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow), who enjoyed a fine February this year with victory over 400m at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Glasgow and the Müller British Indoor Athletics Championships, completes the latest confirmed entries for Manchester.
Cherry Alexander, Major Events Director at British Athletics, said: “It is great to announce another list of high-profile and successful athletes for the Müller British Athletics Championships. With invites officially going out, we are excited to be able to add even more of our best British athletes for Manchester. The Championships are fast approaching and we are continuing to work hard behind the scenes so that we can put on a truly world-class event for everyone competing.”
With the championships being broadcast live on Friday night on BBC2, 1830-2100 and Saturday, afternoon on BBC1, 1315-1630, Britain’s best athletes will be lining up to provide athletics fans with their fix of the country’s favourite Olympic and Paralympic sport.
The format and shape of the competition and guidelines that will be adhered to for competitors and those helping to stage the Championships will be subject to the government guidelines in place and will be communicated in due course.
The Müller British Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on Friday night on BBC2, 1830-2100 and Saturday, afternoon on BBC1, 1315-1630.
Courtesy of British Athletics
International Olympic Committee news
The portal has been created to help further sport’s sustainability goals, by providing a free tool where sustainability resources from the entire sports community can be grouped together on one dedicated platform.
“Today, we can see a growing momentum across the sports community to help the world build a more sustainable future,” said IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell. “With sustainability being one of the three pillars of Olympic Agenda 2020, the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, our aim is to support sports organisations big and small in their sustainability journey. This platform will form an important part of these efforts. We look forward to our continued cooperation with GAISF to ensure that sport is an impactful player in today’s global sustainability efforts.”
The content, which will be regularly updated, ranges from sustainability initiatives from International Sports Federations (IFs) to resources from outside the sports ecosystem, such as guidelines and reports. In addition, a wide range of best practice case studies from sports governing bodies including the IOC also form part of the portal’s content, with more to be added in the future.
The portal also features a calendar section that includes relevant sustainability events and milestones.
GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said: “Sustainability is at the heart of sport, and will be more important than ever in the post-COVID-19 environment. The creation of this sustainability portal marks an important milestone in our united journey to continue to positively impact society in this area.
“As stewards of our planet’s wellbeing, with so many sports being played in a natural environment, we are particularly conscious of the need to prioritise a sustainable future.
“As the united voice of sports, we felt it was only right that GAISF created a service to help support our members in their incredible efforts to promote sustainability issues. It is our hope that this platform will not only serve the global sports community, but also prove to be an invaluable tool for the wider community.”
London Lions announce the two-time BBL MVP, Justin
Robinson has signed for a further two years as the Lions embark on a European challenge.
Robinson was leading his team on the way to defending their League Championship and an unprecedented three MVP’s in a row when the season was cut short by the pandemic in March.
Voted League MVP by the BBL Coaches in 2018 and 2019, the former Brixton Topcat, a prodigy of the late, great Jimmy Rogers, attended Blair Academy after which he clocked a stellar American college career at Rider University averaging 15.3 points and 3.8 assists per game in his senior year as captain.
After an impressive six-year basketball career across Europe, which included playing for GB at Eurobasket 2013, London Lions Head Coach Vince Macaulay persuaded the London born point guard to return home and play for his team. Robinson averaged just short of 17 points and 5 assists a game whilst leading the Lions charge.
Robinson says “I feel really excited to be back at the Lions for my fourth year. This year is even more exciting with the team playing in Europe, It’s a massive opportunity to showcase the BBL and British talent. With the team assembled, I think we have a great chance of making noise. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be home with the Lions once again”.
Coach Vince Macaulay added “As Justin enters his fourth season with us, I can only really speak of his commitment to the game in this country, his desire for young Brits to see an opportunity at home and then his ability to be successful, whilst doing the right things. He is a true professional and the culture at the club is largely down to him and his work ethic. Having him in the side as we embark on this next historic step by the Club means we all know, we will be fine”.
Fans will get to see the team for the first time on the 15th of September, opponents, yet to be decided as the Basketball Champions League draw takes place this Wednesday the 15th of July, live at 10am on our facebook page.
Tickets and details of television coverage will come out nearer the date as we follow Government guidelines on indoor sports.
Today (13 July) Sir Jackie Stewart’s Race Against Dementia charity, in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, has announced a second call for pioneering dementia research projects worth £1m. Early career researchers are now being invited to apply for the prestigious Race Against Dementia Research Fellowship.
