Pick Your Sport

KINOMAP PARTNERS WITH GTWS TO BRING THE TRAIL RUNNING EXPERIENCE HOME

written by Hugh

Kinomap, the leading interactive training platform for cycling, running and rowing, joins the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) as an official sponsor through a long-term partnership. This collaboration further strengthens the connection between elite trail running and fans worldwide, unlocking new and immersive ways to engage with the sport from home.As part of the agreement, Kinomap will follow the GTWS around the globe, delivering dedicated fan activations and benefiting from enhanced visibility across on-site, broadcast, and digital platforms – bringing the thrill of the competition even closer to the fans watching remotely.

RUN THE GTWS FROM HOME
Each GTWS race will be introduced with a Kinomap-presented course preview, broadcast during the race pre-show and amplified through extended versions across GTWS social media channels. These previews will give fans and spectators an exclusive look at what lies ahead, offering valuable insights into the course while encouraging them to head to Kinomap and train on the same routes via the platform.
Iconic trails from events such as Zegama-Aizkorri and Sierre-Zinal will be captured in high-quality, geo-synchronized video and made available on Kinomap, allowing fans and runners worldwide to train virtually on legendary GTWS terrain.
Thanks to Kinomap’s compatibility with smart treadmills and connected fitness equipment, users will be able to experience routes with elevation, speed and intensity accurately replicated. This creates a truly immersive way to experience GTWS courses from the inside and directly compare performance with the professionals.

Patrick Maitrot, GVP Global Ad Sales & Partnerships at WBD Sports Europe, said: “This collaboration positions the Golden Trail World Series at the forefront of trail running, bringing the intensity and iconic landscapes of the sport directly into athletes’ and fans’ homes. Kinomap is a key partner, enabling us to strengthen our connection with the global running community while significantly expanding the visibility of the GTWS through best‑in‑class training technology.”

Philippe Moity, CEO at Kinomap, said: “Partnering with the Golden Trail World Series alongside Salomon, a long-standing and historic partner of the series, and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports as the global broadcaster, marks an important milestone for Kinomap. Together, we are building a powerful ecosystem that connects elite competition, global media reach and immersive training technology. Our mission is to bridge the gap between watching and doing — enabling runners everywhere to step onto the same legendary courses and become part of the GTWS experience.”

10th March 2026 0 comment

Motor Sports

Max Verstappen to compete in 24 Hours Nürburgring 2026

written by Hugh

Verstappen Racing announced its commitment to compete in NLS2 and the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, marking a significant step in the team’s long-term vision to challenge at the highest level of endurance racing. The program reflects Max Verstappen’s passion for racing and his continuous pursuit of new driving challenges.

The livery was unveiled in spectacular fashion through a B.A.S.E.-jump reveal. German athlete Max Manow performed a 131-metre B.A.S.E. jump into the cooling tower in Meppen, to reveal the striking new Red Bull livery of the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing.

Fans will be able to watch the 24-hour race in May live on Red Bull TV and the Red Bull Motorsports YouTube channel.

The team will compete in several events leading up to the 24-hour race in May: NLS1, NLS2, and the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers. The car will run with starting number 3 and feature a strong driver line-up consisting of Max Verstappen(NL), Dani Juncadella (E), Jules Gounon (AND) and Lucas Auer (AUT).

Verstappen is set to make his first appearance at the NLS2 on 21 March, using the event as preparation for the 24 Hour Nürburgring, while continuing to complete in the Formula1 season.

Max Verstappen said:
“The Nürburgring is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now. Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won. That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our program this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race. We’ve got a strong line-up with Dani, Jules and Lucas and great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s about putting in the right preparations before the events, so we can maximize everything in the races.”

Words & Images courtesy of Red Bull Media

10th March 2026 0 comment

Pick Your Sport

Female Coaching Network and boobydoo Join Forces to Close the Education Gap in Supporting Female Athletes

written by Hugh

Female Coaching Network and boobydoo Join Forces to Close the Education Gap in Supporting Female Athletes

The Female Coaching Network (FCN) and boobydoo are collaborating to improve how coaches support female athletes through better education, confidence and safeguarding practice, addressing one of sport’s most overlooked yet fundamental performance factors: the sports bra.

As conversations around female athlete health, comfort and performance continue to grow, sports bra education remains largely absent from traditional coach development pathways. For decades, this critical area of athlete welfare has been under-discussed and under-prioritised.

boobydoo has developed the Sports Bra Advocate Course, established as a leading e-learning resource helping professionals understand the importance of correct sports bra fit for health, comfort and performance. The course has recently undergone its first full Quality Assurance review from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), achieving the top grading of Enhancing for Quality of Education – the highest recognition awarded within the framework.

Building on this recognised foundation, the FCN has collaborated with boobydoo to further expand the course, introducing additional modules and content specifically designed to support coaches in their day-to-day practice.

This pioneering collaboration will deliver bespoke coach education programmes designed to empower both female and male coaches with the knowledge, language and confidence to support their athletes in understanding the health, wellbeing and performance benefits of a correctly fitted sports bra.

These new additions bring coaching expertise directly into the learning experience and include:

Coach-specific guidance on starting conversations around breast health and athlete wellbeing.
Safeguarding frameworks designed to support both female and male coaches.
Role-play video scenarios demonstrating real coaching conversations.
Expert video interviews with a sports therapist exploring posture, biomechanics and performance impacts of poorly fitting sports bras.
Practical tools to help coaches confidently support and signpost athletes.

Despite growing awareness around female athlete health, sports bra education has rarely formed part of traditional coach development. This collaboration aims to change that by embedding practical, evidence-informed learning into an already established and trusted education platform.

Vicky Huyton, Founder, Female Coaching Networksaid: “It’s incredible that after 20 years as a coach and a lifetime involved in sport, I understood so little about the importance of an effective sports bra. I am genuinely excited to be partnering with boobydoo to create impactful work that supports coaches, both male and female, in better safeguarding standards and supporting their female athletes. This is about education, confidence and changing the culture of sport.”

Charly Rhodes, Director at boobydoo said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Vicky’s expertise to the Sports Bra Advocate course. Her extensive coaching career and practical experience bring an invaluable new dimension to our education programme. While we bring over 20 years of specialist sports bra fitting expertise, it was essential to me that we also incorporated the perspectives of professionals working directly in coaching, sports therapy and education. By doing so, we ensure our content is grounded in real-world environments – giving it the relevance, credibility and practical impact it needs to truly support women and girls across every active space.”

This partnership combines boobydoo’s specialist sports bra expertise with the Female Coaching Network’s focus on coach education and leadership, helping ensure that conversations around female athlete support become normal, informed and professionally guided.

The Enhanced Sports Bra Advocate Course is now available to coaches, practitioners and organisations looking to raise standards of athlete welfare and performance.

To find out more about the Sports Bra Advocate Course or learn more about the work of the Female Coaching Network and boobydoo, please visit: https://www.boobydoo.fit/sportsbraadvocatecourse

8th March 2026 0 comment

Pick Your Sport

UKA MEDIA RELEASE: NOVUNA GB & NI TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD INDOOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN POLAND

written by Hugh

UK Athletics has confirmed 29 athletes for the Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GB & NI) team for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, Torun, Poland (20-22 March)

The team has been selected based on the performance aims to maximise medal success and top-eight placings at these Championships.

