Author

Hugh

Get Fishing Fund opens today!

written by Hugh

After a successful launch in 2019, the Angling Trust in partnership with the Environment Agency, is pleased to announce a new Get Fishing Fund for 2022

An additional £100,000 of fishing licence income has been made available as part of a new Get Fishing Fund which opens for applications on Monday 17th January.Angling clubs, fisheries and other organisations can apply for up to £2,500.Funding is for fishing tackle, equipment or other items to help run events and activities that create more opportunities for people to get into fishing.

The type of items that can and cannot be funded are listed on the Get Fishing Fund page at www.anglingtrust.net/funding/get-fishing-fund.Applications are judged on a weekly basis, therefore funds may be allocated before the deadline of Friday 17th March.Last year, the Get Fishing Fund was incredibly popular. Do not delay in applying!How to apply, guidance on submitting an application and more info can be found here.

APPLY FOR FUNDING

17th January 2022 0 comment

Snow Sports

Staudinger selected for Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games

written by Hugh

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has today announced Rupert Staudinger as Team GB’s sole luge representative for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

The 24-year-old has been selected for his second Games, after finishing 33rd at PyeongChang 2018 where he made his Olympic debut.

Staudinger who achieved his best World Cup result in 2020, placing 17^th, hopes to record a top 20 performance in Beijing, improving on his test event result of 31^st from last year.

His selection brings Team GB’s total number of selected athletes for Beijing 2022 to 18 from five sports following the announcements of 10 curlers, three figure skaters, three short track speed skaters and one long track speed skater.

Staudinger will be in action on the first day of the Games, with the first two runs of the men’s singles event set for Saturday 5 February. The medals will be decided the following day with runs three and four.

Staudinger competed in PyeongChang alongside AJ Rosen, who sadly passed away earlier this year with cancer. The thoughts of everyone at Team GB remains with the British luge fraternity, especially as we go into the Olympic Winter Games.

Rupert Staudinger said: “I’m really proud to be able to represent Team GB again. I have wonderful memories from PyeongChang, especially taking part with AJ, which are still crystal clear in my mind. I’ll be giving it my best shot and I’m raring and ready to go. The season has been challenging but the Olympic track suits me well and I’m ready to perform my best.”

Georgie Harland, Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Beijing 2022 said: “It is great to welcome Rupert back to Team GB for Beijing 2022. I look forward to watching him in action on the opening day of competition at the National Sliding Centre in Yanqing.

“It will be a poignant moment for Rupert having competed with AJ (Rosen) in PyeongChang, who sadly passed away recently. I know that Rupert learnt a lot from AJ and I am sure he will carry his memory with him as he takes to the track in Beijing.

Gavin Arnold, Team Leader for luge at Beijing 2022 said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rupert has been selected for his second Olympic Games, it’s a fantastic achievement for any athlete and the culmination of four years of hard work and sacrifice.

“Rupert has gone from strength to strength over the Beijing Olympic cycle and had a promising performance at the test event in November. The track in Yanqing really plays to his strengths and I am excited to see what performance he can produce at the Games.”

14th January 2022 0 comment

Hockey

EIGHT NEW PLAYERS ADDED TO GB WOMEN’S SQUAD FOR PARIS 2024 CYCLE

written by Hugh

As the men’s and women’s squads return to training for the start of the Paris 2024 cycle, Great Britain Hockey is delighted to announce that eight new players have been selected for the women’s programme.

They include several athletes who have already featured for Great Britain, including Holly Hunt – who has made two appearances – and Sophie Hamilton, who played four matches during the 2020/21 FIH Hockey Pro League.

Both players have also represented England at junior level, as has Alex Malzer who has been selected having featured twice for GB during 2019. Scottish international Jen Eadie – boasting 70 international appearances to her name already – has also been added to the programme alongside goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard, who has played twice for England.

They will be joined by Sophie’s twin sister Olivia Hamilton, Darcy Bourne and Lily Walker, all of whom have been part of the England U21 and Great Britain Elite Development Programme (EDP) set-ups over recent years.

The players have been selected after impressing during the Talent Confirmation period – involving camps at Bisham, World Cup qualification tournaments and junior international activity – that has been taking place over the last few months and officially joined the programme as full-time athletes on Monday 10 January.

