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Jaguar Academy of Sports

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Murray Walker

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Jodie Kidd

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

WIN GLOVES SIGNED BY JAMES DEGALE

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Courtesy of our friends at Lonsdale, Sportsvibe are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of boxing gloves signed by Olympic Gold medallist and now professional boxer, James 'Chunky' DeGale.

To win this fantastic prize, simply answer the following question.

At which Olympic Games did Degale win his Gold Medal?

Win signed boxing gloves

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Frankie Picks A Star

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Probably the most famous jockey in the world, Frankie Dettori will always be remembered for his ‘Magnificent Seven’ at Ascot in 1996. He is the retained jockey to the powerful Godolphin stable and has ridden 13 British Classics in his career.

Currently riding in Dubai, he will be returning to Britain shortly in preparation for the start of the UK flat racing season.

Here, Frankie gives his opinion on the big debate in horseracing at the moment; Kauto Star or Denman in the Cheltenham Gold Cup:

“I think Kauto Star will win because he has a good cruising speed and a very good turn of foot. I really like the horse as he is such a flashy looker.”

Frankie Dettori’s charity choice is Racing Welfare.
Racing Welfare is the only organization to provide help and support for all people who work or who have worked in the racing industry.

They deliver nationwide support through a network of welfare officers and a 24 hour helpline, as well as providing financial aid to those who suffer injury, illness or other disadvantage. Quality, affordable housing is also provided for racing’s retired or for young people who have just entered the industry.

Racing Welfare are there to help and support the often unsung heroes of the racing industry in times of need. Through their work the charity seeks to enable and enhance the lives of racing’s entire workforce and to benefit the British racing industry.

www.racingwelfare.co.uk

Mr Betdaq
This year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most eagerly awaited races in living memory and let’s just hope that both horses get there in top form. Frankie has gone for Kauto Star, the “flashy looker”, and it is difficult to argue with him. This is one of the greatest horses of all-time who has already re-written the history books by becoming the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

It was a shame that Denman unseated Tony McCoy in his prep race at Newbury, as it has slightly taken the gloss off this massive contest. However, Paul Nicholls always said he’d left a lot to work on with Denman and ‘The Tank’ should be at the top of his game next Friday, just as he was when winning the Hennessy for the second time in November.

The big worry for Denman fans, though, is the likelihood of good ground which will play into the hands of Kauto Star. Kauto’s at Kempton on Boxing Day was one of the most incredible performances ever seen on a racecourse and Nicholls has found that keeping him fresh is absolutely vital.

It isn’t just a two-horse race with decent horses like Imperial Commander, Cooldine and Tricky Trickster lining up, but it would still be a big surprise if one of them finished in the first two.

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Frankie’s Celebrity Punt:
Kauto Star to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup   8/11

Cheltenham Gold Cup odds:
Kauto Star       4/5
Denman       4/1
Imperial Commander   10/1
Cooldine       11/1
Tricky Trickster       20/1
33/1 bar

Log-on to www.betdaqexchangeviews.com for a comprehensive in-running guide to all the key Cheltenham Festival races.

Jaguar Academy of Sport (Part one)

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe were at the Jaguar Academy of Sport, and bumped into World Gold medal heptathlete Jessica Ennis, rowing legend Sir Steve Regrave and cricket supremo Michael Vaughan. Watch as they talk about baking pies, busy retirements and the next generation of sports stars.

Part-two with even more sporting legends will feature soon...

Jodie Kidd

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe caught up with the lovely Jodie Kidd, who took time out from racing cars and playing polo. See her talk about bringing polo to the masses, running the London Marathon and her excitement about the World Cup in South Africa.

Murray Walker

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe motored in for a chat with national treasure and F1 commentating supremo Murray Walker, to hear about his memorable career, the highs and lows of motorsport and his hilarious Murray Walkerisms.

David Coulthard & Eddie Jordan

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe takes on the best double-act in Formula One, the legendary David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan. See the pair discuss their love-hate relationship, their first year as BBC pundits and thoughts on the new season.

PARALYMPIC HOPEFULS SLIDE A MILE

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The National Volleyball Centre in Kettering will be hosting one of the more unusual Sport Relief Mile attempts this year when the GB Sitting Volleyball team takes on the “Slide a Mile” challenge.

A Sitting Volleyball court measures 10m x 6m, meaning that the players involved will have to cover over 160 court lengths, going under the net each time. Players will be attempting the challenge in groups of six, with at least four groups achieving the full mile.

As well as a fundraising target of £2000 for the worthy Sport Relief cause, the “Slide a Mile” challenge is an opportunity to draw attention to the growing sport of Sitting Volleyball with the view to attract new players.

Sitting Volleyball is another version of Volleyball that has been adapted to allow anyone to participate, including those with a disability, and has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1980. London 2012 is set to be the first Paralympic Games that Great Britain will put forward both men’s and women’s Sitting Volleyball squads.

To help the “Slide a Mile” challenge reach its fundraising target, please visit

www.justgiving.com/Team-GB-Slide-a-mile-for-Sport-Relief

For more information on getting involved with Sitting Volleyball, regional centres and much more, please visit

www.volleyballengland.org/sitting

GOING TO THE WORLD CUP IN STYLE

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Since Umbro rebooted the England home kit design a year ago, the nation has been contemplating how they would work the away strip, arguably the most iconic image of English football.

Now it is finally on sale and was unveiled by no less than cool Brit-rockers Kasabian, on-stage in Paris. The new shirt has been designed by Aitor Throup and David Branch, and it echoes the famous Aztec jersey, as worn by the class of ’66 - hopefully some of that team's class will rub off in South Africa.

The new shirt may look just like the iconic kit, but on closer inspection you realise it's got all-new details. For a start England’s new shirt is made of three panels, each one a slight variation of red and using different material. This is done to improve movement and look cool too.

Another noticeable feature is the tailored fit of the shirt. This was something done with the re-boot of the home strip, where generic sizes have been replaced with measurements, making the shirt much more fitted.

The white cuffs are stylish, and give the shirt a smart look, even more noticeable on the longer sleeved version. By basing it largely on the ’66 shirt, it makes previous away shirts appear dated. Overall, the end product is a bit of a modern classic, and hopefully it will give Capello’s men that spirit of ‘66, come the World Cup this summer.

For more information on the England kits please visit: www.umbro.com.

Can Henman Or Rusedski Save British Tennis?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

When Andy Murray reached the final of the Australian Open it was a great moment for British tennis fans. Yet, just a few months later British tennis has hit an all time low. As Murray took a well earned break from competition, the British Davis Cup team lost to Lithuania and now face the possibility of dropping down to the lowest tier of the Davis Cup.

Should the Lawn Tennis Association get rid of current captain, John Lloyd and turn to one of its former stars? Greg Rusedski already works with some of the young hopefuls, while Boris Becker has suggested that Tim Henman is the man to breathe new life into the Davis Cup team.

Can either or these past masters save British tennis from the doldrums or are the players simply not good enough?

Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Cricket hero Freddie Flintoff knocks Sportsvibe for six with this beauty.

KIDS GO FREE AT RUGBY SEVENS

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Children will be able to enjoy try-filled rugby from top rugby stars at the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 14th August.

The new "Kids Go Free" initiative is part of the drive to introduce a younger and more diverse audience to rugby at Twickenham giving them a fun and affordable day out during the summer holidays.

The Middlesex Sevens tournament is an exciting knock-out tournament of 16 top rugby teams including England, Scotland, Wales, Guinness Premiership clubs and invitation sides plus exhibition matches. Many of the players on the pitch will have an eye on the chance of a place in GB's future Olympic Sevens team.

Josh Lewsey, former England international and previous winner of the Middlesex Sevens with London Wasps comments: "The Middlesex Sevens should be a date in every rugby fans diary. It's a great family day out with a great tradition."

Over the years the event has played host to numerous rugby stars, including Will Carling, Lawrence Dallaglio and Jason Robinson.

This rugby event is a great chance to spot budding rugby stars on the field and in the audience. Whilst there is the serious business of winning on the pitch there is plenty of fun to be had off the pitch with fancy dress competitions, music and karaoke, face painting, inflatable games, magicians, and plenty of live interaction with the crowd.

For more information on the event and ticket information click onto - www.middlesex7s.com

Steve Bull

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Wolves and England legend Steve Bull hits the back of the net with his shout for Sportsvibe.

Andrew Flintoff

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Jenny Meadows

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Tom Daley

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe caught up with cricketing legend Freddie Flintoff to talk Elvis conspiracy theories, driving cows through Preston city centre, winning beard of the year in 2005 and how Jonny Cash was the inspiration behind a test win in India.

Andrew Flintoff is a brand ambassador for Puma. www.puma.com

Tom Daley

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I thought my life wouldn’t get any crazier after I competed at the Beijing Olympics, but I was wrong. Winning the world title in the 10 metres platform competition at the world diving championships has resulted in all kinds of amazing experiences, few of which I’m ever likely to forget.

Before Beijing I was lucky enough to win the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year. After the Olympics I got to meet the Queen and have breakfast at Number 10 Downing Street, as well as introduce George Sampson, the “Britain’s Got Talent” winner on stage at the Royal Variety Performance, and present the BAFTA TV award for sports coverage.

But after becoming world champion at 15 years old it’s taken on an even bigger dimension, capped by an open-top bus parade through the streets of my home city, Plymouth. I was concerned that nobody would turn up but it was sunny day and thousands of people made the effort which was really nice to see.