Fresh from making history with her world record-breaking indoor 800m earlier this month, Keely Hodgkinson returns to the global stage in impressive form. She is joined in the 800m by Issy Boffey, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season and now sits eighth on the UK all‑time list.

Reigning World Indoor Champion Jeremiah Azu looks to defend his world 60m title, following a commanding performance at the UK Indoor Championships. Jody Smith will be making his senior debut in the event after a standout season.

In the 1500m, 2025 World Indoor medallist Georgina Hunter Bell leads the British challenge, holding the fastest UK time of the year. She lines up alongside Jemma Reekie, the Scot and 2026 British Champion, who heads to Torun full of confidence after a dominant performance in Birmingham earlier this season.

British record holder Dina Asher-Smith returns to the World Indoors competition for the first time since 2016 and heads to Poland in strong form. She is joined in the 60m by World silver medallist Amy Hunt, who has lowered her personal best multiple times already this year.

Multiple World and Olympic medallist Josh Kerr will contest the 3000m, while 2026 British Indoor Champion Jack Higgins takes on the 1500m and 2023 World medallist Ben Pattison will go in the 800m. In the women’s 3000m, 2026 British Indoor Champion Hannah Nuttall is selected alongside an experienced Katie Snowden.

The 2026 British Indoor Champion, Hannah Nuttall, goes in the 3000m and is joined by experienced athlete Katie Snowden.

2024 World Indoor Champion, Molly Caudery, will look to challenge for another global podium. In the long jump, Molly Palmer set a new personal best of 6.68m in Cardiff last weekend, earning her first senior international vest.

There are a handful of athletes who have been selected subject to the final world ranking positions which will be finalised by World Athletics by Wednesday 11 March.

In the pentathlon, Abigail Pawlett has been selected subject to final world rankings. Should she fall outside the qualifying positions for the combined event, she will instead contest the individual 60m hurdles, also pending final rankings.

Defending indoor 400m world champion Amber Anning has announced she will miss these Championships to give herself more time to prepare for a busy outdoor season, which includes the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

Paula Dunn, UK Athletics Performance Director, said:

“With 29 athletes selected to represent the Novuna GB & NI team, including some exciting senior debutants and experienced international performers, we are ready to take on the very best in the world.

“This championship marks an important beginning to what promises to be a landmark year for the team, with a home European Championships on the horizon this summer.

“I have complete confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and proudly represent the nation on the global stage. My congratulations go to every selected athlete and their coach.”

The Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland (20-22 March):

Men

60m

Jeremiah Azu (Cardiff, Helen James)

Jody Smith (Thames Valley, Alex Currie)

800m

Ben Patterson (Basingstoke & Mid Hants, Dave Ragan)

1500m

Jack Higgins (Tonbridge AC, Mark Hookway)

James McMurray (St Albans, Deborah Steer) *

3000m

Josh Kerr (Edinburgh, Danny Mackey) *

Heptathlon

Lewis Church (Tonbrigde AC, David Hull) *

High Jump

Joel Clarke Khan (Thames Valley Harriers, Deirdre Elmhirst) *

Pole Vault

Owen Heard (Harrow AC, Kate Rooney) *

Shot Put

Scott Lincoln (Dale Stevenson, City of York) *

Women

60m

Dina Asher-Smith (Blackheath & Bromley, Michael J Ford)

Amy Hunt (Charnwood, Marco Airale)

60m Hurdles

Abigail Pawlett (Trafford, Ashley Bryant) *

Emma Nwofor (Thames Balley Harriers, Joel Brown) *

400m

Yemi Mary John (Woodford Green Essex Ladies, Alan James)

Louisa Stoney (Belgrave Harriers, Marvin Rowe) *

800m

Issy Boffey (Enfield & Haringey, Luke Gunn)

Keely Hodgkinson (Leigh, Trevor Painter)

1500m

Georgia Hunter Bell (Belgrave Harriers, Trevor Painter)

Jemma Reekie (Kilbarchan, Jon Bigg)

3000m

Hannah Nuttall (Charnwood, Helen Clitheroe)

Katie Snowden (Herne Hill) *

Pentathlon

Abigail Pawlett (Trafford, Ashley Bryant) *

Ellen Barber (Wells City Harriers, John Lane) *

Pole Vault

Molly Caudery (Thames Valley, Stuart Caudery) *

Long Jump

Molly Palmer (Thames Valley, Lukasz Zawila) *

Triple Jump

Georgina Forde-Wells (Woodford Green AC, Lukasz Zawila) *

4x400m Relay

Poppy Malik (Harrow, Nick Dakin)

Lousia Stoney (Belgrave Harriers, Marvin Rowe)

Tess McHugh (Sale Harriers Manchester, Stephen Ball)

Jazmine Moss (Gateshead Harriers AC, Richard Kilty)

The relay will also include athletes who have been selected in their individual event

*Selected subject to securing the required world ranking position

6th March 2026 0 comment

Pick Your Sport

Stick To Football Episode 118: Gareth Bale: Life with Ronaldo, United Talks & Cardiff Takeover Ambition

written by Hugh

On the latest episode of Stick to Football, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jill Scott, Roy Keane and Ian Wright are joined by former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and Wales star Gareth Bale for a look back at his remarkable career. Bale opens up on the reality of playing for Real Madrid, the pressure of the famous badge and what it was like sharing a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo. He reflects on his rise to superstardom at Tottenham, revealing a move to Manchester United was on the table twice, and discusses Champions League glory, leading Wales on the international stage and life after football, including his spell in MLS and what keeps him busy today.

00:00 Intro

09:37 Real Madrid Spotlight

26:02 Ronaldo’s Relentless Drive

38:33 Spurs Breakthrough and Career Choices

50:27 Spurs’ Current Troubles

54:51 United Links

57:31 Wales

01:13:31 Retirement and Life After

01:25:20 Quickfire Questions

Key Quotes:

Bale on his experiences at Real Madrid…

“A lot of players go to Real Madrid and it’s all glitz and glamour and I was never like that. I just wanted to play football and go home and be with my family. I would never want to do interviews but I had to sometimes. I didn’t want the circus around with it. I think for Real Madrid I don’t think that was enough for the fans. I was stubborn and I didn’t want to change but if I played the game a bit better, I would have been less targeted by the press and the fans.”

Bale on his playing relationship with Benzema…

“Generally, everyone got on well. In the changing room we never had any issues. I got on well with Karim, he was very quiet and was more just with Varane who were the French boys and he would just keep himself to himself. We never had one argument and we played well together. He was the one that was gluing it all together and the focal point. It just seemed to all work together. When I went there it was the final jigsaw to the puzzle of that team and we had a bit more balance.”

Bale on working with Carlo Ancelotti…

‘I would say his main thing was the respect he got from when he was a player and people would respect that and work hard. At Real Madrid you can’t just fob it off. Carlo’s man management was the best. If you weren’t playing, he would make you feel like you’re still his best mate and when he needed you, he’d be like you’ve got to be ready and you’d just be ready. He just had this amazing ability just to keep everybody together happy and just willing to do everything. There are a few tactical things that he does, it’s just not so much.’