The Talent Confirmation process is still ongoing, with athletes being given further opportunities to stake their claim for a place in the men’s or women’s programmes across the next few weeks before the final squads are determined.

Women’s head coach David Ralph said: “We are delighted and excited to welcome the new players to the GB squad this week. Each of the players has had their own journey, overcoming different challenges to reach this point, and it has been really pleasing and exciting to watch their development and performances over the last six months in particular.

“Jen, Holly and Miriam’s performances in the GB EDP programme and the recent Talent Confirmation camps were really impressive, and I know that all three of them have been working towards this opportunity for a number of years now, so I am delighted that they now have an opportunity to join the squad.

“Darcy, Lily, Alex, Sophie and Liv all really excelled through the recent England U21 programme and I hope that this opportunity makes up for their disappointment in the postponement for the recent Junior World Cup in December.

“It was great to welcome them to the squad on Monday and see them in action with everyone on the pitch. The freshness and excitement that new players bring to the squad is very important and I have no doubt that they will help improve the standard and quality of our training environment. A massive congratulations to all of them and, while we hope that this is just the start of another exciting chapter in their careers, I think all of them deserve recognition for achieving selection to the squad.”

Ed Barney, Great Britain Hockey’s Performance Director, added: “Having had the squads together for the first time since Tokyo, there has been a palpable sense of excitement – definitely a first day back at school feel!

“Whilst there will be the inevitable bumps and challenges along the road, we feel incredibly well placed with an enviable group of exceptionally talented players in the men’s and women’s senior international squads. The quality that these young women will bring will only further the women’s group and what they can achieve over the summer – both on and off the pitch – that is clear to see already.

“With the men’s talent confirmation group having been narrowed, the opportunities over the coming weeks will ensure that we make the most informed decision possible. I know Zak Jones and the staff team are excited to make some final decisions on the men’s side.”

Images – Darcy Bourne, Jen Eadie, Olivia Hamilton, Sophie Hamilton – Upper

Holly Hunt, Alex Malzer, Miriam Pritchard, Lily Walker – Lower

13th January 2022 0 comment

Taekwondo

Olympic Medallist Sarah Stevenson MBE launches fitness challenge

written by Hugh

Sarah Stevenson MBE, Great Britain’s first Taekwondo Olympic medallist is launching a new fitness challenge, giving sign-ups access to live and on-demand workouts with Sarah herself.

Six Weeks With Sarah, which begins on January 17^th and is now open for sign-ups, offers individuals a rare chance to train with an Olympic medal-winning athlete. Those who sign up will have access to three live sessions a week, over 120 on-demand workouts for all ability levels, weekly check-ins and accountability with Sarah as well as a personalised daily calorie target and a Six Weeks With Sarah Recipe Book. Those joining the challenge will be able to ask Sarah for tips, advice, and motivation at any point during the six weeks.

The six-week-long challenge costs £10 a week and individuals can now sign up here.

Since she retired from competitive Taekwondo in 2013, Sarah has been focused on coaching and training others, and by using what she’s learnt, she has tried to create a programme that aims to give her clients the personal trainer experience from the comfort of their own home. Sarah’s challenge aims to set each individual on the right path to a healthier, happier lifestyle through her five rings of success: goal setting, fitness, nutrition, accountability and resilience.

Sarah commented:

“Listen, we all know this is the time of year when a lot of us are feeling like we’ve definitely overdone it, myself included! So that’s why I want to help people shake off those January Blues and spend six weeks getting their minds and body right so they are ready to smash the year ahead! Start as you mean to go on!

I’m not going to go on about the last couple of years, but, we’ve all had a lot to focus on and sometimes, our own mental and physical health has become less of a priority, and understandably so. But 2022 is the year of YOU! Time to focus on yourself and become a healthier and happier person and I want to help in any way I can, which is why I am launching Six Weeks With Sarah. I’ll be with you every step of the way, whether it’s to spur you on or give you a kick up the arse, whatever you need to reach your goals, I’ll be there to help.

We all need to spend more time focusing on ourselves and making sure we’re okay, so, make sure you’re well-rested, well-fed and well knackered from whatever exercise you can squeeze in. Stop worrying about everyone else and start doing right by yourself!”

11th January 2022 0 comment

Snow Sports

DOUBLE DELIGHT IN KRASNOYARSK FOR SNOWBOARDER BANKES

written by Hugh

Charlotte Bankes continued her fine form heading into Beijing 2022 with her second snowboard cross World Cup victory in as many days in Krasnoyarsk.