Other highlights include a photo shoot with George Sampson, getting to know top photographer David Bailey and winning the Sports Hero of the Year award at the BBC Switch awards. It was a little surreal to have hundreds of girls screaming as I went up on stage which was a first for me. I also managed to win the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year award again which, so I’m told, makes me the first person to have won it twice. I’m very happy and honoured to have received the trophy on two occasions. I was also really excited to be named in the short-list of ten for the main award alongside some true greats of British sport. Ryan Giggs, the eventual winner, sat behind me during the ceremony, and I got to talk to Jenson Button, who struck me as a really nice bloke. The BBC’s Blue Peter team also came down to my home in Plymouth to present me with a coveted gold badge and that, believe me, is up there with the world championships diving gold medal.

Recently I’ve filmed a sketch with James Corden for Sport Relief l. I’m a huge fan of “Gavin and Stacey” and I can tell you that James is just as funny in real life as he is on TV. Everything’s a joke with James,! I came across him again when I appeared on Sky 1’s new sports quiz, “A League of Their Own,” which will be aired very soon. I can’t say too much about it except that I was on Jamie Redknapp’s team taking on Freddie Flintoff’s team with James in charge. It was great fun and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the show.

My other highlight outside of the pool was not only getting to meet and be in a photo shoot with Kate Moss, but actually take pictures of her for my photography GCSE.
2010 is the year of GCSE’s for me, although I’ve managed to obtain three A*’s early to ease the pressure. The problem is squeezing in the work and the exam-taking in between competitions. To give you an idea I’m going to the Laureus Sports Awards in Abu Dhabi where I’m up for the Breakthrough of the Year award, then it’s off to compete in China, Mexico, Sheffield, and Canada. I’ll be taking two Spanish exams and my English Literature whilst in China. This means having to go to a Chinese school to sit them, and at the same time as they are taken in England. This means, with the time difference, it could be 9 or 10pm, but it stops someone back home in Plymouth telling me what the questions were before I’ve taken the exams. I’m hoping to study Maths, Psychology, Spanish and Photography at “A” Level, so I’ve just got to ensure that I obtain as high a mark as I can in each of my remaining GCSE’s.

Mind you, that’s not to say my diving’s going to take a back seat. Far from it. I’m introducing two new dives to my repertoire – a back two and half somersault, two and half twist, which I’ve already produced, and an arm stand, back, triple somersault, pike. My age and body had prevented me from taking on the really difficult and highest-marking dives until now, although it didn’t stop me becoming world champion. I’m so excited because if I can perfect the new dives it can hopefully result in better marks. It’s going to take a little time, though, to get it right. It’s like kicking the ball with the other foot.

It was so strange winning that world title. Nobody expected it, including me. All my main competitors train twice a day whilst I, because of my school commitments, can only train once, and all the others could attempt more challenging dives which offer higher marks. I had to go safe, got the points in the bag, then watched as everyone else failed to hit the mark with their harder dives. I guess it will be just as hard now to keep the standard up, which is a new challenge in itself and one I’ll have to deal with at, among other competitions, the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October. I can’t wait for that. I actually qualified for the 2006 Games in Melbourne but was told I was too young, so these will be my first Commonwealths.

All in all 2010 promises to be another big year for me. If I can finish it with the exam results I’m aiming for, and more success at the Commonwealths and elsewhere, then I’ll be happy. After that all eyes will focus on the 2012 London Olympics. I’ll be taking my “A” Levels either well before or afterwards, to ensure that I can devote all my time to the London Games. People think it’s my big chance but I’ll only be 18 and, by my reckoning, will have another three Olympics in me after London, which would make it five in total.
If I can achieve that I might just get another Blue Peter badge!

The Jaguar Academy of Sport - a Veritable Who's Who!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Attending the Launch of the Jaguar Academy of Sport yesterday in London, of which I am a member of the media panel, was like having lunch with every sportsman and woman you'd ever want to. Laid on by top chef Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley those who attended included: Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Ian Botham, Dame Kelly Holmes, Gareth Edwrads, Denise Lewis, Jessica Ennis, Michael Vaughan, Colin Jackson, Mark Foster, Martin Brundle, Dave Brailsford, Jamie Baulch and Tasha Danvers. Shane Williams and a certain David Beckham were unable to attend but Becks left a message of support on video, which made big fan Jessica Ennis especially happy. I sat next to Tasha who was a great delight, in mischievous form and possesses one of the biggest laughs in sport. The hope is that through the Jaguar Academy, which will be handing out bursaries to Britain's future sports stars and using their star names as mentors, an Olympic or world champion or three will be unearthed. Maybe the steady drip drip of lost sporting talent in this country will be slowed right down as a result?

LAUNCH OF JAGUAR ACADEMY OF SPORT

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Jaguar Academy of Sport was launched (4th March 2010) at a ceremony in London by Sir Ian Botham, Gareth Edwards CBE, Dame Kelly Holmes DBE, Denise Lewis OBE, Sir Steve Redgrave and supported by David Beckham OBE by video message.

These legends of British sport are the Patrons of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, which aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success.

At the heart of the Jaguar Academy is a Bursary Fund that will support the development of young British sporting talent. All sports will be considered and the beneficiaries will be those who demonstrate the greatest potential, real dedication to their sport and an outstanding desire to succeed. The Jaguar Academy will work closely with charity SportsAid, using their proven process and expertise to ensure the very best talent is identified and supported.

The final decision on the successful athletes nominated for a Bursary will be made by the Patrons of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, some of the nation’s most successful sportsmen and women. Over time it is hoped this fund will help to develop the next generation of British sporting champions.

The Jaguar Academy will also feature a prestigious annual Awards ceremony celebrating the best British sporting achievements of the year and will also recognise rising stars from across British sport. The best performing Jaguar Academy Bursary winners will be invited to the Awards, supporting the mission of the Jaguar Academy to recognise, celebrate and inspire the next generation of British sporting talent.

The Patrons were joined in London by Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassadors, Jamie Baulch, Dave Brailsford CBE, Martin Brundle, Tasha Danvers, Jessica Ennis, Mark Foster, Colin Jackson CBE and Michael Vaughan OBE. The Patrons and Ambassadors represent a unique group of the best of British sport that have represented our country with great distinction. They will share their knowledge, experience and guidance to inspire the next generation.

www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk

Andre Winner

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Mixed Martial Arts is widely regarded as one of the toughest sports in the world, combining submissions and knock outs, it takes a dedicated individual to succeed. Sportsvibe caught up with Andre Winner - an Ultimate Fighter series 9 finalist - to find out just how hard it is to become a professional cage fighter.

Now a fully fledged member of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Winner will be showcasing his fighting skills across the globe. But when the 28-year-old is back home in England he trains with Team Rough House, widely regarded as the best MMA camp in Britain. Training with fellow UFC Fighters, Ross Pearson and Dan Hardy, it is here that he must hone his mat wrestling skills.

Yet, unlike the world of professional wrestling nothing in MMA is faked, fighters train in multiple disciplines and face the prospect of serious injury every time they compete. “When I am training I work on quite a few different areas such as boxing and Thai boxing which helps my striking. My strength and conditioning work is done with Ollie Richardson who is the Leicester Tigers' fitness coach. He gets me doing a lot of squatting, dead-lifting and bench pressing. Then when I head back to the gym I will work on my wrestling and Jui-Jitsu, which improves my submissions.”

Each fighter has their own style, whether it is kick boxing or karate, but Winner knows his most potent weapon is his striking. “I would class myself as a good all rounder but striking is probably my best aspect. It doesn’t really matter who I am facing, my background is in boxing so that is where I feel most comfortable. My game plan is pretty simple, stay on my feet and beat the guy up.”

This is something that Winner is extremely good at but the Leicester fighter still wants to improve his punch power. “When I am away from the camp I will concentrate a lot on my strength, so I will do weights four times a week. I do 135kg squats, that’s proper squats as well, I am talking about getting right to the floor.”

For a man that fights at welterweight and weighs around 70kg it is impressive lifting. “I also do chin ups with an extra 55kg attached to my body so my strength to weight ratio is pretty decent. On top of that I will do dynamic runs, bench presses, lead ball throws and chest presses.”

The weight limitations mean that he can never become over muscular and preparations must change as a fight approaches. Fight camps last around 12 weeks with training evolving as the day of the fight comes closer. “When I enter a training camp I like to be a bit over the weight, then from around 8 weeks out I will get down to just a few kilos over the weight limit. Then a week before the fight I will cut out the carbs and water load. I will also eat lighter meats such as chicken and fish.”

Although a non-title contest has a 15 minute time limit, fights are incredibly intense and demand high levels of physical stamina. On top of the heavy lifting there must be plenty of conditioning work. “MMA is an anaerobic sport, you are using a lot of muscles at once and it is pretty explosive,” he continues to explain. “I don’t really do lots of long jogs any more, generally I do interval training and hill sprints. You need to be able to go as hard as you can for those 15 minutes.”

The weeks leading up to a fight are the toughest, and it is during these crucial training sessions that the intensity is increased. “My routine becomes more fight specific in terms of conditioning; I do a lot more muscular endurance and cardio. I will start with a few rounds of skipping, and then move on to shadow boxing. Once I am properly warmed up, I go on to the heavy bag for five rounds with each round lasting three minutes.

“Next we work in bursts, so I will do 15 seconds on and 15 seconds off. This means that the first stage I’ll work at a fast rate and stay on my toes, and the next stage I’ll really dig in the punches. After this I will do around seven rounds of pad work and then finish up with some more shadow boxing.”

On top of all this cardio work, Winner has to prepare his body for the punishment that comes from taking kicks and punches to all areas of the body. “I do something called the Rocky ab workout, which is where you hold onto parallel bars and lower your self down, you then do a series of crunches by extending your legs at a 90-degree angle. It really tones the stomach muscles which is important for core conditioning.”