Bale on his progression as a player…

“I always just thought I’m this kid from Wales – why am I here. I always felt like I had to prove myself and I think that probably made me the player that I am today. Whatever level I got to I felt like I had to keep proving myself to everybody. Even when I got there, I was like I’ve still got to keep proving it, so it made me stay at the top a bit longer.”

Bale on choosing his next club after Southampton…

“At Southampton, United and Tottenham came in for me at the time. United came in with a lower offer and Tottenham came in with more money. I had to turn down United to go to Tottenham. I was thinking if I go to United, I would probably be going to get loaned back, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. If I go to Tottenham, they said I’m going to play. I felt at that time I was doing well in the championship, and I was ready for the next step so I trusted my ability to go to Tottenham to play and then I could potentially go to a Real Madrid.”

Bale on Tottenham’s current struggles…

“I would say money. They don’t pay as much as United and you look at the wage bill it’s lower. Buying a 50-million-pound player it’s not what it used to be you must be spending 80, 90, 100 now just to get a good player. They need that bit of a gamble, from a business point of view they’re maybe not willing to do it. I don’t know how they’re doing financially but it seems to be that for me that’s probably the biggest issue they just don’t sign the proven player.”

Bale on conversations with Manchester and Real Madrid…

“I spoke with David Moyes, but my heart was set on Madrid anyway. I had something in place with Daniel Levy more of a gentleman’s agreement because he didn’t want to sell me to a rival. We had that gentleman’s agreement even though he made it very tough like he does. It was a gentleman’s agreement, so it was more just that, but he stayed true to his words. I didn’t go down the wages route with United. It didn’t go that far they offered more money to buy me and a player, but I didn’t really get any legs. I had my heart set on it [going to Real Madrid] so once I spoke to them, they reserved the number 11. I spoke with numerous people at the club, I knew Modric the year before who went there which helped me.”

Bale on whether his national achievements meant more to him than his club accolades…

“It’s tough because if you choose one, you’re going to annoy someone else, so they were both great but they’re different in different countries. I think we were 119th in the world when I first signed, we got to 7th which for a country of 3.3 million is brilliant. What we did and what we built and more the friends and the friendships was like again I didn’t feel any pressure because I’m playing with my mates. We were just all on the same page. We had the confidence. I think we were so good defensively as a team we felt especially in 2016 around that era just before, just after that we were watertight if we were losing a game, it was by one maximum, but we always knew we could nick a game nick a result against anybody.”

Bale on the pressure playing for Wales…

“I never felt the pressure. No, I just loved playing for Wales. I think the one thing for us is that we grew up together. We were kind of all playing together through those age groups, so you grew up with everyone. I said about the Euros you feel like you’re with your mates and you look forward to meeting up now. We had a good spine, and the rest would do a great job. There was no ego we would come and turn up even though I was at Real Madrid it didn’t matter if I played for League 2 or Real Madrid it was like we’re all the same.”

Bale on retiring early…

“I tore my disc in my back when I was 18 at Tottenham. I played my whole career with that, and I had a lot of calf injuries which was due to my back. I never came out and said this when I was playing. I’d have an injection in my back to calm it all down and you go through all these things in your career. It got to a point where I guess a lot of people do in their career do you keep going for what reason. I didn’t want to just keep going for the sake of it and the people always say you don’t want football to leave you before you leave football. It was the right time, and it was a few years prior that I was probably ready but then you try and make things stronger, but it just caught up with me and the thing with my father’s illness I wanted then to be closer to home and what was happening with him.”

Bale on his experiences in the MLS…

“I loved it and I wish I went over a bit younger when I had more physical ability. I thought it was very different from Madrid. I still remember my first, one of the first games, we lost the game and they accept that you’re going to lose. It’s a bit more family orientated, the stadiums, it’s not like that horrible chanting where they absolutely abuse you. Everything’s just a bit more laid back but they’re still as professional as anything. Amazing athletes. It’s just a shame that there’s maybe not the money in the MLS to attract the younger player. I think that’s probably the biggest issue with the MLS to try and make it bigger is you can’t get someone in their prime at 25, 26. Unfortunately, it seems to be at the end because the money’s not there. If the money’s there, you’ll attract players.”

Bale on the World Cup…

“I think it’ll be big. I know a lot of people say that it’s going to make soccer, football in America bigger but a lot of fans these days I feel like they support a player. It’s not necessarily going to make them support teams, but it will make the sport bigger there. I don’t think it’s going to have such a big an impact as people say because they just don’t have the finances like an NBA or NFL must just throw money and get the best players there even though I know it’s American-based sport. If you want to make football bigger in America, you must make it bigger and more exciting and better. Where it was when I played preseason years ago, there’s a massive difference and it’s on a progression. It needs that financial side.”

CREDIT – “This week’s Stick to Football podcast is available now on YouTube and all leading podcast platforms”

Stick to Football is brought to you by Arne Clothing – to watch the full podcast episode with Gareth Bale, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Jill Scott

5th March 2026 0 comment

TSF News

Discover Sport™ Announces Global Padel Partnership

written by Hugh

With major Padel events scheduled throughout 2026, and with continued growth expected in Europe, Africa and Latin America, Discover Sport’s™ latest Padel Time TV partnership arrives at a pivotal moment. For fans, it means unprecedented access. For federations and partners, it means scale – and, for this breakout sports-tech brand, which is quickly gaining global traction, it means…everything.

Johannesburg, South Africa, 4 March 2026 – Discover Sport™, the dedicated social media app for sports, is once again expanding the boundaries of global sport accessibility with the launch of its Padel Time TV broadcast partnership: A move that will see one of the world’s fastest growing sports streamed to audiences across 120 countries via the Discover Sport™ platform.

Padel – a dynamic, social and highly watchable racquet sport – has exploded in popularity over the past decade. With an estimated 35 million players worldwide and a global market valued at approximately €2 billion, Padel has evolved from a niche European pastime into a truly global phenomenon. Discover Sport’s™ latest partnership positions the sport platform squarely at the centre of this momentum, connecting fans, athletes and federations at scale.

Stephen Watson, Founder of the high-velocity start-up, Discover Sport™, says: “Padel is by far a global connector; its accessibility lies in that it’s fast to learn, social by design, mixed-gender and intergenerational. We’ve seen these qualities drive extraordinary growth in key markets, particularly Spain, Argentina, Italy and increasingly South Africa – where padel courts and participation numbers have surged over the past five years. It’s remarkable to witness and, of course, we want to give everyone front row seats.”

Currently, Spain remains Padel’s global epicentre, producing elite players and hosting flagship competitions. Closely observed, Italy has too emerged as one of Europe’s largest padel nations, while further South, Argentina continues to shape padel’s competitive DNA. South Africa – underlined by its hosting of international events and rising broadcast demand – is also growing exponentially in its padel applause, now recognised as one of the sport’s most promising emerging markets. This is where a high-impact sporting platform like Discover Sport™ shines for its members, merging sporting disciplines and communities worldwide to bring all the action, home.

“In South Africa, we’ve already seen a strong appetite for padel content,” says Watson. “This new partnership allows us to take what’s working locally and amplify it globally offering world-class padel content through our simple, inclusive and scalable platform.”