The 2021 world champion added to her victory on Saturday with a repeat of the same podium, holding out France’s Chloe Trespeuch and Lindsey Jacobellis of the USA.

Bankes’ win strengthened her position at the top of the World Cup rankings, maintaining a calm reign while it was all change below her.

Full story – https://www.teamgb.com/article/double-delight-in-krasnoyarsk-for-snowboarder-bankes/70oHaljAzysiOHz5NDPMQR

10th January 2022 0 comment

Hockey

Danny Kerry to step down as coach of the Great Britain and England men’s hockey programme

written by Hugh

After an unprecedented 17 years on the international stage, Danny Kerry – the most successful coach in the history of hockey in Great Britain – has today announced his decision to step down from his role as head coach of the men’s programme.

Having been part of the England and Great Britain international setup since 2005, Danny has decided that the time is now right for him to step away, in the best interests of both the men’s programme and himself. While extremely saddened to see him go, England and Great Britain Hockey respect his decision and recognise his immense contribution.

Danny’s achievements make him the most successful hockey coach in British history. As coach of the women’s teams for more than a decade across two spells, he helped them achieve a first ever Olympic gold at Rio 2016, having also taken bronze in London four years earlier.

In addition, Danny led England’s women to 2015 EuroHockey Championship gold in London among a host of other World, European and Commonwealth medals. Having also spent a period as Performance Director, in 2017 Danny was rightly awarded an MBE for services to hockey. His incredible commitment to the cause can be exemplified by the manner in which he came back from a heart attack that year to once again lead the women’s programme.

Having been head coach of the men’s teams since September 2018, he leaves a talented group of players on an upwards trajectory, after finishing fifth at the Tokyo Olympics and climbing to sixth in the FIH world rankings. The squad are well-placed as they look towards the FIH Hockey Pro League, Commonwealth Games, World Cup and Paris 2024. He leaves both England and Great Britain teams well-positioned to excel in the future, having supported a significant number of young players during his tenure.

Danny said: “Although this is not a decision I intended to take looking to this Olympic cycle, it is the right one for both the team and myself. There is no doubting the talent that lies within the individuals of the men’s squad, and the good news is that there is a young crop also set to emerge and fill positions within the side. The capacity to win big is there and I truly wish them well for the future. I am deeply saddened I won’t be part of that future, but such is life.

“I have given everything over the last 17 years, perhaps at times too much, but I would not swap the life experiences I have had for anything. I have had the privilege of working alongside and with truly brilliant people, at some of the most amazing moments in the history of our sport. The breakthrough medals at the Rosario World Cup in 2010 and at the London Olympic Games in 2012 are perhaps the moments that come to mind first, along with the breakthrough gold at a home European Championships. These moments were when athletes and staff took the necessary leaps of faith required to truly win big. Those trailblazers did the hardest of incredibly hard yards upon which Olympic Gold in 2016 was won and on which the current performance programme is based. I believe the level, sophistication, and nature of support the current generation receive is, in a myriad of facets, world-leading. To those trailblazers and all those who have subsequently taken up the baton with the same vigour, I have the utmost respect. It has been a privilege to serve as coach.”

Great Britain Hockey’s Performance Director Ed Barney commented: “First and foremost I want to place on record the sincerest of personal and professional thanks to Danny. The effort, commitment, choices, sacrifices and passion that he has given to England and Great Britain Hockey is second to none. He has the most phenomenal super-strengths from which players, teams, staff and the sport itself have reaped huge rewards.

“Danny’s contribution to hockey cannot be understated: so much of the success over the past 17 years – international medals, the professionalisation of our international programme, a step-change in the visibility of our sport – has been directly related to a very special man. He leaves a legacy in so many different ways from which there can be so much pride and hopefully contentment for him personally.

“It is only right to also thank Danny’s family who have played a huge role over the years – endless trips for him across many continents, often for long periods, where I’ve no doubt Lisa, Anna and Orla have missed their husband and dad.

“The Tokyo Olympic cycle was a testing period for many of us in performance sport. I know how much time and energy he has given to this decision and, following some more work with the squad, he feels the time is right to step away to new ventures. He has given so much to the sport and is rightly deserving of a well-earned breather. We wish him the very best and hope to continue to have a close connection together over the coming years.”