Even after months of hard training, Winner is happy in the knowledge that the fight can be over in the blink of an eye. “Once you step into that cage, you realise that all that hard work has been worth it and hopefully you can knock the guy out and be done in less than a minute.”

THE FAMILY SECRET TO WINNING THE WORLD CUP

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

What is it that makes the Cohen family World Cup winning pedigree? Both George and Ben know the answer.

Uncle George played right back for England, when they captured the World Cup in 1966 and nephew Ben was a left winger for England during the rugby success in 2003.

Despite both excelling at completely different sports, they share similar outlooks. Similarities in management styles of Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Clive Woodward and experiences with leaders like Booby Moore and Martin Johnson, impacted both Cohens in their profession.

George and Ben are available to appear and share their first-hand experiences for speaking engagements, hospitality, PR, promotions and endorsements. They are represented by Big Bug Sports.

For more information, visit: www.bigbugsports.com.

Win Signed Bat

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

WIN A SIGNED FREDDIE FLINTOFF BAT

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Courtesy of our friends at Puma we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a bat signed by England legend, Freddie Flintoff.

The all new range of Puma Iridium bats have their driving power higher up the bat, the result is an impressive combination of pure power and stability.

For your chance to win one of these ultra modern bats simply answer the following question.

Which county does Flintoff play for?

WE ARE ENGLAND LAUNCH PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Commonwealth Games England has launched the ‘We Are England’ photography competition, aimed at finding the ultimate photographs that best represent England in all of its glory. The competition is to celebrate everything about England and ‘Englishness’ ahead of the Commonwealth Games that take place later this year in Delhi.

Photographs can be of anything at all that represents England – from a historic English landmark, to a traditional English game taking place in a park, or even photographs taken live at an English sporting event. All it needs to do is encompass the spirit of England to those entering.

There are some amazing prizes on offer to win, including a lunch hosted by double Olympic Gold Medalist Dame Kelly Holmes and Centre Court Wimbledon tickets.

The winners will also be invited to attend a champagne breakfast at the launch of the exhibition at the SW1 Gallery on Wednesday, April 21st, and will be joined by some of the top Commonwealth Games England athletes and representatives as well as members of the media. The exhibition of the winning photographs will run until Sunday, April 25th and entrance will be free of charge to the public.

The competition will be split into three categories - a professional photographer category, an amateur photographer category for the 16 and under age group, and an amateur photographer category for the 17 and over age group. Entries are to be emailed to weareengland@threepipe.co.uk, and although there should only be one photograph per email, there is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted.

For more information on how to enter please visit www.weareengland.org

DANNY MILLS PREPARES FOR HIS MARATHON CHALLENGE

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Former England International, Danny Mills had plenty of time to think about life after football when a serious knee injury ruled him out of action for more than 18 months. Realising that he would never fully recover to play professionally, the former right back announced – in August 2009 - that he was retiring from the game, at just 32 years of age.

So what would come next for the man who helped England progress to the quarter finals of the 2006 World Cup? The answer is attempting the Brighton Marathon in a wheelchair.

“Once I picked up the injury and realised that this was a potentially career threatening injury, I started thinking about what I could do if the worst came to the worst.” he explains. “When it did I thought about running a marathon for charity as it was something that I had always wanted to do, but with 2 bad knees it wasn’t something that I could have done any time soon”

Mills had always worked closely with a number of charities and became a patron of ASBAH – the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus – after his young son, Archie died in 2002 from the condition. While still plying his trade in the Premiership with the likes of Leeds, Middlesbrough and Manchester City, he was able to raise more than £300,000, and set up a helpline for a cause very close to his heart.

“Being involved with a predominantly disabled charity I thought maybe I should try and do a marathon in a wheelchair and raise funds and awareness that way. I got in touch with Joyce Cook, who is the chairperson of the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS), she was thoroughly behind the idea and has been really supportive throughout the whole process.”

With the support of the NADS came the idea that Mills would not only attempt to complete the Brighton Marathon in a wheelchair, but also that he would experience life as a wheelchair user for a week. “Obviously the modern grounds are great for disabled supporters, the City of Manchester Stadium and Wembley are fantastic, but there are plenty of issues with sporting venues. One of NADS’ big campaigns is ‘a level playing field’.” Mills continues to explain. “It’s about access for everybody, no matter where it is, whether it is at a football ground or a badminton tournament. If disabled fans want to go and watch sport then it shouldn’t be a hassle for them to go and do it, you should be able to support your team the same as everybody else.”

The ex-defender is clearly very passionate about the cause and recognises the day to day difficulties that come with living in a wheelchair. “I started training outside but soon realised that I was really going to struggle. In the race wheelchairs, you are going around 8 or 9mph, well that’s the speed I am going at, but top guys go much quicker of course. Even at that speed trying to steer round tight corners is very hard while trying to stop quickly is very difficult. Even simple things like going up and down curbs is incredibly tricky so that opened my eyes to the everyday struggles.”

With the Brighton Marathon taking place on the 18th of April, the task facing Mills is a daunting one. Used to covering plenty of ground in his playing days, he will now be solely relying on the strength in his arms. Yet, Mills speaks with absolute confidence and knows that all the hard work and months of training will be worth it if he can complete the 26.2 mile course.

“I first started training back in September, before I actually got the wheelchair. I did a month in the gym working solely on the arms and once I got the chair, I did three months of training on rollers, which is the equivalent of a treadmill for a wheelchair,” describes Mills. “Since then I have been working on the track and I have now completed half marathon distances outside in the chair. I just hope that I can finish the race and raise awareness for this great cause.”
Danny Mills will be taking part in the Brighton Marathon on the 18th of April where Marmite will be sponsoring his marathon challenge.

Danny will be competing on behalf of the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH) and the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS). If you would like to sponsor Danny simply follow the link. http://www.justgiving.com/DannyMillsWheelchairMarathon/

Wade Elliott & Michael Duff

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe caught up with Burnley's Wade Elliott and Michael Duff, who were supporting the BT Paralympic World Cup, which is being held in Manchester in May.

See the lads talk about non-league football, the Turf Moor factor and Mario Kart.

Tickets for the BT Paralympic World Cup will be available from March 2010. For more information please visit: www.btparalympicworldcup.com

TREAT A TROOP

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Rugby-loving Prince Harry has today given his support to a new initiative launched by London Wasps’ players called ‘Treat A Troop’, which will provide free tickets to the Armed Services for the big St. George’s Day Game at Twickenham on the 24th April.

Prince Harry, who is Vice Patron of the Rugby Football Union said: "This is a fantastic gesture by the players. I know from personal experience that all members of the Armed Services are very appreciative of anything like this which recognises and rewards their hard work and dedication."

Wasps players, including British and Irish Lion Phil Vickery, club captain Tom Rees, Danny Cipriani, Joe Simpson, Dan Ward-Smith and Dominic Waldouck are dipping into their own pockets to support ‘Treat A Troop’, which enables rugby fans to purchase tickets for serving military personnel for the Twickenham match.

The game, which has now sold over 25,000 tickets, will celebrate St George’s Day at the home of English rugby and £1 per ticket sold will go to Help for Heroes; the charitable organisation that supports injured servicemen and women.

Supporters can ‘Treat A Troop’ when they buy their own tickets for this fixture by simply purchasing an additional seat in the stands.

Every extra ticket ordered will allow active servicemen or women and their families to enjoy a day out at Twickenham for the Guinness Premiership game that sees English rugby giants, Wasps and Bath, go head to head on the hallowed turf. The Wasps team have been the first to opt-in by committing to buy a ticket each for ‘Treat A Troop’.

Team Captain Tom Rees adds, “This is a great initiative and the team are really proud to be able to contribute. As individuals we have agreed that we would like to show our appreciation by kick-starting the campaign and all buy Treat a Troop tickets. We want to see as many uniformed servicemen and women in the stands as possible.

“This game is huge for us in rugby terms, but it is also a great opportunity to give back to those who represent our country and make this a great day out for everyone involved, we really hope everyone gets behind ‘Treat A Troop’.”

Supporters can get behind the ‘Treat A Troop’ initiative and simply add on tickets when they place their own ticket order through www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.wasps.co.uk or by calling 0844 225 2990.

For more information visit www.stgeorgesdaygame.co.uk.

IRELAND PIP ENGLAND IN LEGENDS MATCH

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

A crowd of nearly 11,000 made their way to the Twickenham Stoop for the inaugural Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup match, between the England and Ireland Legends.

Fans were treated to a highly competitive and entertaining game, in which the visitors, captained by Shane Byrne, were narrow victors, by 17 points to 15. Players from both sides turned back the clock to produce an entertaining match with World Cup winner, Jason Robsinson showing he still has blistering acceleration and dazzling footwork by scoring the opening try.

Irish fullback Justin Bishop was the star of the show with two tries and one conversion to his name as the Rubgly legends raised an estimated £150,000 for the Matt Hampson Trust, the IRFU Charitable Trust, and Keith Wood's Paralysed Rugby Players' Fund.

More information on the charities can be found at www.stuartmangan.org and www.matthampson.co.uk

Jenny Meadows

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe caught up with Jenny Meadows, world 800m bronze medallist, at the launch Run to the Beat, to talk clubbing, running and we also heard about her awkward encounter with M People singer Heather Small.

Run to the Beat is London's music half marathon that raises money and awareness for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

For further information please visit: www.runtothebeat.co.uk

Is Kieswetter’s Selection Good For English Cricket?