“Padel has reached a moment where global visibility matters more than ever,” says Arnaud Verlhac, Co-Founder of Padel Time TV. “Partnering with Discover Sport™ allows us to reach new audiences in markets where padel is accelerating; where emerging markets are hungry for high-quality content.”

Through the agreement with Padel Time TV, Discover Sport™ members will gain access to 500+ hours of premium padel programming, including:

World Padel Tour legendary matches
Hexagon Cup – a disruptive, team-based international competition
Pro Padel League (USA) featuring elite men’s, women’s and mixed matches
Reserve Cup events staged in Miami
Bullpadel Show exhibition events (world’s top players)
FIP Platinum Lyon in France
Asian Pacific Padel Tour, recognised as the third largest padel circuit in the world
Coaching, training and documentary content from leading academies and players

The Discover Sport™ X Padel Time TV partnership taps directly into enthusiast trends worldwide, and will be available in English and Spanish – with localisation options supporting regional growth too.

Since launching in South Africa, Discover Sport™ has shaped its reputation as a consistent digital platform that lowers barriers to entry, supports rights-holders and gives fans the ability to discover and engage with sport that may not always find airtime across traditional broadcast channels.

To date, the platform has built a strong track record in racquet sports; serving up stream-fests across tennis (TSA), badminton (Badminton World Federation) and now padel partnerships (Padel Time TV), consistently using digital infrastructure and smart partnerships to unlock deeper global engagement.

“Whether it’s tennis, badminton or now padel, our role is to remain a reliable, inclusive global aggregator that makes the difference and helps sport to cross borders,” says Watson.

From South Africa to the World

Since inception mid-2025, Discover Sport™ continues to prove its accelerator status with a penetration in over 30 countries, and a rising network of sports fans, sports ambassadors, federations and content partners. At its core, Discover Sport™ is a people’s brand and exists to improve the essence and authenticity of sporting confidence, sporting investment, community and connection.

“Every new partnership is measured against this exact mission, and our Padel Time TV announcement is just another clear signal that our platform is quietly yet confidently reshaping how global sport is discovered, shared and experienced,” says Watson.

The service goes live from Friday, 6 March. To access live streaming content on the Discover Sport™ platform log onto discoversport.com. For collaboration enquiries and partnerships contact: partnerships@discoversport.com.

4th March 2026 0 comment

Athletics

NOVUNA GB & NI TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 WORLD ATHLETICS RELAYS

written by Hugh

UKA has selected squads across all relay events, with the overall objective of qualifying all teams for the 2027 World Championships and giving up-and-coming athletes a vital development opportunity on the world stage.

The 4x100m squad features experienced relay runners, including Paris Olympic relay medallists Imani Lansiquot (club:Sutton & District, coach:Marco Airale) and Desiree Henry (Enfield & Haringey, Steve Fudge). Britain’s fastest man over 100m, Zharnel Hughes (Shaftesbury Barnet, Glen Mills) will run with experienced relay teammates Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake (Newham and Essex Beagles, Michael Afilaka) and the current World and European 60m Champion Jeremiah Azu (Cardiff, Helen James).

These experienced sprinters are joined by emerging British talent across the men’s and women’s relay teams, many of whom are part of the UK Athletics Futures Programme.

The 2025 U23 European relay champions, Success Eduan(Sale Harriers Manchester, Anita Richardson), Kissiwaa Mensah (Chelmsford, Prince Duwai), Alyson Bell (Glasgow Jaguars, Anne Scott), and Nia Wedderburn-Goodison (Harrow), will feature in the women’s squad. Including the newly crowned British Indoor 200m Champion Renee Regis (Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, Darren Braithwaite) and European U20 silver medallist Mabel Akande (Lincoln Wellington, Denise Timmins). European U20 silver medallist Teddy Wilson (Shaftesbury Barnet, Marvin Rowe) will be part of the men’s squad.

The 4x400m team features Paris Olympic relay medallists Charlie Dobson (Colchester, Leon Baptiste), Alex Haydock-Wilson (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, Dai Greene), Toby Harries (Brighton Phoenix, David Sadkin), and Lewis Davey (Newham & Essex Beagles, Trevor Painter). They are joined by up-and-coming 400m hurdler Jake Minshull (Coventry, James Wright), who is set to make his senior international debut at these championships.

Paris Olympic relay medallists Nicole Yeargin (Pitreavie, Gregory Sholars), Lina (Shaftesbury Barnet, Jack Green), and Laviai Nielsen (Enfield & Harringey) lead the 400m relay team. Alongside them will feature U23 European silver medallist and 2026 British Indoor Champion Yemi Mary John (Woodford Green Essex Ladies, Alan James).

The team will be boosted by Charlotte Henrich (Invicta East Kent, Nigel Stickings), the U20 European Champion in the 400m, and Emily Newnham (Shaftesbury Barnet, Nick Dakin), the U23 European Champion in the 400m hurdles.

For the mixed relay events, the 4x100m and 4x400m will be made up of selected athletes.

UK Athletics Head of Sprints and Relays, Darren Campbell, said;

“The athletes selected across all the relay events will be working towards securing qualification for the 2027 World Championships, while also continuing their long‑term development as we look ahead to LA 2028.

“It’s great to see teams that mix experienced athletes with exciting emerging talent, helping to build even more depth in our relay squads. I’m really looking forward to seeing this group sharpen their relay skills and perform at their best on the world stage.”

The Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for the 2026 World Athletics Relays, Gaborone, Botswana (2-3 May):

4x100m

Women

Mabel Akande (Lincoln Wellington, Denise Timmins)

Alyson Bell (Glasgow Jaguars, Anne Scott)

Success Eduan (Sale Harriers Manchester, Anita Richardson)

Desiree Henry (Enfield & Haringey, Steve Fudge)

Imani Lansiquot (Sutton & District, Marco Airale)

Kissiwaa Mensah (Chelmsford, Prince Duwai)

Renee Regis (Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, Darren Braithwaite)

Aleeya Sibbons (Newham & Essex Beagles, Colin Bovell)

Jasmine Wilkins (Thames Valley Harriers, Andy Paul)

Nia Wedderburn-Goodison (Harrow)

Men

Jeremiah Azu (Cardiff, Helen James)

Jona Efoloko (Sale Harriers Manchester, Clarrence Callendar)

Romell Glave (Croydon Harriers, Michael Afilaka)

Zharnel Hughes (Shaftesbury Barnet, Glen Mills)

Elliot Jones (Leon Baptiste)

Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake (Newham and Essex Beagles, Michael Afilaka)

Jeriel Quainoo (Blackheath and Bromley, Lindford Christie)

Jody Smith (Thames Valley, Alex Currie)

Teddy Wilson (Shaftesbury Barnet, Marvin Rowe)

Ethan Wiltshire (Newham & Essex Beagles, Leon Baptiste)

4x400m

Women

Charlotte Henrich (Invicta East Kent, Nigel Stickings)

Yemi Mary John (Woodford Green Essex Ladies, Alan James)

Poppy Malik (Harrow, Nick Dakin)

Emily Newnham (Shaftesbury Barnet, Nick Dakin)

Laviai Nielsen (Enfield & Harringey)

Lina Nielsen (Shaftesbury Barnet, Jack Green)