Designed to power outstanding early career scientists in their pursuit of innovative solutions to the big questions in dementia research, the second round of the successful scheme will give researchers unique access to development opportunities, including a mentorship from figures in the world of Formula One racing.
Almost one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and over half of us know someone affected by the condition. Three-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sir Jackie, founded Race Against Dementia after his wife of 57 years, Lady Helen Stewart, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia – a rarer form of the condition.
People with dementia experience symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, personality changes and gradually lose the ability to manage daily life. Sadly, it has also become clear that people with dementia are more at risk of experiencing severe effects of COVID-19.
Sir Jackie’s charity applies the principles and expertise that have spurred incredible innovation in the fast-paced world of Formula 1. In 2018, Sir Jackie partnered with the UK’s leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, to identify early-career scientists with the most transformational research ideas.
Three projects were funded and now, Race Against Dementia is back, investing £1m in further projects.
Sir Jackie Stewart, founder of Race Against Dementia said:
“Living with my wife, Helen, during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a blessing in disguise as we have spent some together away from the busyness of life. But it has also been hard seeing how she has been affected by her condition. Dementia strips so much away – there was a time when Helen was razor sharp, and I know first-hand just how heart-breaking dementia is for so many.
“It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the toll on people with living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic is profound. Dementia was already one of the great medical challenges we have to overcome, and with the virus exacerbating an already dire situation, the need for breakthroughs has never been greater”.
Sir Jackie added:
“Supporting early career dementia scientists is vital to energise the dementia research field. Race Against Dementia has already funded three projects with Alzheimer’s Research UK, and a further project with The Mayo Clinic. They are all progressing marvellously, but we are not done yet, which is why we are putting even more money into this and calling for more researchers to come to us with ideas.”
Dr Cara Croft, from University College London who is one of the three Race Against Dementia Fellows:
“I am less than a year into my five-year research project and I have already seen the advantages of having the backing of Sir Jackie and Race Against Dementia. Dementia research is severely underfunded and my Race Against Dementia Fellowship gives me the opportunity to really investigate dementia risk in tremendous detail.”
The Race Against Dementia Fellowships will harness the ambition and innovation of a new generation of scientists and provide them with funding, support, and inspiration to radically accelerate dementia research. The call for researchers is open and potential applicants should visit alzres.uk/RAD-fellowships
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“Dementia research has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and funding for research like this would not be possible without the support of Sir Jackie Stewart and Race Against Dementia. Partnerships like this are critical to boost progress and, now more than ever, dementia research needs our backing. You can help our scientists regain momentum at alzres.uk/make-donation or by calling call 0300 111 5555.”
Penny Moyle, CEO of Race Against Dementia said:
“We’re delighted to partner with Alzheimer’s Research UK to fund another round of fellowships. Race Against Dementia want to fund the very best science, to accelerate progress and translate learnings from the world of Formula One into dementia research. With current progress from our researchers looking positive we are confident this fellowship scheme allows this to happen.”
Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today revealed EA SPORTS™ UFC® 4 featuring UFC® middleweight champion Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya and UFC welterweight contender Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal as the game’s official cover athlete duo. The next game in the popular UFC franchise brings a new experience that puts the player and their created fighter at the center of the action. Featuring an all-new unified progression system, overhauled takedown and ground mechanics, more fluid clinch-to-strike combinations and the chance to experience the origins of combat sports in all-new environments, UFC 4 delivers the most polished mixed martial arts experience to date. Players who pre-order* the game can play out one of the most anticipated fights in combat sports history with world heavyweight boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury on day one.
“EA SPORTS UFC 4 is the best fighting game ever made,” UFC President Dana White said. “Fans can play in the top arenas, as well as in Backyard and Kumite environments. This game allows you to play with the top athletes in UFC history*, plus legends like Bruce Lee and boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. It’s crazy how good this game is.”
“I am the face of the new wave of UFC fighters, so it feels right to represent the sport on this new generation UFC game,” said UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. “I look forward to my fans playing as me as much as I have enjoyed playing as myself.”
In EA SPORTS UFC 4, the fighter is shaped by their fight style, achievements and personality. Players can develop and customize characters through a unified progression system across all modes to go from unknown amateur to UFC superstar in the new Career Mode. New to UFC 4, players can also experience four all-new environments, including The Kumite, The Backyard, UFC APEX and Action Avenue, or challenge the world in new Blitz Battles or Online World Championships to become the undisputed champ. Performance details like weight class and one of five MMA disciplines, including Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing and more, define how players fight, while over 1,600 new pieces of earnable gear, over 120 emotes and more allow players to put their personality on display while doing it.