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Craig Kieswetter has become the latest South African born batsman to represent England, making his competitive debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Joining the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott, the young wicketkeeper-batsman has had to wait 4 years to qualify for England and will be hoping to make an impression in all formats of the game.

Should fans be glad that these incredibly talented cricketers have chosen to represent England? Would these three players have been good enough to represent South Africa?

Do cricket fans want the best possible players representing England or should players raised on home soil be given more of a chance?

SLAZENGER’S V SERIES REVEALED

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The new Slazenger V series of cricket bats have all been specially developed to suit any individual’s style of play. The V1 has been endorsed by England Twenty20 captain, Paul Collingwood and has been designed for players who demand an ultra lightweight bat for increased precision.

The V2 offers an optimum balance of power and control with the wood specially crafted towards the middle and edges delivering an extended sweet spot. Designed for batsman who love to play attacking shots it is the bat of choice for legendary South African all rounder, Jacques Kallis.

Perfect for any player looking to dismantle the bowling attack, the V3 has an enlarged sweet spot which creates plenty of power. Favoured by England star, Matt Prior the chiseled toe ensures that the bat still maintains a light ‘pick up’.

All three bats can be found at the following link,

www.slazenger.com/cricket/batting/batting.php

Red Bull Stratos

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Check out footage of the Red Bull Stratos mission to the edge of space. Pilot Felix Baumgartner will ascend to the stratosphere in an attempt to launch a freefall jump that would see him become the first person to break the speed of sound with the human body. The data captured by this mission and its team of world-leading scientists promises new standards in aerospace safety, expanding the boundaries of human flight.

Lewis Moody & Bailey Tzuke

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Lewis Moody & Bailey Tzuke take a break from the recording studio to record this shout out to Sportsvibe.

SLAZENGER SIGNS STEWART

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Former England cricket captain Alec Stewart has been announced as an official ambassador for top cricketing brand Slazenger. Stewart is the most capped English cricketer of all time, and played with Slazenger products throughout the majority of his career.

Stewart’s career highlights include scoring a career best Test score of 190 for England against Pakistan in 1992; which was also his fourth century in five Tests. As well as captaining his country, Stewart also became only the fourth player ever to score a century in his 100th Test, scoring 105 against the West Indies in 2000.

Stewart himself commented, “I’m very proud to be associated with Slazenger. They served me terrifically well throughout my playing career, and I would recommend the new range to all of the new generation of cricketing stars.”

Slazenger have recently released the new V Series range which is being used by current England stars Paul Collingwood, Liam Plunkett and Tim Bresnan.

www.slazenger.com/cricket/

RUN TO THE BEAT

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

On the 26th of February, Run to the Beat, London’s music half marathon launched its 24 hour running challenge which involved a host of professional athletes, clubbers and media taking to the treadmills of a London nightclub.

The challenge raised money and awareness for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and newly crowned British 800m record holder, Jenny Meadows kicked off the event running the first leg of the challenge before handing over to fellow British athlete Helen Clithoroe. The 3000m Steeplechase British Record Holder then passed the baton to 2012 hopeful and 400m hurdles prospect , Perri Shakes-Drayton.

The 24 hour challenge team also included England rugby international Andy Gomarsall and rising cricket star Stephen Moore plus amateur runners and clubbers who covered an approximate total distance of 240 miles – the equivalent of running from London to Paris.

Fresh from breaking Dame Kelly Holmes’ seven-year-old British record, Jenny Meadows commented, “Winning was a fantastic feeling - it's still quite hard for me to get used to being on the podium. It's a whole new mindset. Being on the treadmill in a nightclub is certainly a new experience for me too but music is always a key part of my training.”

Run to the Beat takes place on Sunday 26th September 2010, starting and finishing at the O2 arena in Greenwich. Live and recorded music plays around the course to help inspire the participants round the 13.1 miles.

Entries are now open for Run to the Beat 2010 priced at £35. For further information visit:

www.runtothebeat.co.uk

SPORTSDIRECT.COM GAMBLES ON ENGLAND

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsdirect.com is offering England fans the chance to get their money back on the new away kit.

The sports store is offering those who purchased the strip between January 22nd and March 14th 2010, a full refund, if England win the World Cup this summer.

Launched on 3rd March, the sports store could be giving back millions of pounds to loyal supporters, as long as England are victorious in South Africa come July.

Dave Forsey, Sports Direct CEO said “We’re happy to be putting our money where our mouth is and will be delighted to give back millions to our customers when England win the World Cup. It will be worth every penny to see the World Cup coming home at last and for the most devoted, loyal England fans to get some payback for all their support.”

For promotion details, terms and conditions visit www.sportsdirect.com/moneybackterms.

Bring Back Eddie the Eagle, All Is Forgiven!

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Remember Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards? How could we ever forget! Oh, how we laughed at his ridiculous, Mr Magoo antics. Oh, how we chuckled when he finished plum last in both the 70 metres and 90 metres Olympic ski jump competitions at the Calgary Games in 1988. Oh, how the snooty Alpine nations turned their noses up at this ridiculous, speccy four-eyed Brit! Well, fast forward 22 years and another Winter Olympics staged in Canada. The Vancouver Games have just finished and out of the British winter team of 52 athletes only one will come home with a medal. Of course, as Amy Williams will point out, it's a gold medal and for that we are all thankful, but one medal, and only one other top five placing (skater Jon Eley) is truly pitiful. Yes, I know, it was better than in Turin four years ago when we only had Shelley Rudman's silver medal to crow about, but not by much, and certainly not enough to justify the millions seemingly being wasted on sports we're clearly not very good at. Why don't we bite the bullet and focus on sports we are good at, especially for the 2012 Olympics in London? The success and failure of these Games will depend to a great degree on home success, just as it did in Beijing and indeed Vancouver. In the light of the past fortnight Eddie The Eagle doesn't seem such a big joke, after all!

Reebok - Thierry Henry & Lewis Hamilton

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Watch Lewis Hamilton and Thierry Henry go head-to-head at the launch of Reebok’s new ZigTech training shoe. The two superstars were competing over a specially built course in Barcelona as they put the new technology through its paces.

Josh Finds the Andes Handy In His Big Everest Adventure

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Josh Lewsey has just phoned to tell me how he failed to reach the summit of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the southern hemipshere, but will go on to Everest in May much the wiser for the experience. The former England and Wasps rugby star went to the 6,962 metre mountain (22,841 feet) on the Argentine-Chilean border with his climbing partner, Major Keith Reesby, but left little time to acclimatise for what is a major hike in anyone's language. It was as a result of this that the 2003 World Cup winner was advised to turn back when close to the summit but, far from being dejected, Lewsey is delighted with the lessons learnt. "I will have weeks and weeks to acclimatise to the high altitude at Everest whereas it was just a handful of days for Aconcagua," he explained. "And climbing in the Andes has given me a taste of what to expect in May in the Himalayas. It's going to be tough but with some luck I know I can make it." So do I. Ultimately the weather and the mountain will decide if Josh reaches the top of the world or not, but it won't be for the lack of trying or guts on Lewsey's part.

BT PARALYMPIC WORLD CUP INTRODUCES 7-A-SIDE FOOTBALL

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The BT Paralympic World Cup has introduced 7-a-side football to their 2010 event.

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and Burnley F.C. players Wade Elliott and Michael Duff were in attendance to welcome the sport, in a demonstration held at the Manchester Arndale, along with members of the GB 7-a-side team.

Shay Given said: “The BT Paralympic World Cup has become a well known event in Manchester and it’s fantastic to see Football 7-a-side introduced as a new sport. The team has a lot of talent and we wish the GB squad competing in the event the best of luck and will keep an eye on their progress through the competition.”

The annual BT Paralympic World Cup acknowledges the sporting prowess of elite disability players, in an adaptation of the sport for athletes with cerebral palsy.

The GB team will compete against teams from the Netherlands, USA and the Republic of Ireland.

The countries have been selected to align with a new team challenge, which sees Great Britain take on teams from Europe, the Americas and the Rest of the World.

They will be competing across four sports for the BT Paralympic World Cup trophy. Football 7-a-side joins Wheelchair Basketball, Swimming and Athletics, events which are in their sixth consecutive year in the competition.

The GB captain Jordan Raynes said: “I’m very excited that Football 7-a-side has been included in the BT Paralympic World Cup. I live and play in Manchester, where we have a strong following for our county disability league and to now have international competition in my home city means so much to me.

“To have an elite event outside of the Paralympic Games with other leading Football nations will be imperative to the team’s progression as we look forward to the 2012 Paralympic Games and look to build on our seventh place finish in Beijing in 2008.”

Tickets for the BT Paralympic World Cup will be available from March 2010. For more information please visit: www.btparalympicworldcup.com.

The England Rugby Team @ The Land Rover Experience

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Land Rover thought it would be a good idea to invite the England Rugby team over to drive about in their cars for an off-road experience day. Predictably the team got fairly competitive. In this film we find out what the team think about Danny Care's driving ability and also James Haskell's traffic warden related confession.

REFUEL WITH THE MARS REFUEL DRINK FUND

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Mars Refuel Drink Fund is giving away £10,000 every month, for the next three months to a huge variety of sporting individuals and teams.

It’s aim is to get people active by offering rewards to selected applicants. The fund helps people overcome the various barriers preventing them having an active lifestyle, through rewards.

The fund, in it’s third year, has helped over 8,000 people so far, including cyclist Lucy Garner, the English Surfing Federation and hurdler Julian Adeniran.

Tim Farr, a member of the British Paralympic Ski Team highlights the benefit of the Mars Refuel Drink Fund: “From financial cost, to time, to disability, there are often barriers to sport. The Mars Refuel Drink Fund is here for people who need a bit of a boost in getting started, or continuing in sport.”