Louisa Stoney (Belgrave Harriers, Marvin Rowe)

Nicole Yeargin (Pitreavie, Gregory Sholars)

Men

Harry Bradley (Alex Currie)

Lewis Davey (Newham & Essex Beagles, Trevor Painter)

Seamus Derbyshire (City of Stoke, Alex O’Gorman)

Charlie Dobson (Colchester, Leon Baptiste)

Josh Faulds (Rugby & Northampton AC, James Wright)

Alex Haydock-Wilson (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, Dai Greene)

Toby Harries (Brighton Phoenix, David Sadkin)

Jake Minshull (Coventry, James Wright)

Lee Thompson (Sheffield & Dearne, John Henson)

*The mixed relay teams will be selected from the athletes above

4th March 2026 0 comment

TSF News

Laureus Nominations & Shortlist Quotes & Comments

written by Hugh

LANDO, LITTLER AND THE LIONESSES LEAD NINE UK NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS

Lando Norris and Luke Littler nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award
England Women’s Football Team, the McLaren Formula One Team and the European Ryder Cup Team shortlisted for Laureus World Team of the Year
Rory McIlroy, Leah Williamson and Simon Yates recognised in the Laureus World Comeback of the Year category
Tom Pidcock nominated for Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year
Winners to be announced at Cibeles Palace, Madrid, on April 20

The Nominees for the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards have been announced today and championship titles, No.1 rankings and remarkable comebacks have earned the UK’s best athletes the chance to receive the sporting honour that every athlete wants to win: The Laureus.

The Nominees include the biggest names in world sport. Among them, Lando Norris, who won his first Formula One Drivers’ Championship, 2025 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Tom Pidcock, rising darts star Luke Littler and former Track Cycling World Champion Simon Yates. Three inspirational teams – and the individuals that underpinned their collective successes – also feature on the shortlist: England Women’s Football Team captain Leah Williamson; the European Ryder Cup Team’s talisman Rory McIlroy; and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team which claimed a second successive Constructors’ Championship behind Norris’s success.

Award winners from eight categories will be selected by the ultimate sporting jury: the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy. Each winner will receive the iconic Laureus statuette at a gala event held in Madrid’s Cibeles Palace on April 20.

Lando Norris won seven Grands Prix in 2025 – including statement victories at Monaco and Silverstone – on the way to a final-race showdown with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, the 2022 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. Norris made the podium to take the title from Verstappen, becoming McLaren’s first champion since Lewis Hamilton.

Norris is nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award and is joined on that shortlist by Luke Littler, who became the youngest‑ever PDC World Darts champion and completed the career ‘Triple Crown’ of World Championship, World Matchplay and Premier League title. The teenager secured the PDC Order of Merit World No.1 ranking by retaining the Grand Slam of Darts, becoming the youngest player in history to achieve the feat at only 18-years-old.

Four incredible athletes join Littler and Norris on the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award shortlist. Désiré Doué scored two of Paris Saint-Germain’s five goals in the final of the UEFA Champions League whilst assisting another; João Fonseca reached the third rounds at the French Open and Wimbledon, whilst debuting in all four Grand Slam main draws; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emulated basketball royalty by winning NBA MVP, Finals MVP and Scoring Champion in the same season; and 12-year-old Yu Zidi won bronze to become the youngest medallist in World Aquatics Championships history.

2025 was a historic year for English football, as the ‘Lionesses’ of the England Women’s Football Team defended their Women’s Euro title of 2022 with a penalty shootout victory over reigning world champions, Spain. Their route to the final was marked by adversity: an opening-day group stage defeat by France; overcoming a two-goal deficit to Sweden in the quarter-final; and a last-minute goal to salvage a semi-final against Italy. Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty in the final gave England their second European crown, becoming only the second team in competition history to retain the title.

The McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team are also nominated for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award and – like the Lionesses – successfully defended their collective crown. With 14 Grand Prix wins in 2025, the Woking-based outfit secured a tenth title with six races remaining.

British stories were at the heart of the European Ryder Cup Team’s first away win in 15 years. A 15-13 victory saw Europe triumph on US soil for the first time since 2012, with strong performances from Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood cementing a dominant opening two days. Tyrrell Hatton secured the outright victory for Europe by tying Collin Morikawa on the final day, with Robert MacIntyre’s half-point further tipping the balance in Europe’s favour. The 2025 title marks Europe’s ninth win from their last 12 appearances this century, with captain Luke Donald becoming only the second team captain to win a Ryder Cup title at home and away.

European Ryder Cup Team Captain Luke Donald said: “Winning a Ryder Cup is special. Winning one away from home is on a different level entirely. Going into New York, we understood exactly what was in front of us. An exceptionally strong US team, playing on home soil, backed by a passionate and vocal crowd. We knew the noise would be loud, the energy intense and the margins small. It was all of that – and more. Those are the moments when leadership truly matters. I was proud of how our experienced players stepped forward and set the tone. Just as proud of the younger guys who embraced the occasion and never flinched. They did not shrink from it – they grew into it.

“When Shane holed that putt to retain the trophy, and Tyrrell secured the half-point to win it outright, there was an overwhelming sense of collective achievement. Not relief – belief. It was the culmination of preparation, trust and a shared purpose. A true team effort in every sense. I was fortunate to be part of the Miracle of Medinah team in 2012, and to receive the Laureus Team of the Year award in 2013 was incredibly special. To be considered for a Laureus award again, after what this group achieved together in New York, is a real honour.”

Historic first triumphs in 2025 for three other teams see them join the Laureus World Team of the Year Award shortlist. The India Women’s Cricket Team won a maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil; Paris Saint-Germain claimed a first Champions League title as part of a six-trophy season; and the Oklahoma City Thunder recorded a first NBA championship in franchise history.

Rory McIlroy was one of Europe’s Ryder Cup protagonists: his individual achievements also earn him recognition on the shortlist for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. In 2025, the Northern Irish golfer ended an 11-year wait for a Major championship title since winning The Open Championship in 2014. His final round at The Masters began inauspiciously with a double bogey, but remarkable birdies on the 15^th and 17^th holes set up a playoff against Justin Rose. McIlroy’s 18^th hole victory not only ended his personal drought, but also secured a career Grand Slam: he is only the sixth golfer in history to achieve the feat.

Arsenal and England captain Leah Williamson led club and country to silverware in 2025 – but an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2023 forced her to take an extended absence from football. Returning in January 2024, Williamson rejoined the England camp a month later and, despite having missed the Women’s World Cup, started every game on the road to England’s second-consecutive title. Her performances at club level were equally impressive: Williamson anchored Arsenal to wins against Real Madrid and OL Lyonnes, eventually lifting the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy following a 1-0 victory against holders FC Barcelona.

Simon Yates’ comeback story was a tale of mental resilience. In 2018, Yates surrendered a 38-minute lead in the closing stages of the Giro d’Italia, limping home in 21^st as Chris Froome snatched the Maglia Rosa after 13 days. Seven years later, he turned a deficit into victory at the same event, catching Isaac del Toro on that same Colle delle Finestre to win by nearly four minutes.

