Pick Your Sport

Chelsie Giles Becomes European Champion

written by Hugh

Chelsie Giles claimed her first major title as she added the European crown to her Olympic bronze
medal in Tokyo on the opening day of the European Championships in Sofia.
Following an opening round bye, Giles overcame a tricky opening round contest against Aleksandra
Kaleta (POL). The contest entered Golden Score where Giles unleashed her trademark newaza to
book her place in the Quarter-Finals.
Giles booked her place in the Semi-Finals following a hard fought 8-minute contest against 2x
Olympic medallist Odette Giuffrida (ITA). Giles countering a Giuffrida attack, turning her for waza-ari
score.
If the opening two contests were a battle of endurance, the Semi-Final was all about strength and
power. It took Giles just 90 seconds to defeat Mascha Ballhaus (GER) to secure her place in the Final.
Giles displayed some excellent newaza to progress to the Final Block to face world number one,
Amandine Buchard (FRA).
There was nothing between the two fighters at the end of the mandatory 4-minutes and the contest
entered Golden Score. Two shidos either side of Golden Score put Giles onto the backfoot. An
onslaught of Buchard attacks followed, which Giles defended well before the scorecard was evened
up at 2 shidos each.
Giles adds gold in Sofia to the bronze she won at the European Games in 2019.
A speechless Giles couldn’t quite believe what she had achieved: “I cannot believe it. It’s so
overwhelming, I think it will take a while to fully sink in.”
Giles has faced Buchard on three previous occasions, with the French fighter coming out on top an
all three occasions. Speaking about what she has changed this time, Giles said: “I have spent a lot of
time studying those losses to see what I did well and where I can improve. Jamie and I worked on a
plan and I am so happy it paid off today.”
“I am looking forward to having some time off now and enjoy the moment before the hard work
starts for the remainder of the season.”

2nd May 2022 0 comment

Archery Para Sports

Pippa Britton: The importance of inclusion across sport – Fearless Women

written by Hugh

Pippa Britton is Wales’s most successful Archer, a double Paralympian and double world champion Pippa made the podium at six consecutive world championships and won 24 medals at 24 international events.

Pippa also represented the Welsh able bodied archery team on more than 20 occasions and has broken many world and national records.

After retiring from competing, Pippa decided to give back to sport and society combining her understanding of diversity and equality with her experience of governance. She’s had a number of prominent non-executive board roles, including the vice-chair of Sport Wales and UK anti-doping and the chair of Disability Sport Wales.

We explore much in this conversation including the importance of diverse sports boards and what more needs to be done to improve the way we treat athletes at the end of their sporting careers.

Listen here – https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers/pippa-britton-6hx69

30th April 2022 0 comment

Hockey

PAUL REVINGTON APPOINTED HEAD COACH OF GREAT BRITAIN AND ENGLAND MEN

written by Hugh

England and Great Britain Hockey are delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Revington as Head Coach of the England and Great Britain men’s teams.

Paul is a former FIH World Coach of the Year and joins from Malaysia Hockey, where he was Technical Director. Prior to that he was Head Coach of the Great Britain women’s Elite Development Programme, then Assistant Coach of the England and Great Britain senior women’s teams.

Before that Paul was Malaysia’s men’s head coach; leading Ireland’s senior men prior to that and taking his native South Africa to the Olympics in 2004 as head coach.

Paul said: “I feel privileged to be afforded the opportunity to lead the Great Britain and England Men’s Teams in their next chapter of international hockey.

“I started my involvement in hockey at the time when England and Great Britain won World Cup and Olympic medals respectively in 86 and 88, then I was able to witness first-hand the men’s resurgence from 2006, and I enjoyed a wonderful three years coaching in the women’s program at Bisham Abbey during the successful Tokyo cycle – so I’ve developed a good understanding and feel for how Great Britain and England Hockey lives and breathes.

“Our coaching and management team enters an environment filled with opportunities. A national club league showing exciting growth potential, a healthy pool of athletes thanks to a successful Great Britain EDP programme; a squad containing a competitive mix of youth and experience and a national team having taken positive strides forward in the Tokyo cycle. Added to this is an exciting time for all three Home Nations as they look to excel over the coming months and compete at international events including the Commonwealth Games and World Cup.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation and would like to thank everyone there for their hard work, support and generosity. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and it is now the task of our coaching team to follow in the footsteps of several outstanding Head Coaches and lead another talented group of athletes on an action-packed journey of continual improvement, hard work and inspiring a nation through consistent elite performance.”