The fund launches on March 1, 2010 and runs until May 31, 2010.

Applications can be made from launch date at www.marsrefuel.com.

For further information and terms and conditions visit www.marsrefuel.com.

Pocket Rocket's Needs Put Premiership Footballers to Shame.

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe doffs its cap today to Jenny Meadows, AKA "The Pocket Rocket," and not just because she stole the show at the weekend in Birmingham where she won the 800 metres breaking Kelly Holmes's seven-year indoor record in the process. As a result of this she won a $5,000 cheque for her efforts, plus an additional $1,500 for being voted the best performance of the meeting. Now that's not a bad day's work in anyone's language but Jenny was incredibly happy because it meant she and her husband and coach, Trevor, who has decided to go part-time in order to help in his wife's continued improvement, would now have some finances which will make a big difference to their lives and training. Now this is a girl who won a bronze medal in the world outdoor 800 metres last summer in Berlin, and who will travel to Doha in a fortnight's time looking for a medal, at least, at the world indoor athletics championships. In short she is a world-class exponent of her sport. And yet she is excited about the difference £5,000 will make to her career, a sum of money which is less than the top Premiership footballers earn in one day. This is not a gratuitous pop at footballers. They earn what the market forces depict. But with the 2012 Olympics a little over two years' away, it makes you think, doesn't it?

Bailey Tzuke, Lewis Moody & Family

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

England Rugby player Lewis Moody likes to dabble in the world of music when he's off the pitch. Fortunately for us he doesn't sing, he leaves that up to his sister-in-law and upcoming singer Bailey Tzuke (daughter of singer Judy Tzuke) who's musical ability has led to her working with Faithless, The Freemasons and the BBC. We sat down to chat to them (and some other members of the Tzuke family) about music, rugby and even get a live performance of Bailey's track "The Leaf".

Be sure to check out the extra performance of Bailey's track "Strong" on http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk

Also check out Bailey's official site at http://www.mybaileytzuke.com/

Ricky Ponting

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Fan catch

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Ashes 2009

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Flintoff

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Hand

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

"Strong" (live version) by Bailey Tzuke

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe gets an exclusive live performance of "Strong" by Bailey Tzuke. Watch the full interview at http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk.

Don't forget to check out Bailey's site at http://www.mybaileytzuke.com/

The Extreme High Jumpers

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe were at the Aviva Grand Prix at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham and some of the pre-event entertainment included the laser powered Extreme High Jump. We went backstage afterwards to talk to some of the athletes taking part in the event to find out what it was all about.

Don't forget to show your support for our friends at UK Athletics by visiting their site.
http://www.uka.org.uk

Steve Bull

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe caught up with Wolves legend Steve Bull, who told us all about his memories of playing for England in the World Cup and reveals why Gazza refused to pass him the ball.

Steve Bull is promoting the Wolves Accumulator – where fans can place free bets to win great prizes including a training session with Mick McCarthy and the Wolves first team, or the chance to play at Molineux. Beat Bully and you'll win a free £5 bet.  

For more information please visit: www.sportingbet.com/wolves

Chris Southwell

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Chris Southwell is a world class snowboarder currently based in Verbier, Switzerland. Travelling around the world and showing off his skills he is currently the Number One ranked British Freerider and competes on the World Freeride Qualifying Tour. Sportsvibe caught up with Chris to find out all about the world of snowboarding.

How did you first become interested in snowboarding?

When I was growing up my Mum was running a ski school, so in the school holidays I would always head up to the mountains and I fell in love with the sport straight away. I remember the first time I went down the slopes someone flying past me on a snowboard, I immediately thought that looks like great fun and I have been hooked ever since.

When did you realize that you could actually make a living as a professional snowboarder?

When I was 17 I went to the British Championships, it was my first ever competition and I came 2nd in my age category. I was also on the podium in all 4 events that I entered. Straight after this I was selected for the Junior British Team and even got my first sponsorship from Oakley. I decided I absolutely loved this and it was all I wanted to do.

You compete in freeriding events, what exactly is freeriding?

For me Freeriding is the true expression of snowboarding. Basically it is using every aspect of the mountain, which means finding the steepest lines and the best approaches for getting air. Nothing is manmade and absolutely everything is natural, you really get to express yourself.

How do you get judged in a freeride event?

In a freeride contest the judges are looking at the overall impression you make coming down the mountain. This is how stylish and fluid you are, as well as how technical and difficult your line is. It puts together all the best aspects of snowboarding as you combine skills from racing and free styling.

Would you like to see Freeriding in the Winter Olympics?

No, freeriding will never make it to the Olympics, the reason being every contest is different, and it doesn’t really fit in with the mentality of a freerider. It is much more about expressing yourself. Obviously it’s great to see snowboarding at the Olympics as it is such a global event but I don’t think that it fits in with the sport. I think it would destroy the sport too much.

What’s the best thing about being a professional snowboarder?

Personally I absolutely love all the travelling as I get to travel all over the world from America to Japan and all over Europe. Plus I get to do something I love. Even through the bad times when I get injured I absolutely love it, you are out in the mountains and it’s a whole different world. It’s a dream come true.

Have you ever had any bad falls on the slopes?

I have actually had quite a few bad injuries. I broke both my ankles at the same time, I have dislocated my right elbow, dislocated my left shoulder, damaged the ligaments in my right shoulder, injured my kidney and I’ve had concussion quite a few times. But for me it is all about coming back stronger, I use quite a lot of psychology for that.

So is a lot of your training psychological?

Definitely, when I dislocated my elbow the pain I went through was unbelievable, so now every time I get hurt I go through the footage to see where I went wrong and try and cut out all the elements so next time I know what to look out for. Sometimes we are going down runs and we can’t see anything so a lot of our preparation is actually before we start riding. We have to look at what line we are going to take and which jumps we are going to aim for and then when you are at the top you mentally prepare yourself and you have to then rely on your judgment when you are going for it. I never ride a freeride blind.

What has been your biggest success to date?

I got second at the Czech spot ride last year, plus the year before I was third at the Scandinavian Big Mountain Championships. I also think a great achievement is making a career out of snowboarding. Being able to do what I love and make a living out of it is pretty lucky.

What do you hope to achieve in the sport?

At the minute I am on the freeride qualifying tour, so I actually want to get onto the world tour but they only select the 15 best riders from around the world, so my aim is to get on that. One of the big things that I also really want to do this season is do my first 100ft cliff. My brother really wants to do that as well.

Your brother is a professional skier, do you have friendly rivalry between each other?

Well if I see Nick go off a big cliff then of course I have to do it as well, or I want to find a bigger cliff and a steeper line. But that’s good for us to have, if Nick does something amazing then we will always praise each other and we are always trying to help each other improve. It’s the sort of partnership we have.

What advice would you give to any aspiring snowboarders?

If you want to do this professionally, then you need to make sure you are ready as you don’t want to jump into this too early. If you take on a run without doing your homework that you could ‘cliff out’, which is when you suddenly come face to face with a 300ft cliff. If you work hard and enter the smaller events then it’s all worth it as the competitions are huge. Last week we had two helicopters following us and filming so the events are really popular.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

I have a few more qualifying events for the World Freeride Tour but I am also taking part in the Big Snow Festival out in Andorra. It’s going to be great as I get to show off some of my tricks. Plus we will actually be doing some night demos while live music is performed which is going to be incredible.

Have you been working on any tricks for the event?

As a freerider I don’t get too much spare time to work on anything, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve. In fact I might even try a double flip which I have never done before.

Chris Southwell is sponsored by Dare2b ski and snow wear.

The Big Snow Festival is taking place in Arinsal, Andorra from the 14th – 21st March.

www.thebigsnowfestival.com

JAMES CRACKNELL AND BEN FOGLE - RACE TO THE POLE

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Having rowed across the Atlantic and survived thunderous storms and huge waves the adventure seeking pair of double Olympic Gold medalist James Cracknell and TV presenter Ben Fogle decided to take on an even tougher challenge. This book tells the extraordinary story of how James and Ben along with third team member Ed Coats battled against the elements as well as physical and mental exhaustion in the toughest endurance race in the world.

What lay in store was skiing across more than 800 kilometers of treacherous terrain and hidden crevasses. Conquering Antarctica would be the toughest challenge the duo had ever faced. With temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius, frost bite was almost inevitable. Race to the Pole transports you inside the heads of James ands Ben who recount every agonising hour of their journey and the rollercoaster of emotions they encountered along the way.

Could they reach the goal before the favourites, a team of hardened ex soldiers from Norway, or would this be one adventure too far?

RRP: £17.99

BIKES FOR AFRICA

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Bikes for Africa, a non profit organisation set up to help Aids orphans in South Africa has collected more than 200 bikes to help the children and young men who have to travel considerable distances every day just to attend school or work.

The bikes encourage these children to stay in education and therefore have a chance of gaining a better job in the future. For the young adults who have started work it means they can use their meagre wages on essentials rather than spending their earnings on getting to and from work. Bikes will also be given to care workers who regularly visit the sick and administer aid.

The organisation is now looking for contributions towards the transportation costs of the containers and is hoping to raise in excess of £3,000. If you would like to make a donation then contact Jane Rooke whose details are listed on the website.

http://bikesforafrica.org/index.html

Azeem Rafiq - Yorkshire's Rising Star

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Yorkshire has produced a host of talented players in the last 20 years with the likes of Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid all having graduated from the academy and represented England. The latest player hoping to emulate his county colleagues is Azeem Rafiq.