The British trio’s fellow Nominees include Amanda Anisimova, who reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals just two years on from a mental health break; Egan Bernal, who won Stage 16 of the Vuelta a España following a near-fatal crash in 2022; and Yulimar Rojas who, following Achilles tendon surgery in 2024, won a bronze medal in the Triple Jump at the World Championships.

The 2025 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year, Tom Pidcock, receives a second-consecutive nomination in this year’s shortlist. An outstanding season saw Pidcock build on his Olympic cycling successes of 2024 by sealing the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and European Mountain Bike Championship titles. On the road, Pidcock was equally successful, reaching a Grand Tour podium for the first time at the Vuelta a España to reinforce his reputation as one of world cycling’s most versatile athletes.

Pidcock is not the only former winner to make the 2026 shortlist: Chloe Kim became the most decorated woman in X Games history in 2025, by securing an eighth gold medal in Superpipe. The pair are joined by four-time Nominee and World Street skateboarding champion Rayssa Leal, WSL World Surfing Champions Molly Picklum and Yago Dora, and Kilian Journet who, on foot and bike alone, summitted all 72 of the USA’s accessible 14,000-foot peaks in the space of only 31 days.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé is nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, with the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner guiding Les Parisiens to a six-trophy season. Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner was also triumphant in Melbourne: he is joined by his rival Carlos Alcaraz, who won both the US and French Open titles. An undefeated 2025 saw Mondo Duplantis break four world records and claim two world titles, whilst Tadej Pogačar wore the Maillot Jaune for a third time at the 2025 Tour de France. With 11 Grand Prix wins, Marc Marquéz was crowned MotoGP World Champion for a seventh time.

FC Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí collected a record third-consecutive Ballon d’Or in September, after leading the Catalan club to a domestic treble. She is nominated for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award – an Award that she won in 2024 – and is joined by five inspirational champions. Aryna Sabalenka won the US Open to finish the tennis season as World No.1 for a second-consecutive year, whilst Katie Ledecky furthered her legacy as one of world swimming’s greatest-ever athletes by adding two World Aquatics Championships titles and moving her medal count to a career total of 30. Three stars of the World Athletics Championships round out the shortlist: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden claimed a golden hat-trick in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m finals; Faith Kipyegon won a record fourth 1500m gold medal after becoming the first woman to break the 3:49.00 barrier; and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke the championship record in the 400m flat whilst winning the 4x400m gold.

Six Nominees are in contention for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award, after a selection process held by members of the International Paralympic Committee. David Kratochvíl won seven medals at the World Para Swimming Championships, including four golds: he is joined by fellow Para swimmers Gabriel Araújo, who won a hat-trick of golds and broke the 150m individual medley world record; and Simone Barlaam, who won four golds to take his career tally to 23. Catherine Debrunner won five gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships and set a new 1500m T54 championship record, while Kiara Rodríguez broke the championship record in the women’s jong jump T47 alongside winning two additional gold medals. At the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women’s Championships, Kelsey DiClaudio ended the tournament as MVP and top goal-scorer.

Each year, six Laureus-supported programmes are nominated for the Laureus Sport for Good Award, which recognises exceptional dedication to improving young lives through sport. This year, the shortlist includes: A.S.D Gruppo Sportivo Valanga, a multi‑sport and employability programme combining sports workshops and sports psychology in Turin; Fútbol Más, who promote inclusivity, teamwork and respect through football sessions in Europe and South America; Kings County Tennis League, breaking down economic barriers preventing young people in New York from accessing tennis; MindLeaps, a global programme fusing dance classes with educational support to develop cognitive and life skills; Rugby For Good, a programme based in Hong Kong, China, that champions social and gender equity for children with ADHD; and Transformación Social TRASO, who offer boxing and martial arts classes alongside group therapy sessions for young people in Mexico.

The full list of Nominees is:

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) Tennis – won the French Open and US Open, ending 2025 as the year-end World No.1
Ousmane Dembélé (France) Football – top goalscorer as Paris Saint-Germain won six titles in 2025, and winner of the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA awards
Mondo Duplantis (Sweden) Athletics – won third consecutive outdoor world championship and set four new world records, whilst going undefeated in 2025
Marc Márquez (Spain) Motor Cycling – the 2025 MotoGP World Champion, winning 11 Grand Prix races across 17 starts
Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) Cycling – won a third yellow jersey at the 2025 Tour de France, claiming four stage wins
Jannik Sinner (Italy) Tennis – winner of the Australian Open and Wimbledon, alongside the ATP Tour Finals title and the Paris Masters

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain) Football – claimed a third-consecutive Ballon d’Or after winning the domestic treble with FC Barcelona Femení and reached the Women’s Champions League and European Championship finals
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) Athletics – became only the second woman to win the World Championships Triple Crown – the 100m, 200m and 4x100m
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) Athletics – won a fourth World Championships gold medal in the 1500m final: the first woman to achieve the feat
Katie Ledecky (USA) Swimming – won two gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships, taking her total World Championship medal count to 30
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) Athletics – broke the World Championships 400m record, whilst winning gold with Team USA in the 4x400m relay
Aryna Sabalenka Tennis – year-end World No.1 for the second-consecutive year, after reaching three Grand Slam finals and winning the US Open

LAUREUS WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR

England Women’s Football Team – defended their European Championship title with a penalty shoot-out victory over reigning world champions, Spain
European Ryder Cup Team Golf – claimed a 16^th Ryder Cup title after a 15-13 win: Europe’s first away win since 2012
India Women’s Cricket Team – won a maiden World Cup title, after recording the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history in a semi-final win against Australia
McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (UK) Motor Racing – won their 10^th World Constructors’ Championship with six races to spare
Oklahoma City Thunder (USA) Basketball – equalled the 1996/97 Chicago Bulls team for most NBA season wins en route to winning their first NBA championship
Paris Saint-Germain (France) Football – won a first UEFA Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 and a historic six titles across the calendar year

LAUREUS WORLD BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR

Désiré Doué (France) Football – scored twice for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final and finished second in voting for the 2025 FIFA Kopa Trophy
João Fonseca (Brazil) Tennis – debuted at all four Grand Slam tournaments, reaching the third round of the French Open and Wimbledon
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) Basketball – became the fourth player in basketball history to win the NBA regular season MVP, Finals MVP and scoring champion in the same season
Luke Littler (UK) Darts – became the youngest-ever PDC World Darts champion, completing the career Triple Crown

Lando Norris (UK) Motor Racing – won a maiden Formula One World Drivers’ Championship title at the final race of the season
Yu Zidi (China) Swimming – the youngest-ever World Aquatics Championships medallist at only 12-years-old

LAUREUS WORLD COMEBACK OF THE YEAR

Amanda Anisimova (USA) Tennis – reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals, two years after stepping away from tennis to prioritise her mental health
Egan Bernal (Colombia) Cycling – won a first Grand Tour stage since a near-fatal crash in 2022
Rory McIlroy (UK) Golf – won a first Masters title, ending an 11-year wait for another Major win, and completed the Career Grand Slam
Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela) Athletics – returned to the global stage at the World Athletics Championship, winning bronze after a two-year absence due to an Achilles injury
Leah Williamson (UK) Football – won the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the European Championships, one year after returning to football following an ACL injury
Simon Yates (UK) Cycling – won the 2025 Giro d’Italia, seven years after losing a 38-minute lead in 2018