Performance Director Ed Barney said: “We are delighted that Paul will be returning to the UK to lead the England and Great Britain men’s international teams. He has a number of exceptional skills, qualities and super-strengths which align incredibly closely with the role brief and the criteria that we set out for this appointment.

“The men’s squad and breadth and depth of talent is exceptional and we know the team are well placed to take their next step on the world-level podium.”

The appointment panel included representatives from England and Great Britain Hockey, Catriona Semple and Kate Baker of UK Sport, former England Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster and former international hockey players.

Ed continued: “The panel have every confidence in Paul and know that he will maximise all the skills and strengths of the squad (both individually and collectively) and of the full staff team in the coming months and years.”

26th April 2022 0 comment

TSF News

Anti-doping: Committee of Ministers adopts recommendation on fair proceedings in sport

written by Hugh

Strasbourg, 25.04.2022 – The fight against doping in sport requires fair proceedings while respecting the need to protect an athlete’s private life including reputation and health-related information.

The Committee of Ministers has adopted a Recommendation to Member States aimed at reinforcing the human rights principles that should govern anti-doping procedures in sport, ensuring that essential safeguards of Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights apply fully to anti-doping procedures.

The Recommendation acknowledges key “fair trial” principles, namely the independence of the investigation and the competent jurisdictions, the rights to be heard and to an effective defence as well as the principle of public hearing and the necessity of publishing decisions. These essential principles are adapted to the specificity of sport and of the fight against doping.

The text builds on the work carried out by the Anti-Doping Committee, taking into account the relevant jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the World Anti-doping code.

Cases that have already been brought before national and international jurisdictions illustrate how the fight against doping in sport constitutes a matter of public interest and cannot any longer be treated as a purely private matter. Anti-doping rule violations have evolved considerably in recent years and are no longer solely based on biological-related findings. What is at stake is not only fairness for those accused of anti-doping infringements but ultimately public confidence in sporting bodies and justice in sport.

“We fight doping in sport to ensure fair play. The fight against doping also requires fair proceedings. Fair proceedings require independence of investigation, with disciplinary and appeal bodies truly independent and free from conflicts of interest. In recognition of the relevance of public scrutiny, it is also important to ensure the principle of public hearing and that decisions are published. The contributions from WADA, athletes’ organisations, the sports movement, and various Council of Europe bodies have been vital in the drafting process. I am confident that this Recommendation will further strengthen the public confidence in sports’ justice”, highlighted the Chair of the Ad Hoc Group of experts on ensuring effective access of athletes to justice and fair trial Anders Solheim.

“This ground-breaking text underlines once more the key role that our Organisation plays for the protection of human rights and the respect for the rule of law in values-driven sport. The Council of Europe, a unique platform for effective co-operation between governments and sports organisations, will now develop activities with its Member States to ensure a progressive implementation of this Recommendation. We aim at improving the system, in order to secure the principle of separation of powers, while respecting the autonomy and self-governance of sports federations”, emphasised Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge.

25th April 2022 0 comment

Swimming

Blacks Can’t Swim: REWIND

written by Hugh

Ed Accura, the producer behind the feature film documentaries A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim and Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel, has announced the follow-up, Blacks Can’t Swim: REWIND. The film features scripted scenes combined with real interview footage. Blacks Can’t Swim: REWIND will be coming to digital download from 4th July 2022.
Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel told the stories, fears and anxieties of 14 to 26-year-olds and the reasons why they do or do not swim. Blacks Can’t Swim: REWIND speaks with the parents and adults within the African, Caribbean, and Asian communities to understand the effects their relationship with water has had on their children.

Blacks Can’t Swim: REWIND follows two separate stories – that of both a 15-year-old boy and a girl. Both struggle with the effects of the stigmas and stereotypes that have helped shaped the narrative and thought process as to why a disproportionate number of Black and Asians in England do not swim. Javell is a 15-year-old boy, from a low socioeconomic background struggling with general direction and motivation of realistic career and life choices. He is presented with a career choice that could change his life forever, but will his disengagement with swimming be an obstacle?

Tyra is a 15-year-old girl from a middle-class background who has swum all her life and has the prospect of becoming an elite swimmer. Now, however, she is experiencing social, emotional and physical changes, which are making her consider walking away from swimming altogether.

Blacks Can’t Swim: REWIND is an evolution of Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel, and the original film documentary, A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim, which included interspersed interview footage and animation about Accura’s own fear of water, which eventually led to him taking swim lessons.
Blacks Can’t Swim: REWIND is coming to Digital Download on 4th July 2022

20th April 2022 0 comment

TSF News

Life Leisure steps up to help long-COVID sufferers

written by Hugh

A fit and healthy mum who went from going to the gym three times a week to struggling to walk up the stairs has hailed the Long-Covid recovery programme at Life Leisure.