“UFC 4 is the most authentic MMA game ever,” said Brian Hayes, Creative Director, EA SPORTS UFC. “We’ve created a visceral fighting experience that allows players to create their own UFC legacy with Create a Fighter, explore the origins of MMA through our new fighting grounds and be in full control of every strike and takedown with our overhauled core gameplay mechanics.”
“MMA is more than about the belt. It’s about who you are as a person and the determination that drives a fighter to go from unknown to selling out arenas all over the world,” said UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal. “I grew up backyard fighting so it’s exciting for me to see that style of fighting come to UFC 4 where players can bring out their Gamebred mentality.”
In gameplay, fluid clinch-to-strike combinations offer more responsive and authentic stand-up gameplay experiences, while overhauled takedown and ground mechanics deliver more control in those key phases of the fight. No matter how or where players play, EA SPORTS UFC 4 puts them at the center of every fight. Fluid clinch control brings RPM into the art of the ‘clinch’, adding a key element of strategy to the striking system. RPM Tech drives a takedown overhaul, with a slew of new takedown animations, driven by player control and fighter attributes. A new submission system was built to offer a simplified player experience, with more ways to transition into submission attempts, accelerate a finish, or deploy high-impact slams to escape them.
Additionally, an overhaul to Career Mode introduces a brand-new way to develop fighter backstories and offers an in-depth evolution process for the duration of the fighter’s career. The new fighter evolution feature lets players dictate a fighter’s skillset, as every punch thrown, or every takedown executed builds fighters up in that specific discipline. Relationship Building brings the impact of partnerships and rivalries into UFC 4, learning from both friend and foe to gain experience and learn vital skills. Players can pick their path, which allows them to choose the fights, weight class and rivalries they want, ensuring no two careers are alike.
EA SPORTS UFC 4 is available worldwide on Friday, August 14 on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. Players who pre-order* the game now will get boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, along with a Backyard Customization Pack and Kumite Customization Pack containing cosmetic items. Additional benefits± are available for players who purchase UFC 4 through an in-game tile in UFC 3 or UFC 2, including10% off UFC 4, martial arts legend Bruce Lee and 500 UFC points.
Several Great Britain and Northern Ireland stars have confirmed their participation at the Müller British Athletics Championships which will take place on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September.
Among those athletes who have committed to the Championships to date are eight finalists from the 2019 World Athletics Championships and six reigning British outdoor champions.
European indoor silver medallist and seven-time British outdoor champion Holly Bradshaw (coach: Scott Simpson; club: Blackburn) will make a return to action in the women’s pole vault. World finalist and reigning British champion Abigail Irozuru (self-coached; Sale Harriers Manchester) will take on 2016 European silver medallist Jazmin Sawyers (Lance Brauman; City of Stoke) in the women’s long jump.
Jodie Williams (Stuart McMillan; Herts Phoenix) claimed the 200m title in 2019 and is among the entries for the Championships, while Laviai Nielsen (Christine Bowmaker; Enfield & Haringey) claimed her first British title over 400m last August and will be seeking a defence of her title in September.
In the endurance events, after a seventh-place finish in the 20km race walk at the world championship last year, Tom Bosworth (Andi Drake; Tonbridge) will take on the 5000 metres race walk.
World 5000m finalists Eilish McColgan (Liz Nuttall; Dundee Hawkhill) and Laura Weightman (Steve Cram; Morpeth) will also be in action. The Scottish athlete is a three-time British gold medallist outdoors, while the Morpeth athlete is a four-time national champion over 1500m, and she also sealed bronze over the 5000m distance last year.
Jake Wightman (Geoff Wightman; Edinburgh) – fifth in the men’s 1500m at the 2019 World Athletics Championships – is ready for a tilt at his first outdoor British title following two silvers and a bronze medal since 2016.
Other athletes confirmed are Trafford’s Naomi Ogbeta (Tom Cullen) who will make the short journey to the Manchester Regional Arena for the women’s triple jump, while European indoor pentathlon silver medallist Niamh Emerson (David Feeney; Amber Valley & Erewash) and last year’s 400m hurdles bronze medallist Chris McAlister (Marina Armstrong; Thames Valley) also join the entry list.