LAUREUS WORLD ACTION SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Yago Dora (Brazil) Surfing – won a first WSL World Championship title and secured the WSL World No.1 seed
Kilian Jornet (Spain) Ultra Running – summitted all 72 of the 14,000-feet peaks in the USA over the course of just 31 days
Chloe Kim (USA) Snowboarding – became the most decorated woman in X Games history with an eighth gold medal in Superpipe
Rayssa Leal (Brazil) Skateboarding – won Street gold at the SLS Super Crown World Championships, her fourth consecutive title
Molly Picklum (Australia) Surfing – won a first World Surf League championship after defeating 2023 champion, Caroline Marks, in a best of three match
Tom Pidcock (UK) Cycling – won the European XCO title as well as a first Grand Tour podium at the Vuelta a Espana

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY

Gabriel Araújo (Brazil) Para Swimming– won three gold medals at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships whilst breaking the world record in 150m individual medley

Simone Barlaam (Italy) Para Swimming – four golds at the World Aquatics Championships took his career tally to 23

Catherine Debrunner (Switzerland) Para Athletics – won five gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships, setting a championship record in 1500m T54

Kelsey DiClaudio (USA) Para Ice Hockey – finished the World Championship as MVP and leading scorer

David Kratochvíl (Czech Republic) Para Swimming– won four gold, two bronze and a silver medal at the World Para Swimming Championships

Kiara Rodríguez (Ecuador) Para Athletics– won three gold medals and set the Women’s Long Jump T47 championship record at the World Championships

LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD SHORTLIST

A.S.D Gruppo Sportivo Valanga (Italy) Multi-sport x Employability – offers educational opportunities through a combination of sports workshops and sports psychology

Fútbol Mas (Global) Football x Wellbeing – promotes inclusivity, teamwork and respect through football tournaments
Kings County Tennis League (USA) Tennis x Inclusion – breaks down economic barriers preventing local youth from accessing tennis
MindLeaps (Global) Dance x Employability – develops cognitive skills through an innovative programme of dance classes and academic tuition
Rugby For Good (Hong Kong, China) Rugby x Inclusion – champions social and gender equity for children with ADHD

Transformación Social TRASO (Mexico) Martial Arts x Wellbeing – offers twice-weekly boxing and martial arts classes alongside professionally-led group therapy

Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 – Nominee quotes

Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Nominee Jannik Sinner, said: “Looking back at 2025, it was a year where I’m incredibly proud of the work we put in. Defending my Australian Open title was a great start, and reaching all four Grand Slam finals, especially winning Wimbledon, was truly special. I’m incredibly grateful for my team and everyone who supports me. And to the media, thank you for the Laureus nomination. It’s an honour to be considered for the most prestigious Award in sport alongside such an amazing group of athletes.”

Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Nominee Marc Márquez said: “This is my sixth nomination for the Laureus World Sports Awards – but I still get that same buzz that I felt receiving my first one, 12 years ago! The quality of the Nominees goes to show how special the Awards are, and I’m delighted to be shortlisted amongst such prestigious company. It has been an enjoyable but challenging year for me: I’ve been waiting for a long time to get back to the top, and this season took an incredible effort to win the title again. There’s more work to be done, but it’s a special honour to be shortlisted for this Award alongside incredible athletes from tennis, football, athletics, and cycling.”

Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Nominee Aitana Bonmatí, said: “I’d like to thank Laureus and their panel of global sports media for nominating me for this Award for the third time in a row. It’s a pleasure to be recognised, but this nomination wouldn’t be possible without my teammates and all of the staff and coaches for my club and national team. These Awards help us athletes give visibility to our own causes: thanks to Laureus, my work and the achievements of my fellow Nominees can inspire girls and boys around the world, and that’s a huge source of pride for me.”

Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Nominee Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, said: “In 2025, I embraced a new challenge, moving from the 400m hurdles to the 400m — a real step of faith. I’m grateful to have run one of the fastest times ever at World Championships and to have shared 4 x 400m gold with my teammates, moments that felt bigger than me. I’m thankful to Laureus for this recognition, and I hope it shows that change, approached with faith and courage, can lead to unexpected blessings.“

Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Nominee Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be one of six nominees for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. For many years the Laureus Awards has been known as the world’s most prestigious sporting honours, celebrating the greatest athletes in the world each year. I’m also aware of the wider Laureus movement, and inspired by the work of Laureus Sport for Good, using sport as a powerful platform to help young people overcome violence, discrimination, and inequality in their lives. My commitment to being the best sprinter in the world is only matched by my commitment to being the best human being I can be. God has blessed me abundantly and I was raised under the mantra ~ To whom much is given, much is required. Thanks again for recognizing not only my talents but my commitment to youth.”

Laureus World Team of the Year Nominee European Ryder Cup Team captain Luke Donald said: “Winning a Ryder Cup is special. Winning one away from home is on a different level entirely. Going into New York, we understood exactly what was in front of us. An exceptionally strong US team, playing on home soil, backed by a passionate and vocal crowd. We knew the noise would be loud, the energy intense and the margins small. It was all of that – and more. Those are the moments when leadership truly matters. I was proud of how our experienced players stepped forward and set the tone. Just as proud of the younger guys who embraced the occasion and never flinched. They did not shrink from it – they grew into it.

Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Nominee Luke Littler said: ‘’Being nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award is a huge honour – especially being the first darts player to get recognised on this list. It’s been an incredible 12 months and becoming double World Champion and World no.1 is a dream come true but I don’t want to stop there – I want to continue raising the profile of darts globally and bringing new fans into the sport. The nomination is a big moment for me and the sport of darts as a whole.“

Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Nominee Rayssa Leal said: “I am honoured to once again be nominated for this Award after a year that ended with my fourth consecutive SLS Super Crown, which I won in front of another crazy crowd in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This event – and the support of my Brazilian fans – has become so special to me and it’s something I look forward to every year. The Laureus World Sports Awards has become something similar, a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and celebrate our collective and individual achievements as a community. For us athletes, receiving these nominations is a great privilege: not only because it recognises success, but also that it gives us the visibility to inspire the next generation by sharing a platform such as the Laureus World Sports Awards with the greatest athletes in the world.”

Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Nominee Gabriel Araújo, said: “I am deeply honored to be nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards and, first of all, I would like to thank my family and my friends, who support me every day and make all of this possible. I am especially grateful to my coach, Fábio, for his dedication, guidance, and for believing in me throughout this journey. Our story is still at the beginning, and we have the ambition to make history. Every time I enter the pool, I am motivated by something greater than medals: I want to show people with disabilities that sport is also for them, that they belong, and that they can achieve great things. I also sincerely thank the International Paralympic Committee, the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, and the Laureus Awards for this nomination and for recognizing Paralympic athletes around the world. This recognition represents progress toward a more inclusive and equal sporting world, and I am proud to be part of this movement.”

Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Nominee Simone Barlaam, said: “After such an impactful event like the Paris 2024 Paralympic Game its never easy to go back to the pool and get lit that fire within you again. Luckily that wasn’t the case for me. I still feel that I have lots to give to my sport. The Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships were an example of this. I was so happy and motivated to compete there. The competition went beyond my expectations and to come home with four gold medals was truly something special. Some of the small margins of victory in those races reflected the intensity of competition in Para Swimming. For example the final of the 400m freestyle was particularly close as I battled with my good friend Jacobo Garrido Braun for the first place (with a margin of just tenths of a second).