Sam Babcock, 53, caught COVID more than a year ago while she was working as a learning support assistant in a primary school.

She said Life Leisure’s specialised exercise classes for residents suffering from Long-Covid have worked wonders on her fitness and self-esteem.

Mum-of-three Sam, from Romiley, said: “Long-Covid left me feeling extremely isolated – no one knew or understood how I was feeling. I had gone from going to the gym three times a week to hardly being able to manage a short walk. I also had a problem with severe fatigue and brain fog.

“When the long-Covid clinic suggested I enrol on Life Leisure’s scheme I was worried. My anxiety which had been heightened since COVID and my confidence was extremely low.

“But I was so glad I did! From the initial consultation on the phone Dave made me feel at ease.

“I was able to exercise at a level and pace to suit me with no pressure, as well as speak to others who are going through the same thing. We can chat and share experiences, help each other along and share our journey to recovery.”

She added: “Not only have I made friends but my confidence is growing, I feel better about myself and my recovery is progressing. These sessions are an hour where I feel like ‘me’ again. I can’t thank Dave and the team enough for their patience, help and support.”

Life Leisure, which runs 11 centres across Stockport, has supported hundreds of COVID patients across the town during the pandemic, running online exercise sessions and providing activity packs to help keep active.

Now gyms are back in action, the leisure provider is running free fitness classes in partnership with SMBC and Stockport CCG to help patients suffering from Long-COVID build up their strength.

Dave McGlinchy, physical activity coordiator at Life Leisure, said: “Our low intensity sessions – which last between 30 and 60 minutes – are designed to help patients build up their strength, energy and confidence through guided exercise, and hopefully have fun while doing it!”

He added: “All our sessions are carried out by qualified instructors and carefully designed so that individuals can dictate their own levels of movement on the day. If you are struggling with Long-COVID and would like to take part in our sessions you can self-refer, or speak to your GP who will carry out an initial assessment and refer you to the scheme.”

The classes take place at Houldsworth Village on Tuesdays at 11.15am, and Life Leisure Romiley on Thursdays at 1pm.

Anyone wishing to take part needs to be referred through the Physical Activity Referral in Stockport (PARiS) system, a partnership between Life Leisure and Stockport GPs.

Those who do not meet the requirements for referral through the PARiS scheme are encouraged to visit their local Life Leisure centre to discuss alternative options.

For more information go to www.lifeleisure.co.uk

pics: Samantha Babcock says Dave McGlinchy’s sessions have helped her regain her confidence.

20th April 2022 0 comment

Angling

Angling Trust appoint 3 new ambassadors to ‘protect and develop the sport we all love’

written by Hugh

The Angling Trust are delighted to announce the appointment of three new ambassadors to support our work – angling legend Bob Roberts, match fishing star Matt Godfrey and tackle retailer Martyn Page, chairman and founder shareholder of Angling Direct.

All three accepted formal invitations to become ambassadors from CEO Jamie Cook who said he was looking forward to working with them “to promote, protect and develop the sport we all love.”

Jamie added: “In Matt we have one of the most talented coarse competition anglers of his generation who has a passion for supporting youth participation. Martyn shares that passion and like me is focused on ensuring that we protect the environment for future generations. Bob has been hugely supportive since I joined the organisation and having worked with him directly on recent campaigns, I have found his knowledge, drive and dedication to be truly inspiring. All three bring a huge amount of expertise to the Angling Trust and we are lucky to have them on our side.

“As we proved through Covid lockdowns, angling benefits from a strong, united representative body and having inspiring individuals promoting the work that myself and the team at the Angling Trust are doing across all areas of the sport helps us to build a stronger community.”

Matt Godfrey has been an inspiration to young anglers and remains the only person to have won the World U18 Championship three times. His ongoing commitment to supporting youth talent was one of the reasons he was selected to become an ambassador.

Matt said: “Angling is one of the most diverse pastimes out there, and it is that which fascinates me about the sport. There are many different kinds of fishing – match, sea, game, carp, specimen and more – that all change throughout the seasons and can take place at many different venues and locations, not just in the UK but across the whole globe. Then there’s the diversity of people who participate or are welcome to participate – a huge mix of ages and abilities across all genders can be involved.