Great Britain Hockey President Sheila Morrow added: “It is no exaggeration to say that Danny has created some of the most magical moments our sport has seen in the modern era. Anyone who watched the Rio women’s final knows exactly where they were when that final shootout went in, and that match will never be forgotten. But Danny’s legacy is so much more than just medals; he is a truly pioneering coach with the ability to lead a group of players – both women and men – and leave behind a positive influence on so many people who worked with him. He steps away as an absolute giant of the game and I wish him and his family the very best for the future – you have earned everything that comes your way.”

David Ames, the vice-captain of England and Great Britain’s men, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Danny over the last three years. Guiding us to a fourth-place finish at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar after only a few months in charge proves why he’s regarded as one of the best in the world. His attention to detail, level of planning and tactical knowledge of the game demonstrates why he’s been able to sustain long term success over his coaching career with Great Britain Hockey. I wish him great success in his next journey and thank him for all his efforts and commitment to our men’s programme.”

Alex Danson-Bennett, former women’s captain and double Olympic medallist said: “Having been coached by Danny since 2005 when he joined the national team, I would like to personally thank him for all his years of dedication and service to our programmes. Our results tell the best story – from sixth at the Beijing Olympics to a bronze medal in London and then Olympic gold. Danny is one of if not the leading tacticians in the world and made hockey a sport that everyone talks about.

“He was integral in taking us to a professional level when we became full-time athletes in 2009, he gave us ownership over our programme and allowed us to foster an environment which ultimately led to our success. I would like to wish him every happiness in his next venture and thank him for his extraordinary contribution. I will always enormously value all he brought to us, the memories we all made, the moments we created and that feeling of team togetherness we will always share.”

England and Great Britain Hockey would like to again place on record its gratitude and respect to Danny for his immense contribution. Assistant coach Zak Jones will now lead the squads on an interim basis. The recruitment process for a permanent head coach will begin shortly.

7th January 2022 0 comment

TSF News

Team GB Olympians and personnel recognised in NY Honours List

written by Hugh

New

Team GB’s Olympic heroes have been recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours List after they lit up the summer of 2021 with a host of stellar performances in Tokyo.

They are joined by the CEO of the British Olympic Association, Andy Anson, after he led the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic and on to its success in Tokyo, as well as a number of sports’ performance staff.

Success across the sporting network was also recognised as ParalympicsGB’s incredible performance in Tokyo was celebrated with both British Paralympic Association Chair, Nick Webborn (CBE), and CEO, Mike Sharrock (OBE) among those to be recognised.

On the track in Tokyo, cycling’s golden couple, Jason and Laura Kenny, are both recognised for their services to cycling with a knighthood and damehood respectively, following their history-making performances in Tokyo.

Laura Kenny added to her four gold medals from London 2012 and Rio 2016 with an imperious performance alongside Katie Archibald to secure her first Olympic gold in the Madison.

An incredible opportunist break by Jason Kenny saw him defend his Keirin title in Tokyo and move ahead as Team GB’s most successful ever Olympian with seven gold medals and nine overall.

There are OBEs for four of Team GB’s greatest ever Olympians, as Tom Daley (services to diving, to LGBTQ+ rights and charity), Hannah Mills (services to sailing and the environment), Adam Peaty (services to swimming) and Max Whitlock (services to gymnastics) are all recognised.

Daley finally secured the gold medal he and the nation as a whole so desperately craved, as he and Matty Lee (MBE) topped the judge’s scoring charts in the 10m synchro.

Mills became the most successful female sailor in Olympic history as she and Eilidh McIntyre (MBE) won gold in the 470 class in Enoshima, whilst Peaty became the first British swimmer to successfully defend their title and once again won Team GB’s first gold in Tokyo as he did in Rio five years previously.

Team GB’s most decorated gymnast, Max Whitlock, pulled off a sensational routine as he started the men’s pommel final, laying down the gauntlet to which none of his rivals could come close.

Off the field of play, the BOA’s Anson is awarded an OBE for services to sport with specific reference for his key role in navigating the BOA through the aftermath of the first postponement of an Olympic Games since World War Two due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

His work at the BOA follows a number of high profile, key roles held in sport, including as Commercial Director at Manchester United and CEO at the Association of Tennis Professionals.