“To be nominated for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award is an incredible honour and privilege. To be on the shortlist alongside another two Para Swimmers (and friends) like Gabriel Araújo and David Kratochvil is a great testament to how far our sport has come.”

3rd March 2026 0 comment

Football

Stick To Football Episode 118: Gyokeres Finds Form, Sesko Saves United & Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream

written by Hugh

On this week’s episode, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Jill Scott are joined by special guest Roberto Martinez, who reflects on his squad ahead of the World Cup and discusses Cristiano Ronaldo’s role as the tournament approaches. We look back at a huge North London Derby, as Arsenal got the better of Spurs, with Viktor Gyökeres continuing his rich vein of form. Benjamin Šeško was at it again too, coming off the bench for Manchester United as the super sub. The team break down both strikers’ impact and how crucial they could be in the final stretch of the season.

00:00 Intro

08:03 Viktor Gyökeres

19:41 Sesko and United Attack

21:49 Tottenham Relegation Worries

34:59 PL Companion by Microsoft Copilot

39:06 Super 6

51:43 Roberto Martinez and Portugal

53:11 Bruno Fernandes

01:00:08 Cristiano Ronaldo

01:17:14 Community Questions

Key Quotes:

Keane on Tottenham’s chances of getting relegated…

“New managers in the door. I still think they’ll be okay. I’m not falling for this one, they’re too good to go down. The games they’ve got coming up. I do think they’ll find a bit more than Forrest and West Ham. It’s as simple as that. I still think Tottenham will have enough to stay.”

Martinez discussing whether he would adapt his playing style if he ever went back to the Premier League…

“No, not at all. I think the danger that we have is this team plays football because being average at something is not going to give you points. Even if you are physical or you’re going to be percentage football, you need to be exceptional at something. I believe if you become exceptional at what you do, you’ll win games. It’s not going to happen overnight and when I became a manager, someone said, remember, you become a manager twice. The first time they give you a job and the first time you lose four games in a trot and it’s so true because the moment that you doubt and you start saying, oh, we played football now, we lost four, maybe we should go a bit more direct, then you’re done.”

Martinez on his experiences managing at Swansea…

“I don’t believe about going to a club or to a league. I believe I’m going to a person that believes in your job because then he’s going to give you trust. I don’t know at Swansea because that was a big risk from the chairman, Hugh Jenkins. He saw me as a captain there and he knew about my ideas and the way I wanted to play and I believe that as a manager you could be a footballing team in the lower leagues. It was this stigma that ‘you cannot play good football in the lower leagues to get promoted’ and I thought no you can, but you need to be very clear how you’re going to do it. I think if I would have lost four games in a row I would have got the sack.”

Martinez on Bruno Fernandes…

“I think he’s very unfairly assessed at Manchester United. I think if we are very objective to be the captain of Manchester United in the last three or four years. I bet he’s been incredibly tough at every level and what I appreciate from him is he never hides. I’m not going to value if he makes the right pass, the right execution, but whatever happens, in any action, he’s back. He always plays. He’s the one that is a leader. The way he’s very emotional, but in a very respected way by his teammates. When the teammates see Bruno upset, they react.”

“When Bruno reacts emotionally, it’s because something’s not right. It’s almost a message to somebody. He looks after every player. He would never, ever let anyone down. What I appreciate is the consistency. Last season was the player with the biggest amount of minutes in Europe. If you’re the captain of Manchester United in a tough period, it’s difficult to be available all the time and always being there. He never shies away even when the game’s not going great for him, he’s always giving the ball and make something happen.”

“He will be the player that is almost going to be executing the difficult pass, the final pass. He’s going to get in the final third. Tactically, very intelligent. He’s a player that is constantly making decisions. He assesses where the opposition is, where the space is, how can you affect the game. That is something that is in his nature.”

Martinez on managing Cristiano Ronaldo…

“It’s very simple. He gets that, as a national coach, you have to create the most competitive environment and it’s the environment that he tells you who should play. You would never force anybody to play. You wouldn’t make a decision that he goes against having the stronger team on the pitch. The measurement of a player in the national team, we always look at the player. Cristiano, since I arrived in 2023, has been exemplary. He’s been a captain that is an example for everybody. He’s got an incredible attitude, incredible appetite to help the younger players. The discipline, the work, the winning mentality that he brought into the training environment. He’s been a great leader and a great captain.”

Martinez on Ronaldo’s quest for records…

“He’s not bothered about 1,000 goals and he feels what’s the difference for me scoring 1,050 or 950 I’m the same player and now it’s become a bit different in the final third. I think he appreciates that he attracts two players, he opens a space so he can make better decisions when and when not to but it’s true that it’s changed this is not the player 25, 26 that he had to be driven to be a player that he got more goals than appearances for Real Madrid.”

Martinez on the World Cup’s new format…

“I think 48 teams is right. I think the more teams that you get in a World Cup, the more that everybody can have the dream of playing in a World Cup and being there. What I don’t like is that there are three teams out of four that they qualify in eight out of 12 groups. I don’t think the format works. I think it should be the other way around. Eight first places in the Champions League, they miss one game.

They go to the next one and everybody else got an extra game. I think the format needs to adjust. It’s very difficult when you’re in a World Cup to almost manage that side. You need to be very consistent.”

Stick to Football is brought to you by Arne Clothing – to watch the full podcast episode with Roberto Martinez, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Jill Scott visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLcOSlmj3Ng

28th February 2026 0 comment

Pick Your Sport

Desailly: Palmer should ‘follow his heart’ if he wants to leave Chelsea

written by Hugh

Former Chelsea star Marcel Desailly has told FootItalia that Chelsea will bounce back swiftly if Cole Palmer ‘follows his heart’ and quits the club this summer.

“I’m sure he’s giving his best to get Chelsea into the top four,” he said. “But if his heart is telling him to go – well, I had to choose between Monaco and Marseille once, and I followed my heart. I went to Marseille because I was a fan.

“Chelsea have the potential to perform without Palmer. He has a long contract, so if he were to leave, significant money would come in that you could reinvest in players who fit the manager’s philosophy.

“Fans are educated differently now. It’s about the club, not any one player. Players come and go in modern football, but the club is the priority in the hearts of supporters.”

Liam Rosenior must lay down the law to Chelsea players

Desailly also went into detail about how the new Blues boss can win the hearts and minds of his young squad.

He said: “Liam Rosenior is in the same position as Enzo Maresca was – he needs to win the players’ belief. He doesn’t have a long managerial background and he needs to build that trust.

“What made Jose Mourinho so effective back in the day was that he won his players over through the training sessions – through the clarity of his philosophy and tactical system, without constant changes.

“That’s what Rosenior now needs to bring: discipline, first and foremost defensively, and then leadership. Enzo Fernández – is providing some of that. Wesley Fofana as well.

“These young players have the potential to bring leadership, but they need belief through the manager’s philosophy.”

Words & Image Courtesy of FootItalia

28th February 2026 0 comment

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