“For me personally, the buzz of a big competition combined with the wild nature of our sport, the unexpected and unknown quarry, the elements, and the tactical puzzles to work out to succeed in a competitive arena, is what makes me really tick. I really enjoy the fact that in match fishing, hard work equals reward and consistency, and the journey to achieving this gives us amazing amounts of focus. Whether it be a young angler trying to compete in a junior event, an international angler fishing the World Championship, a club angler fishing with their friends locally, or a top-flight matchman in a big money final, the focus is present and fishing captivates us! It is that obsession and captivation of the sport that makes it so special.

“The Angling Trust and their ambassadors positively encourage people to try fishing and find something within it that gives them the captivation, escapism and enjoyment that we all love.”

Bob Roberts’ contribution to angling has been legendary. Match star, big-fish specialist and all-round angler, Bob is the longest running contributor to Improve Your Coarse Fishing, and his writings and views are highly regarded, thought-provoking and incredibly informative.

Bob said: “It is an honour to be named as an Angling Trust ambassador. By the early 1990s I had established myself as an angling writer and was earning a small income from the sport. Even then I recognised I had a responsibility to give something back, so I dug deep and paid upfront for a life membership of the then ACA [Anglers’ Conservation Association] which evolved into the Angling Trust as the sport’s Governing Body.

“Anyone who benefits from the sport, whether as writers, videographers, bloggers, coaches, fishery owners, employees of tackle shops, manufacturers, indeed anyone taking from the sport in however small a way, should join and support the Trust. It costs a pittance, and the wider benefits are huge. Who else will protect the waterside environment, our sport and in effect your role in it? Only then can we seriously ask others to join. Together we can be strong.”

Martyn Page’s inspiration for developing fishing tackle retailers accessible to all has supported many newcomers and returners back into our sport. In recent times, the Angling Direct chairman has supported the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing programme by training staff in stores across the country as angling coaches, which has had a direct impact on helping individuals take their first steps to become lifelong anglers. Martyn also has a personal affinity with the environment and fisheries.

Martyn said: “Fishing has been in my blood since I was a young boy some 56 years ago. Back then our rivers were full of fish and access for schoolkids to bountiful fishing was easy. How things have changed. Our rivers have deteriorated, and youngsters do not have the same freedom to roam unsupervised anymore.

“I have always been passionate in my belief that people can get so much benefit from fishing and that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy fishing successfully. I founded Angling Direct with that driving purpose and have been actively involved not only in education and promotion of angling but also protection of fish and fisheries for decades.

“There has never been a greater need for anglers to unite to protect and improve the nation’s fish stocks and diversity. Nor for the need for organised and qualified support, education and coaching to help people enjoy the benefits of this amazing pastime. Fortunately, the Angling Trust has had a real renaissance in recent years and is achieving incredible success on behalf of angling, not only with promotion and education but also in battling environmental issues and improving fish stocks and fisheries.

“It was therefore a privilege and honour to be invited to become an ambassador for the Angling Trust and my rallying call as I start this role is for all anglers to join and get behind the Angling Trust so that one united angling voice has the power, funds and support to maintain, improve and perhaps, one day, succeed in returning our waterways to the natural density and diversity of fish stocks that existed over 50 years ago.”

15th April 2022 0 comment

Athletics

BOA Statement: Chijindu Ujah

written by Hugh

Following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling against Chijindu Ujah, and the subsequent annulment of the GB 4×100 metres relay team’s result, the British Olympic Association has now been told to return the team’s silver medals from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The CAS ruling requires all medals, diplomas and pins awarded to the British team for their participation in 4×100 metres race to be returned. The silver medals will be redistributed to the third placed team from Tokyo 2020.

BOA CEO Andy Anson said: “It is with real sadness that we have had to ask for the medals, certificates and pins back, especially for the three athletes who have been affected through no fault of their own.

“However, this is the CAS ruling and we must abide by it, just as we have been clear that must happen to other nations whose athletes have broken doping rules.

“It is heart-breaking for Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and Zharnel Hughes, but especially for Richard Kilty, who only competed in one event in Tokyo. We have written to them all to ensure they know their individual status is not diminished in the eyes of everyone at the BOA.”

14th April 2022 0 comment

TSF News

The Game Changers – new guests for series 10

written by Hugh

I’m so excited to share details of season 10 of The Game Changers podcast.