A talented all rounder who is still just 18 years of age, Rafiq has a maiden county hundred to his name and has claimed 10 wickets in his 4 county championship appearances for Yorkshire. The off-spinner is also England’s under 19 captain and this year led the young Lions to the quarter finals of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. With two of his club colleagues currently away on England duty - Tim Bresnan and Ajmal Shaazad - this could be a defining season for the level headed youngster.

Blessed with natural ability, Rafiq realises that he will have to work hard and first impress in the second string. “I’m expecting to start in the second team this season but whatever chance I get given, I will try and take it with both hands. I just need to try and put runs and the wickets on the board and then no one can ignore me.”

There is certainly plenty of competition in the spin department at Yorkshire with Adil Rashid seen as one of the best young spinners in world cricket while David Wainwright is a very talented left arm spinner. Yet Rafiq sees no reason why all three bowlers could not be utilised in the same match.

“We have decided that our strength lies in the spin department so hopefully we will get pitches that suit us” Rafiq admits. “Dave Wainwright had a good season last year and was involved with the Lions in the winter and Adil has been around the England set up, so there is plenty of competition for places, but I can’t see why all three of us can’t play to be honest. “

Rafiq has plenty of confidence in his own ability, having trained with the Yorkshire first team squad for a couple of seasons he has bowled against the likes of former England captain Michael Vaughn and the classy Jacques Rudolph. This holds no fear for the off spinner who has already developed a range of deliveries including the mystical doosra – a delivery which spins in the opposite direction.

“For the last couple of years I have been working hard on a few variations and I have developed a doosra that comes out the front of my hand, but I am still working on getting the one that comes out of the back of the hand consistent,” says Rafiq. “At the moment I am only 18 and I just want to keep learning about the art of bowling off spin.”

The young Yorkshireman works hard on all aspects of his game and see’s himself as more than just a tail ender. “I would say that I am a genuine all rounder, at the moment the stats probably favour the bowling a bit more, but I see myself as a genuine all rounder,” he explains. “I just want to start scoring runs a little more consistently. I know I have the ability to score runs so I just need to put together a string of performances and show people what I can do with the bat.”

Having just returned from the under 19 World Cup, Rafiq believes the experience has only strengthened his desire to play at the highest level. “It was absolutely amazing; I loved every minute of it. International cricket is what I want to be part of in the future. Getting the chance to work with Mark Robinson was really good and I think it made a difference to my game on a personal level as well,” explained the all rounder. “It was just a shame that we got knocked out at the quarter-final stage. But if that team gets a chance to stay together for a year or two then I reckon we could beat the county first teams.”

Although just starting out in his cricketing career, Rafiq believes in his ability and hopes to prove he has the talent to represent England at the top level. “I just want to take it game by game, no matter what team I am playing in I will try and get the runs and the wickets, if I am doing that then I will see where that takes me. People won’t be able to ignore me for long if I am putting together performances.”

With an abundance of talent and a very level head, Rafiq will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow spinner Adil Rashid and quickly establish himself as a first class spinner and top batsman. Having represented England in every age bracket it seems the all rounder is destined to be another Yorkshire success story.

Azeem Rafiq is exclusively represented by Total Sport Promotions.

Ben Hawes

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Ben Hawes is the England and Great Britain half-back that captained Team GB at the Olympic Games in 2008 and was part of the Gold-winning England Team at the 2009 EuroHockey Championships. Sportsvibe caught up with Ben for a quick chat...

How did you first get into playing hockey?

Through family at the local club in Lewes.

Did you ever think that one day you would be representing England at the Olympics?

Firstly to be politically correct it’s Great Britain! I think once I started to take hockey seriously the Olympics were the aim as this is really the top of the tree for hockey and I have always strived to get to the top. But until you are actually there I don’t think you really believe it’s possible.

You must have met plenty of amazing athletes at the Olympics, who was the most inspiring?

Many different people in different ways; its great mix with so many other sports and see how they go about their business and preparation. From the laid back attitude of someone like Usain Bolt, to the single mindedness and determination of Chris Hoy.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Qualifying and captaining GB at the Beijing Olympics was a personal highlight, but this was topped by the team achievement of winning the European Championships last summer.

You have been to two Olympic Games, are you hoping to make the squad for London 2012?

Very much so. However two years is a long time in sport and I am just focusing on tournament by tournament before this. It would be great to play my last Olympics on home soil!

You played over in Holland for three years what was that experience like?

Holland was a great experience. I played for one of the biggest and most successful teams in the game. The league over there is the best in the world and is as close to professional as it gets in Hockey.

How hard is the hockey training and what sort of exercises does it involve?

Very! Unfortunately the modern game at the top level is ever more reliant on physical fitness. We concentrate a lot on strength work for injury prevention, agility and speed maintenance so spend a good amount of time in the gym. Added to this is the pitch-based fitness, which is concentrated on speed, agility and the dreaded endurance tests! Of course a lot of time is also spent training with the balls, lots of technical and basic skill work is still important at the top level.

What tips would you give to someone just starting out in the sport?

Get the basics right. It can be monotonous but is the best way of improving.

Who is the toughest opponent you have ever faced?

Jamie Dwyer and Teun De Nooijer.

As well as playing hockey you have a job in marketing, do you ever have any free time?

Not really, at busy training times and having to work means I am training most evenings after a full days work and also all weekend. Unfortunately I am aware that after hockey I need to have the experience to go into work. It is also a good distraction sometimes.

If you were captain of England football team you would be a multi-millionaire, do you ever get jealous of other sports stars?

Yes and no; I can see the positive and negatives of both sides of the coin. The most frustrating thing is how much we put into the sport and give up to do it, which is not always recognised.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a game?

Nothing major, more little things along the course of a tournament, like wearing the same sweatband or something silly!

Unlike Ice Hockey you don’t wear much protective clothing, have you ever been hurt while playing?

Yes far too many to list. I have twice had operations to insert metal plates and screws into my cheekbones and eye socket after being hit.

Who were your sporting heroes growing up?

Kris Akibusi, Orchid, Seve Ballesteros.

Do you ever listen to music to pump yourself before a game?

Not really I tend to be more chilled out. If I do listen to something it will be more relaxing. Though hockey can be an aggressive game I always think it is a waste of energy getting all hyped up and prefer to be focused and relaxed.

What will you do once your hockey career is over?

Carry on in fashion/sports marketing or business development. I would love to own my own company or clothing brand.

What’s your favourite film?

Ferris Bueler's day off and The Hangover.

Ben Hawes is a brand ambassador for Slazenger. For more information visit: www.slazenger.com.

The Rehabilitation of James Haskell

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

As sporting mea culpes go it is not quite up there with Tiger Woods but, nonetheless, James Haskell was in a surprisingly confessional mood as he took time out from messing about in Land Rovers with his England teammates on a bonding session at a Surrey test track on Thursday.

The former Wasp utility back row forward turned Stade Francais openside has confounded his critics - of whom there were many - by not only making his controversial move from London to Paris a success, but by transforming himself from a fringe England player to a regular, a player who put in a man of the match display and produced two tries against Wales and who will be without doubt in the starting XV for next Saturday's hotly-anticipated third RBS Six Nations test against Ireland at Twickenham.

Yet, by his own admission, this turnaround in his professional fortunes seemed unlikely only last seen when he was seen by many to be too full of himself, a better talker than a walker, and a man who was leaving one of the most successful clubs in English rugby to chase the Euro in France.

"I am fully aware of what people's perception was or maybe still is of me," says the 24-year-old. "I'm more interested in off-field concerns than on-field, I'm loud, I'm brash, I'm the guy who had his own website aged 17, and so on. I'd be lying if I didn't say that there's no smoke without fire. I am loud, I do like a lot of banter, and I do put my foot in it a lot. It's all very well when you're playing well. But rugby's all about team spirit, keeping your head down, working together. If you go against the norm and then don't back it up - and I didn't play well the longer last season went on - then you open yourself up to criticism."

On reflection Haskell understands why it started to go so wrong last season. "For a start Wasps didn't have a good season and when your team's not going well neither do you," he explains. "I hardly helped, though. I was a bit low in general because a long-term relationship ended. I found prolonged contract talks very stressful. The criticism levelled at me for chasing money hurt and I realised that in trying to pick up the best parts of everyone else's game, such as Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, and others, I ended up being a jack of all trades and master of none. I knew I needed a change."

His move to Stade Francais was poorly received by Wasps and, notably, by Dallaglio, the man Haskell always looked up to as his hero. It was Dallaglio's autograph he first sought after, it was Dallaglio who persuaded the club to give the precocious lad a chance, and it was the then England captain who played alongside the young Haskell during his formative years in the Wasps back row. When Dallaglio, currently riding in his charity Cycle Slam from Six Nations venue to venue, spoke publicly of his displeasure at his protege's move it created a few home truths.

"The criticism Lawrence gave me was difficult to take," Haskell admits. "He was my hero and I aspired to be him. But I began to realise that I was trying too hard to become his natural successor and that applied unecessary pressure on me. The truth is I didn't live up to the expectation heaped upon me by myself and by Lawrence, and a part of me didn't want to. Don't get me wrong. I'd love to emulate what he did as a rugby player. But I want to be my own person. I want to do what Lawrence has done, but I don't want to be him any more."

This is not delivered as a criticism of Dallaglio, more a criticism of himself. Haskell now knows that he had a lot of growing up to do, and that leaving for France has played a major part in this process. "I said to myself when I was 18 that if I hadn't won a first England cap by my age now I'd pack in rugby and do something else. Now I realise I didn't know my arse from my elbow back then. Even 18 months ago I honestly thought I'd got life, and especially rugby, cracked.