British Swimming Performance Director, Chris Spice, is awarded an OBE for his orchestration of Team GB’s best ever medal tally at a Games as they secured eight medals, including four golds, to dominate in the pool.

Stephen Park, Performance Director at British Cycling, oversaw yet another chapter of Olympic cycling success for Team GB with 12 medals (six gold) and is awarded a CBE. So too is Rob McCracken, GB Boxing Performance Director who masterminded Team GB’s greatest ever boxing showing with six medals, two of them gold.

Team GB’s BMX riders led the way amongst the cyclists and Beth Shriever and Charlotte Worthington are two of 27 athletes to be recognised with an MBE following their gold medal winning exploits. Tom Pidcock won gold in cross country mountain biking and Matt Walls in the Omnium and both are awarded for services to cycling.

There are MBEs for Team GB’s record-breaking swimmers as Tom Dean is recognised for his individual success in the 200m freestyle and also for his part played in men’s 4x200m freestyle alongside James Guy, Calum Jarvis, Matt Richards and Duncan Scott. Guy enjoyed further success with Freya Anderson, Kathleen Dawson, Anna Hopkin (and Peaty) and are all recognised for their part played in the Mixed 4x100m.

Lauren Price and Galal Yafai spearheaded Team GB boxing’s most successful medal return at a Games with six medals. Price was undoubtedly a firm favourite coming into the Games and she didn’t disappoint, whilst Yafai lit up the flyweight competition finishing with a classy performance against Filipino boxer, Carlo Paalam.

Jonny Brownlee is awarded an MBE alongside teammates, Jess Learmonth, Georgia Taylor-Brown and Alex Yee, as they swept to victory in the captivating triathlon mixed team relay.

Team GB’s eventers carried on Britain’s proud equestrian success at Olympic Games as Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Oliver Townend comfortably held off Australia and France to win gold in the Team Eventing. Joe Choong and Kate French delivered remarkable performances in their individual modern pentathlon disciplines to provide gold in both the men’s and women’s events. Finally, Stu Bithell and Dylan Fletcher-Scott teamed up to win gold in the 49er class and both are recognised for their services to sailing.

In addition to this, Team Leader for sailing, Mark Robinson, is awarded an MBE as his sailors ruled the Japanese waves, winning five medals. Jabeena Maslin (services to Modern Pentathlon), is recognised for her role in the success the sport enjoyed in Tokyo following Choong and French’s gold medal wins.

Key figures in the wider Olympic sport network were also recognised with former RFU Chair, Andy Coslett receiving a CBE and Deputy CEO at UK Sport, Simon Morton, receiving an MBE.

Speaking after the honours list was announced, British Olympic Association Vice Chair, Annamarie Phelps CBE, said: “We are delighted to see so many of the Tokyo 2020 athletes recognised today and wish them our warmest congratulations from everyone at the British Olympic Association.

“It feels like these honours and the recognition for the efforts and success of Team GB’s athletes at Tokyo 2020 are doubly special following another disrupted year due to Covid-19. Despite the Games being postponed for a year, our athletes never faltered, they remained positive and continued to train in the most trying of circumstances. They have been brilliant and dedicated ambassadors to their sports and to Team GB.

“We are incredibly proud of each and every athlete’s performance in Japan and it has been truly inspiring to see what it meant for each of them to compete and succeed in Tokyo, not only for themselves but their teammates, families and importantly the millions at home that cheered them on at all times of day and night.

“The awards for Andy and the performance staff are also great recognition for the commitment and dedication of the British Olympic Association staff and volunteers who delivered a fantastic environment for the athletes to go and perform in in Tokyo.

“Finally, everyone at the BOA would also like to congratulate the athletes and staff of ParalympicsGB, in particular those recognised in the Honours List. We enjoy a very close working relationship and their success in Tokyo is testament to their tireless efforts and to an incredible group of athletes.”

Speaking after the announcement of his OBE, Anson said: “I am very fortunate to lead such a skilled and professional organisation, and to be part of the broader UK sporting network which has delivered sustained Olympic success.

“As one of a fortunate few that was able to attend this year’s Olympic Games, I can pay testament to the fact that Tokyo, despite all the challenges it faced, still delivered one of the great Olympic Games.