You’ll hear from a range of incredible trailblazers as we explore key issues for women in sport & beyond. My fabulous guests this season include:

Shaunagh Brown – this professional rugby player for Harlequins and England encourages us all to re-think gender stereotypes in sport and across society
Jonathan Licht – the Managing Director of Sky Sports explores what more broadcasters can do to ensure gender parity as he shares his own journey as a male ally for women’s sport
Pippa Britton – learn about the importance of inclusion across sport with this double Paralympian who is now Vice Chair of Sport Wales and UK Anti-Doping
Tammy Parlour – the co-founder and CEO of the Women’s Sport Trust explores why female athletes make such powerful role models
Orla Chennaoui – the multi-talented sports broadcaster, podcaster & writer shares the power of being authentic as a woman reporting sport
Emma Ross – the former Head of Physiology at the English Institute of Sport explains why we need to talk more openly about women’s bodies in sport
Isa Guha – World Cup winning England cricketer now acclaimed sports broadcaster shares her experience of building a career in a male dominated sport
Lizzie Deignan – hear how one of the world’s most accomplished cyclists is changing the narrative around motherhood and elite sport

We’re hugely grateful to Sport England who support our award-winning podcast through a National Lottery award.

The first new episode is released tomorrow – Tuesday April 12.

Find out more & listen to the new trailer here and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. The Game Changers is available free on all podcast platforms including Apple, Spotify, ACast & Google or listen directly from the Fearless Women website.
CATCH UP ON LAST SEASON

In case you missed any of our brilliant discussions from last series you can find them all here. Just click on the image to listen.

11th April 2022 0 comment

Athletics

GB & NI SELECT 10 ATHLETES FOR THE EUROPEAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS MARATHONS

written by Hugh

The first athletes selected for this summer’s European Athletics Championships have been confirmed today with 10 marathon runners set to compete in Munich this August.

Trials winner Becky Briggs (coach: Geoff Watkin, club: City of Hull) leads the women’s team as she targets the Championships in Germany later in the summer. The City of Hull athlete clocked a PB of 2:29.04 at the Manchester Marathon to secure the British vest, having previously competed for GB & NI at the World Cross Country Championships and World Half Marathon Championships in recent years.

Second in the trial, Naomi Mitchell (Nick Anderson, Reading), has also expressed her wish to compete at the Europeans so has been selected following her PB of 2:30.54 at the weekend.

Rosie Edwards (Robert Hawkins, Rotherham) and Alice Wright (Ben Rosario, Worcester), who both ran inside the standard of 2:32.00 during the qualifying window, also join the British team.

GB & NI internationals Ross Millington (Steve Vernon, Stockport) and Andrew Heyes (Mara Yamauchi, Hallamshire), who both made successful debuts in the marathon last Sunday, have both been added to the men’s marathon team. Millington ran 2:11.37 in second place in the trial race, while Heyes crossed the line in a time of 2:13.52.

The duo will be joined by Mohamud Aadan (Paul Oppe, Thames Valley), Luke Caldwell (Dorking & Mole Valley), Ben Connor (Steve Vernon, Derby) and Philip Sesemann (Andrew Henderson, Leeds City) in the squad for Munich 2022.

Several athletes have achieved qualifying standards for the three major championships and Games this summer, so athletes and their coaches have made performance decisions on which event to prioritise, and those announced today have chosen the European Championships.

Last month we announced five athletes for the marathon at the World Athletics Championships, therefore as per policy, those athletes were ineligible to compete at the Championships in Munich.

Finally, over the next few months, Home Nation Commonwealth Teams will be confirming their marathon selections where they will name athletes that have prioritised that competition ahead of the European Championships. Following the ratification process operated by each Home Nation, selections across all the summer championships will be finalised and confirmed.

Olympic Head Coach, Christian Malcolm, said,

“It has been really pleasing to see so many marathon athletes run inside the qualifying standards for major championships and Games this summer. Competitiveness for places has been high and that is really encouraging for the event in the UK. As a result, athletes have had to make performance decisions on which championships they focus on this season, and we support them in their decisions.

“We have a good mixture of athletes in this European marathon squad, and it has been great to see a number of athletes who have excelled in their first marathons. We have several GB & NI internationals in the team and also some earning their first ever British vest, so it is a proud moment for all the athletes, their coaches and their support teams.”

The rest of the selections for the European Athletics Championships will take place in August 2022.

The first British marathon athletes selected for the European Athletics Championships in Munich this August (15-21):

Senior Women

Becky Briggs (Geoff Watkin, City of Hull)

Rosie Edwards (Robert Hawkins, Rotherham)

Naomi Mitchell (Nick Anderson, Reading)

Alice Wright (Ben Rosario, Worcester)

Senior men

Mohamud Aadan (Paul Oppe, Thames Valley)

Luke Caldwell (Dorking & Mole Valley)

Ben Connor (Steve Vernon, Derby)

Andrew Heyes (Mara Yamauchi, Hallamshire)

Ross Millington (Steve Vernon, Stockport)

Philip Sesemann (Andrew Henderson, Leeds City)

9th April 2022 0 comment

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