"Now I understand I hadn't, and I'll probably never will because life doesn't work like that. The move to France was massive for me. It would either have gone horribly wrong and I'd disappear into the ether before returning limply home to English rugby, or I'd make it work. I wouldn't say I'm there yet, but I'm starting every week for Stade, and I'm back in the England team. I'm not sure I could have done this a year ago, but I'm older, wiser, more relaxed and a lot more mature than I was back then."

His life in France is different to what people predicted. He lives with his brother and former Newcastle and England Sevens star Ollie Phillips, who also now plays for Stade, in a house in the centre of the city, leading a lifestyle bordering on civilised. "I train much of the time, and eat dinner in restaurants with Ollie or teammates," he says. "It tends to be Ollie who drags me out to things he's invited to, and often we're talking about museums, art galleries or restaurants. My French isn't great yet so I don't have much banter with the rest of the boys and although I get on great with everyone, I'm sure they also think I'm a bit of a muppet, but at least not the guy they may have believed was joining them."

He may well be facing them in a Grand Slam decider next month in Paris but first England have the small matter of Ireland next Saturday and if Haskell and his test teammates want to make it three wins out of three in the Six Nations then a better display than the lack-lustre one in Rome last Sunday is in order. "It's a grand cup final," is how Haskell puts it. "Clearly we need a better performance than against Italy and I'm convinced we'll produce one as well. Italy made it hard to play good rugby but I think both Ireland, who will be wounded and dangerous after being thumped by France, and England will go out and play. There's no life after that for the losers of this one, but we'll do everything in our powers to ensure it's not going to be us."

James Haskell was taking part in an England team appearance as part of a Land Rover off-roading day, the official vehicle of the England rugby team. To win the use of Land Rover's hospitality box for the England versus Barbarians game visit: www.landrover.co.uk/rugby

"Gambler" Byrne Says Scots Great Escape Sets Up France.

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

It was moments after one of the greatest test matches in the history of the RBS Six Nations had ended and the Welsh players sat in their Millennium Stadium dressing room emotionally exhausted after somehow snatching an unlikely victory over a Scottish side who led by ten points with just three minutes to go.

Shaun Edwards suddenly burst into the room and the players wondered whether the hair dryer treatment was about to be aministered after the defence coach saw two soft tries and almost a must-win game conceded. Instead the Wasps head coach smiled before beginning to sing the first sentence of Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler."

"You could feel the sense of relief in everyone when Shaun started to sing and in a few moments we all joined in with what Shaun has made our team song," recalled Lee Byrne, having played a huge part in last Saturday's Wales's 31-24 victory. "I've no idea what people must have thought as they passed our dressing room. It must have sounded like a country and western convention."

It's pretty much the first time Byrne had smiled since two weeks before the start of the Six Nations, a time before the tournament got underway in which he fought a ban for being the controversial 16th man for the Ospreys during their Heineken Cup win over Leicester in Swansea. It would have meant that Byrne, the initial first-choice Lions full-back, would have missed the Welsh opener against England at Twickenham but for a successful appeal days before the test.

"I was devastated when I thought I'd miss the England game and even though I managed to get out of the ban after being made a bit of a scapegoat for an incident which was no fault of mine it clearly wasn't the best preparation for a huge international. The defeat knocked our confidence, which explains why we started so poorly against the Scots. Luckily we found a way to dig ourselves out of a huge hole we made for ourselves."

Thanks, in no small part, to Byrne who not only scored a try but was the man who was judged to have been tripped by Phil Godman after he had chipped the ball and looked set to collect and score. Godman later insisted his yellow card and the subsequent, 80th minute penalty that gave Stephen Jones the chance to draw the scores level at 24-24, was incorrect.  "It would have been nice to have collected the ball and scored under the posts to win the match," Byrne admitted. "There was definite contact from Godman's trailing leg so the penalty was right. When Stephen scored I was still disappointed because a draw was a result nobody wanted. I assumed that was that."

But there was still time, just, for the re-start, which Byrne caught, and one more attack. Later on in the move it was Byrne who caught Jones's cross-kick and, a couple of passes on, Shane Williams was diving over the line for the winning score, his arm punching the air moments before touching down. "You wouldn't have got the ball off Shane at that moment because, as we all know, he does like to score tries. But my heart missed a beat when I saw him celebrate before scoring the try."

Now, after that improbable win and improbably chorus of Kenny Rogers, Wales take on the impressive France on Friday night in Cardiff. They will have to do it without Andy Powell, after the Welsh flanker's drunken antics with a golf buggy and subsequent ban - a subject Byrne is under instructions not to comment on pending the court case - but the full-back believes the Scotland win changes everything.

"Our confidence is right back now and it needs to be if we are to beat France," he explained. "Start against them like we did against both England and Scotland and we'll commit sporting suicide. But we know that if we beat France we'll be right back in it and with a chance of winning the Six Nations title again. They like to throw the ball around and so do we so it promises to be quite a game."  As good as last week? "Now that's going to take some beating," Byrne concluded. "But if people hear us singing "The Gambler" in the dressing room they'll know we've won again."

Lee Byrne was speaking on behalf of the Welsh Rugby team and POWERADE, the team's official hydration partner, who are offering fans the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Millennium Stadium. This amazing prize is up for grabs throughout February and includes tickets to a Wales test during the 2010 Autumn internationals. Visit: www.poweradegb.com/rugby

Craig Gower Makes Andy Powell Look Like Mother Theresa!

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Andy Powell's escapades last week with a golf buggy may have made headline news, but there is another international rugby player currently in the RBS Six Nations whose golf buggy antics make Powell seem like Mother Theresa. Step forward Australian turned Italian hooker Craig Gower. In a career littered with off-field controversy, most of which appears to be alcohol-fuelled, dual-code exponent Gower's piece de resistance was when he was fired as the Penrith Panthers captain in 2005 for the following: at a golf charity event he is reported to have argued with several guests, groped the teenage daughter of former league player Wayne Pearce, chased Pearce's son with a bottle before vomiting on him, streaked around the resort, wrecked a golf buggy, held a butter knife to the throat of a Sydney Radio personality and threw the knife at resort guests before being kicked out of the function by security. Gower was fined $100,000 by the NRL and given a "final warning." One wonders why it took security so long to eject him. One also wonders how Gower had the temerity to complain later about the Panthers failure to defend his reputation. Anyway, in light of this news Sportsvibe has two messages for the beleaguered Powell - all sins are forgiven, and never play a round of golf with Gower.

Sportsvibe USA

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

THE SUPERBOWL

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

James Desborough, the award-winning U.S. Editor of the News of The World, is Sportsvibe's man stateside with a British take on American sports. Here are his thoughts on the daddy of them all - the SuperBowl.

Okay - howdi as some say here – it’s my first posting from across the Atlantic for Sportsvibe.
And the best way to start has to be the daddy of all sports events here - the Superbowl. But just to be clear I won't bore you with the how’s and why’s of the Saints’ victory in a magnificent on pitch battle.

Besides there have been reams of words about the New Orleans romp and over here, the remarkable fact that this astonishing battle was viewed by the biggest ever TV audience in the USA history.

Are there really that many die-hard NFL fans? Well no – but this is the USA, where the sport doesn’t really matter – it’s all about whether ‘You got game.’

And on Super Sunday CBS really delivered a masterpiece of sporting punditry excess and momentous television. This double whammy meant that the network wowed an estimated 125 million viewers in the US alone.

It had little to do with the plays, tackles, tactics or touchdowns for most of them. It was a time to celebrate the fact that America is the marketing capital of the world...and this game – despite its excitement levels – was the sideshow to the three-hour preview and  adverts in between on-field action.

I settled in for the six hour extravaganza at a nifty little bar just north of Beverly Hills, and from the off - it felt like it was an extravaganza on a par with the Moon landings, a Royal wedding or even the final episode of Dallas...

CBS made sure they kept girls and guys, both young and old, happy in the pre-amble before the game, despatching a variety of random performers, football analysis and news led features on what the game meant for the city of New Orleans. The flow of emotions created are as wide ranging as you can get. One minute you are treated to a touching news report detailing the devastation physically and mentally to the city – then seconds later the live broadcast feels like a scene from Will Ferrell’s cult classic hit Anchorman; Four hosts sat munching pizzas, scoffing down bites as they discussed how 150 million take-aways will be ordered that day – each trying to choke out the words Pizza Hut as often as possible. Hilariously the ad men strategically placed Pizza Hut boxes all over the set. And just before the break the kindly announcer wailed: ‘The section sponsored by Pizza Hut’ – just in case you hadn’t dialled the free phone number. Soon after it’s back to serious business. A five-minute chat with President Obama on his feelings about the country's controversial health care debate – ended with a question about who he’s supporting in the game.

You couldn’t turn away, simply because you couldn’t guess what would happen next. Across the nation as viewers sank beers or barbecued before kick-off they lapped this stuff up.

To me it showed the lines between sports, showbiz and politics as prime-time interests are so blurred - but yet so watchable.

So to the actual game – well I say that. The reality is that most punters in the bar lapped up the game, but the moment the adverts came up there was complete silence.

That was the real game – which company can wow viewers with a comedy skit, hilarious image or shocking ad that stuck in their memory. There was a lot at stake: over 100 million viewers – $3 million per spot and just 30 seconds to impress.

And so it started Budweiser showed how thirsty punters will put their bodies on the line to down the booze and showed a group of lads living in a home built from Bud Light cans.

A couple of minutes later Snickers rolled out their masterpiece. Former Golden Girls star Betty White playing a backyard game of touch NFL before she gets pummelled by a thirty something hunk. A couple of munches of the chocolate bar and she destroys her nemesis – the roars of laughter from the bar would’ve made the most miserable punter chuckle.