“Finally, I would like to congratulate the fantastic Olympians who have received a New Year’s Honour – you made the nation proud in Tokyo, and are incredibly deserving of your award.”

Full list of Olympic Honours:

Knighthood

Jason Kenny, services to cycling

Dame

Laura Kenny, services to cycling

CBEs

Stephen Park, services to cycling

OBEs

Andy Anson, services to sport, particularly during Covid-19

Tom Daley, services to diving, to LGBTQ+ rights and charity

Hannah Mills, services to sailing and the environment

Adam Peaty, services to swimming

Chris Spice, services to swimming and high performance sport

Max Whitlock, services to gymnastics.

MBEs

Freya Anderson, services to swimming

Stuart Bithell, services to sailing

Jonny Brownlee, services to triathlon

Joe Choong, services to modern pentathlon

Laura Collett, services to equestrianism

Kathleen Dawson, services to swimming

Tom Dean, services to swimming

Dylan Fletcher-Scott, services to sailing

Kate French, services to modern pentathlon

James Guy, services to swimming

Anna Hopkin, services to swimming

Calum Jarvis, services to swimming

Jess Learmonth, services to triathlon

Matty Lee, services to diving

Jabeena Maslin, services to modern pentathlon

Tom McEwen, services to equestrianism

Eilidh McIntyre, services to sailing

Stephen Parry, services to swimming

Tom Pidcock, services to cycling

Lauren Price, services to boxing

Matt Richards, services to swimming

Mark Robinson, services to sailing

Duncan Scott, services to swimming

Beth Shriever, services to bicycle motor cross racing

Georgia Taylor-Brown, services to triathlon

Oliver Townend, services to equestrianism

Matt Walls, services to cycling

Charlotte Worthington, services to bicycle motor cross racing

Galal Yafai, services to boxing

Alex Yee, services to triathlon

1st January 2022 0 comment

TSF News

Last Night When I Was Young Immortalizes Sports Icons of the 1950s and ’60s

written by Hugh

Bestselling author Geoffrey Littlefield’s Last Night When I Was Young: Sporting Favourites of Mine takes readers on a sentimental stroll down a memory lane lined with elite athletes of the past.

Littlefield masterfully intertwines history-making moments and mini biographies of some of the U.K.’s greatest athletes of the 1950s and ’60s with stories from his own youth sports experiences. The result is an immersive read that gives audiences a front row seat for all the action, as told from the perspective of a self-described “walking, talking sports encyclopedia and BBC sports quiz champion” who, as a school-aged boy, enjoyed nothing more than emulating his athletic idols.

“All are sporting yesterdays, worthy of repeat,” Littlefield muses. “A young boy’s memory listing every feat.”

Last Night When I Was Young is informative, entertaining and comprehensive in its coverage of both male and female athletes from the era, including jockeys Doug Smith and Fred Winter; Chelsea and England footballer Jimmy Greaves; cricketer PBH May; tennis star Mike Sangster; boxer Dick Tiger; racecar driver Mike Hawthorn; golfer Peter Alliss; sprinter Dorothy Hyman; and long jumper Mary Rand, among many others. The book also contains contributions from the Queen’s racehorse trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, and four-time world speedway champion, Barry Briggs MBE.

Chapter by chapter, Littlefield pays homage to each athlete with a clever juxtaposition of history and fantasy, weaving a colorful tapestry that immortalizes their exceptional accomplishments.

Author Geoffrey Littlefield is a baby boomer born in London, England. His lifelong passions include sport, films and music. His first magazine article was published when he was just 13 years old, featuring interviews with Chelsea FC and England soccer players. His first foray into the world of entertainment was when he appeared on the BBC radio program Junior Sporting Chance, where he captained the winning team.

His love of music grew simultaneously, with particular focus on the Great American Songbook. Littlefield eventually moved into professional music management and record production, and his written works include an exclusive interview with American singer Vic Damone, who was described by Frank Sinatra as having “the best pipes in the business.” Littlefield has been the subject of several radio and television interviews about the Great American Songbook, both in the U.K. and U.S.

In 2016 he wrote, produced, and directed the DVD, Football Managers Uncut: Back in The Day, starring Lawrie McMenemy MBE, Tommy Docherty and Ron Atkinson. He also has two feature films in development.

