Features

10 reasons why sports mega events are increasingly hosted by authoritarian countries and not democratic western states

by Emilia Ottela - 0561

The most recent example of a democratic state that cancelled a bid for the Olympic Games came in November 2018 when Calgary voted against hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics. Stockholm is still bidding for those Games. It withdrew its bid for the 2022 Games and also the current bid is arguable.

“I can deal with it a lot easier now; you just have to pick and choose what situations you put yourself in” – England cricketer Sarah Taylor opens up about her anxiety after missing November’s World T20

by Peter White - 0511

It is now over a month since England suffered a heavy, eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Women’s World T20 final. Despite ultimate disappointment that the side couldn’t add the Twenty20 title to their World Cup win in the 50-over format a year earlier, it was generally felt that Heather Knight’s

“There’s a reason why people who listen to cricket on the radio, call it the soundtrack to their summer.” — Adam Collins on purchasing broadcasting rights and the influence of new media

by Darren Barnard - 0167

Sydney Cricket Ground. 1999. Over 40,000 Sydney-siders are cheering on Stuart MacGill as he takes seven wickets to seal another famous Ashes series victory for the Australians. Tens of thousands in the stadium are following every ball intently on their handheld radios. Fast forward two decades and one of those spectators,

Riots, missing players and limes — The story of the Irishman taking on the Cambodian League

by Benjamin Jones - 0173

For many, travelling around Australia is all about discovery. For Conor Nestor though, he discovered far more than the cheapest bars and the best places to get a tan. The Limerick native took off on this around-the-world trip shortly after leaving his role as Development Officer for the FAI, citing

What to expect from sport in 2019

by Peter White - 0203

As the dust settles on 2018, it would be easy to sit back and reflect on another amazing year of sport. With the FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and all of the annual events too, there was certainly plenty to celebrate. Even if it didn’t quite

“Swimming in Nepal isn’t a sport, but a dirty political game that stripped me of my passion” — Sofia Shah reflects on her decision to quit Nepal

by Maria Lopes - 01601

When the Nepal Open Swimming Championships take place next year, a new winner will be crowned among the women, as multi-event national record holder Sofia Shah will not be present. At this year's championship, Sofia managed to attain a medal in every event she raced in, winning gold in the 50m

Reshmin Chowdhury on BAME representation within the sports media industry

by Michael Jordan - 01146

Raheem Sterling's statement which voiced his feelings that racism within football is fuelled by newspapers and the media has necessarily brought an ever-so ugly issue surrounding the sport to a head. We find ourselves living in one of the most thriving and diverse ages where anyone with a dream and a

The story of London’s last remaining polo club

by Darren Barnard - 0228

Britain. 1926. A year remembered for the general strike and the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. A horse-powered country that was still recovering from the devastation of the Great War. Millions were still restricted to strict rationing. Just 8 miles away from Hyde Park corner a new social hub for the