Cherry Alexander, Major Events Director at British Athletics, added:
“At last, I am delighted to commence the announcements of athletes who will be competing at the Müller British Athletics Championships in September at the Manchester Regional Arena. There has been a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to make the organisation and delivery of this event possible. We are delighted to be welcoming our world class athletes back to competition in Manchester.
“These are unprecedented times so the Championships will have a different feel to them this year, but we will do everything possible to make this a special event for the athletes and coaches, and the fans watching on the BBC.”
With the championships being broadcast live on Friday night on BBC2, 1830-2100 and Saturday, afternoon on BBC1, 1315-1630, Britain’s best athletes will be lining up to provide athletics fans with their fix of the country’s favourite Olympic and Paralympic sport.
The format and shape of the competition and guidelines that will be adhered to for competitors and those helping to stage the championship will be subject to the government guidelines in place and will be communicated in due course.
The Müller British Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on Friday night on BBC2, 1830-2100 and Saturday, afternoon on BBC1, 1315-1630.
Rowing cronies Melissa Wilson and Holly Hill have barely left each other’s side for the last seven years so spending lockdown apart was never an option.
The pair met at Cambridge University Boat Club in 2014, won the Boat Race together in 2017 and both made their senior World Championship bows in 2018.
They ended 2019 at the World Championships in different boats – Wilson in the quad sculls, Hill in the four – but remained inseparable in every other way.
Wilson’s parents live in Guernsey and Edinburgh so she has been staying at Hill’s family home in Gloucestershire for three months, training together under the trellis in the garden.
When trying to recall their last argument, Wilson draws a blank. Surely there’s something they disagree on?
“The main difference is that Holly was the captain of nearly every single sports team at her school, whereas I would write my own sick notes to get off P.E!” said the 27-year-old.
Full story courtesy of https://www.teamgb.com/news/wilson-navigating-choppy-waters-with-close-friend-hill
Castore are delighted to announce a new kit and retail partnership with Cricket West Indies.
West Indies are one of the most successful teams in the history of international cricket; the Windies teams from the 1970s and 1980s are widely recognised as the best to have ever graced Test cricket and the famous maroon jersey stirs more emotion than any other jersey in the sport.
Castore are incredibly proud to have been chosen as the new kit partner for the men’s, women’s and junior squads and will bring our expertise in developing performance enhancing garments to support the next chapter of success for this historic team.
The character, style and talent of West Indies players across the generations is deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of cricket fans across the globe. Cricket is in the DNA of the West Indies and the passion for the sport in unmatched anywhere else in the world.
History Inspiring The Future
So many legends of cricket have worn the West Indies colours over the years – from the destructive power of Sir Viv Richards; the unparalleled grace and talent of Brian Lara; the relentlessly aggressive and domineering presence of Courtney Walsh; and the natural swagger and showmanship of Chris Gayle. The current generation of stars are desperate to add their own names into this pantheon and Castore could not be more excited to be part of the journey.
A deep will to win is the defining character of West Indian cricket. The pantheon of great Windies players is long and includes names that have illuminated cricket far beyond their own shores. Cricket lovers of every generation will not only remember these players but have emotional experiences of their sublime skill, bravery, aggression and passion for the sport. These players have collectively instilled in the West Indies a culture that remains to this day. Castore are honoured to be part of a new generation for this great team.
Performance Enhancing Products
The exclusive new West Indies x Castore playing kit is made from a unique performance fabric that is lightweight, sweat wicking and featuring 5-way flex capability. Created specifically for use by elite athletes, this Castore Rapide fabric is suitable for high intensity activities in the most humid conditions; perfect for the West Indies as they challenge the best teams in world cricket from Australia, India and Sri Lanka.
Combining the phenomenal history and ambition of the West Indies with the technical capabilities and commitment to excellent of Castore will create a new partnership unlike any other in world cricket.
The collection will be launched on 8th July. Available exclusively at www.castore.com
Key product features
– Made from the Castore Rapide fabric with unparalleled performance credentials. Lightweight, breathable and with 5-way-flex capability, superior to any other football fabric in the world right now.
– Strategically located mesh panelling to enhance ventilation.
– Creative maroon and yellow patterned design adds a modern twist to the traditional West Indies design.
– Training kit features exclusive new pink and navy colourway.
– West Indies and Castore brand insignias printed inside back neck label.
– The 2020/2021 West Indies x Castore collection is made using a sonic welded construction technique to minimise seams and chafing