Littlefield’s first book, the authorized biography, Nelson Riddle: Music With a Heartbeat, was published in February 2021 and reached No. 3 on the bestseller charts on Amazon Kindle in the Jazz Music category.

30th December 2021 0 comment

Para Sports Taekwondo

Amy Truesdale – history-making taekwondo fighter seeks Paralympic redemption

written by Hugh

Amy Truesdale is a British para taekwondo pioneer with multiple World and European titles having made her the sport’s first major star in the pre-Paralympic era.

At Tokyo 2020 she aimed to build on her legacy by adding Paralympic gold to her impressive list of titles as the sport made a Games debut.

The fighter would come away with bronze, which was still an impressive and significant achievement and added to the silver medal won by team-mate Beth Munro in Tokyo.

However, even three months on the 32-year-old is still frustrated by the result.

She aims to begin her journey towards “redemption” at the World championships in Turkey this weekend. The Women’s Sports Alliance (WSA) caught up with her ahead of the event.

Q – Amy, you helped make British para-taekwondo history in Tokyo, how do you look back on the Games and your bronze medal now?

“Obviously I went to Tokyo and was a great experience but I’m very disappointed with the results and that’s something I’m still trying to deal with.

“I was the favourite going into it, World champion, European champion, it was the only medal I needed. I think I was quite scared other people would define me on that one medal and not my previous achievements, but people have been really supportive. This isn’t the end of my journey I’ve lots of other opportunities, the world championships soon, followed by the Europeans in May so I still have something to train for.”

Full interview available – https://www.wsportsalliance.com/news/amy-truesdale-seeks-paralympic-redemption-at-taekwondo-worlds?mc_cid=681f500a85&mc_eid=d79399c2cb

26th December 2021 0 comment

Snow Sports

Team GB selects women’s curling team for Beijing 2022

written by Hugh

Team GB has today announced the names of the curlers who will compete in the women’s discipline at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Skip Eve Muirhead will compete in her fourth Winter Olympics, while teammate Jennifer Dodds is also set to make history as one of the first players to represent Team GB at two curling events at the same Games.

Dodds is one of four Olympic debutants making the trip, along with vice skip Vicky Wright, lead Hailey Duff and alternate Mili Smith.

The team will be confident going into the Games having beaten reigning Olympic champions, Sweden, and the winners of the last two World Championships, Switzerland, on the way to winning last month’s European Championships. They then overcame a rocky start to top the table at this month’s Olympic Qualifying Event to confirm their place in Beijing.

Speaking after selection, Muirhead explained how the way they have all earned their places has added to the experience: “It means a huge amount to be going to my fourth Olympics. This one is extra special in terms of going to the Games with four girls who have never competed in an Olympic Games before. It makes me very proud of them to have got this far and to have proven that they are capable of having Great Britain on their back playing against some of the world’s best.

“There’s been a very different build-up to this Olympic Games and I do think this has to be one of my biggest personal achievements, getting to this Olympics on the back of the disappointment of the World Championships last season and not qualifying Great Britain straight through which was hard.”

Commenting on selection, Team GB Chef de Mission for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, Georgia Harland, said: “I am delighted to welcome the women’s curling team to Team GB for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

“A huge congratulations to Eve who makes history attending her fourth Games as skip and also to Jen who makes history alongside mixed doubles partner Bruce Mouat in competing for Team GB in two curling events at a Games.

“It was fantastic to see Eve and her team top the Olympic Qualifying Event last week and I have no doubt they will take that confidence and momentum through with them to the Games in February and put on a fantastic show for Team GB.”

For the British Curling programme, the achievement of the women’s team represents a further demonstration of the benefits of taking an innovative approach to the last two challenging seasons.

“The successes enjoyed by our men’s and mixed doubles teams confirmed that we were on the right track, but introducing the nine-player squad system, which allowed us to examine and build upon our strength and depth in the women’s game has been an additional success,” said British Curling’s Executive Performance Director, Nigel Holl.

“I am so proud of the way all nine players and coaches responded to that challenge and the subsequent success of the five who were selected for the Europeans and the Olympic Qualifying Event, which generates confidence in our capacity to compete not just at this Winter Olympics, but long into the future.”

Team GB Women’s Curling Team:
Eve Muirhead
Vicky Wright
Jen Dodds
Hailey Duff
Mili Smith (alternate)

23rd December 2021 0 comment

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