After that it was time for a batch of old NFL stars to make fools of themselves pretending to be a rap act – and that was for phone firm Sprint in case you were wondering what the link was.

Once they’re over we moved onto the slightly surreal. Bridgestone decided that their tyres work so well a car’s traction remained unfazed even with a whale in the boot.

The career building website chucked out twenty second of blokes without trousers on for no reason – and Dockers jeans followed suit.
Breakfast chain Dennis decided that chickens took centre stage as later that week they promoted giving away free eggs. So we then had an onslaught of chickens doing everything from playing pool, boozing and at discos.

Of course it’s a day of men and women watching the box together – then what better than bringing up the battle of the sexes. Dodge cars made no bones depicting women as the key decision maker in a every relationship – except for the choice of vehicle – when the man pumped his chest and announced: ‘Because I drive the car I want to’.

 Other firms turned to celebrities to pull in the punters. The winner was Motorola who not only landed Megan Fox – the world’s sexiest woman according to numerous polls – but also got her naked in a bathtub. No-one cared what it meant for their product – but everyone was talking about the next day.

Sexy NASCAR driver Danica Patrick was wheeled out for a bizarre advert promoting Godaddy web hosting site – only to be overshadowed by two hot babes massaging each other and stripping.

The Simpsons got a mini show thanks to Coca Cola, Lance Armstrong plugged Michelob beer and Chevy Chase did a comedy skit for a rentals site homeaway.com.

In between, The Who rocked out a 12-minute medley of their greatest hits. By their high standards the show was not their best, but that didn’t matter. History confirms they will sell millions more albums and that they’ll never play a bigger gig – the global audience would be the equivalent of selling out Wembley stadium every day for four and a half years.

Oh – just in case you wondered - their segment was sponsored too. If you want to check that and those ads out they are still up on: www.cbs.com/superbowlads.

So what - some of you might think.

Well quite frankly - hype or not - it was a bloody enjoyable romp of great sport and funny things to talk about with fellow viewers.  And perhaps rather than chuckle at our cross Atlantic cousins the UK should take a long look at the American template.

I can’t remember a time when the FA Cup Final or Rugby World Cup final was treated with the value that the Superbowl is. Sure the BBC contractual ties limit adverts, but for ITV and Sky I see no reason why they couldn't dip their feet in the deep end.

They should jazz up the big events - FA Cup, England games, World Cup games, spend three-hours throwing in the stars, the comedy skits and make a big deal of the adverts - rather than having them as an inconvenience…lets face it TVO is proving a headache for advertisers at the mo.

So I hope the UK can step up to the plate and revitalise those big sporting events, and make the world see that we can put on a show off the field as well perform on it.

McInally Backs The Villains

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Known as Rambo for his never-say-die attitude on the pitch, Alan McInally’s career took in spells at Celtic, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich. The striker was also part of Scotland’s World Cup Italia ’90 squad.

Now one of the familiar faces (and voices) on Sky Sports, the pundit looks ahead to Villa’s Carling Cup final against Manchester United at the end of the month:

“Villa are flying this season and it would be a fitting reward for the great work that Martin O’Neill has done there if they can beat United at Wembley at the end of the month.

“Fergie’s boys can never be underestimated, but there’s a great opportunity for my old side here. I think it’ll be close, but that they’ll sneak it by the odd goal. It might take extra time, or even penalties, so I’d prefer to back them to win the cup than to win the game.”

Alan McInally’s charity choice is Sparks
Sparks’ mission is to help all babies be born healthy and stay healthy. They raise money to give all babies the best start in life – a healthy one.

Their research, carried out by leading doctors and researchers nationwide, is saving and improving the lives of children throughout the world.

The charity’s vision is for a world where all babies are given the best possible start in life and where a medical condition or disability at birth is not a barrier to opportunity and fulfillment. Sparks aim to achieve this by funding high quality medical research that is intended to have a practical and positive effect on the lives of children.
www.sparks.co.uk

Mr Betdaq
It isn’t really a shock to see Alan wager on his old side – most of our Celebrity Punters have shown loyalty when placing their bets. However, the big man has been shrewd enough to take slightly shorter odds on Villa winning the trophy, 2/1 on Betdaq, rather than going for them to win the game at 7/2 with that market settled after 90 minutes.

Neither side are strangers to the League Cup final, having both reached the last stage on seven previous occasions. Villa last contested the final in 1996 when they beat Leeds United 3-0 to claim their fifth title, while United ended Spurs’ dreams of back-to-back triumphs last year for their third victory.

That game was settled on penalties after a scoreless stalemate failed to live up to the occasion and was the second consecutive time – and third in five – that the teams couldn’t be separated at the end of normal time, backing-up big Al’s feeling that at least extra time might be required here.

Martin O’Neill might have been pleased his side snatched a late equaliser in the FA Cup at Crystal Palace at the time, but the timing of the replay could hardly have been worse, coming on the Wednesday before his club’s first domestic showpiece in a decade.

The good news for them, though, is that the Red Devils will also have one eye on a big game during the build-up against West Ham and might have another on their Champions League second leg tie against AC Milan.

Villa also broke their United hoodoo this season – their victory at Old Trafford was their first against them since 1999 in any competition – and seem decent value for the victory here.

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Alan’s Celebrity Punt:
Aston Villa to win the Carling Cup:     2/1

Carling Cup final game odds (90 minutes):
Manchester United:            4/5
Draw:                                    12/5
Aston Villa:               7/2

Under-20s Post-Match with Danny Wright

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

This is the second-part to a series of pre and post-match features with England under-20 lock Danny Wright. Danny is currently on loan at Cinderford from his parent club Gloucester.

Following last week’s victory over Italy on foreign soil, the England under-20s will feel slightly aggrieved at a result which clearly does not reflect the amount of control they had on the game. Although individual positives can be highlighted, the squad are well aware that this is about a collective performance.

Danny Wright, who earned his second international cap, adding to his first twelve months ago, can pick positive elements from his own game, but he is more than aware that it is the performance of the team, which is most important.

“From a forward’s point of view it was a good overall win, it was a physical game and took a lot of determination from the pack. I personally feel there were chances that went begging. We definitely need to control the game more, slow it down and let us run the show.”

The next match is against Ireland, on the 26th February, seen as perhaps the biggest challenge to the under-20s’ Six Nations campaign. But for now players will return to their respective clubs, with Danny returning to Cinderford. It’s important for any player, to have the ability to switch between domestic and international competition, without it having a detrimental effect on their game.

Although international duties are important to the young player, he is aware of the focus needed at all levels, if he is to progress.

“At this present time, I’m not saying that it [international rugby] is taking priority, but it’s meaning a bit more because you’re playing for your country and you’re away so much. But you have to be able to switch roles when you come back to your club, to still be focused and not get bigheaded. I think they are both as important as each other, but when it comes to playing for your country you can’t beat it.”

Being picked for international duty no doubt has an important effect on all of the young players, as it provides them with experience at a high level, experience that can benefit their domestic rugby.

“It’s given me a lot more confidence, coming up against teams that are a lot bigger than you and lot faster than you. I have that confidence from international rugby. I feel as though I can play against any team, at any level.”

To have the ability of switching between styles of rugby and to do it consistently is a huge ask for young players, but it is a necessity if they are to progress as professionals. The pressure and expectation is high, rightly so, and young players like Danny are aware of this.

“It can be difficult at times, but to be honest, when you’re away with England the sessions are different than they are at your club. They are short and sharp, more intense, but it’s managed well so you do get a lot of rest.

They [my club] are always expecting me to perform at my best, which I can’t blame them for. If I’m performing for England, then why shouldn’t I perform well for my club?

I used to let the pressure get to me, now I just take it in my stride. When I am playing at under-20 level, it’s against guys my age, whereas when I play for Cinderford it’s against 25, 30, 35 year old men, but there’s no reason why I shouldn’t perform for Cinderford as well.”

For Danny and the rest of the under-20 squad it is back to their club rugby, with hope that they will be selected for the next squad to face Ireland. It is a time where determination and focus will be key to their individual success.

Danny Wright is exclusively represented by Total Sport Promotions.

Wayne Rooney: Behind the Scenes

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We get up close and personal with the England marksman via a behind the scenes video made during the filming of his latest TV ad.

Will Cipriani Play For England Again?

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Danny Cipriani has announced that he is leaving Wasps at the end of the season to join newly formed Australian side Melbourne Rebels. The talented fly-half has won seven caps for England but has not featured in a squad since autumn 2008 and has become disillusioned at failing to hold down a regular place.

Perhaps joining a Super 14 side and experiencing rugby in the southern hemisphere will prove to be a wise decision.

Cipriani has not ruled out a return to England, so will the experience make him a better player and improve his International chances in the future or will be become the forgotten man of English rugby?

GARMIN GIVES FITNESS A FACELIFT

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The new Forerunner 310XT from Garmin is the newest product in the world of fitness watches. The Forerunner can track speed, distance and pace while also featuring GPS technology for accurate and effortless information

Designed with triathletes in mind the Forerunner actively supports all three disciplines. The watch is water proof to a depth of 50 metres so that you can time your swims accurately. When out of the water the Forerunner moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release and bike mount.

There is also an inbuilt virtual training buddy which will motor your pace and even offers encouragement without stopping in the middle of a workout. Wireless connectivity also means that you can combine the Forerunner with a heart rate monitor to calculate how many calories have been burned during your workout.

RRP: £299 or £329.99 with the heart rate monitor.

www.garmin.com

Swimming

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Win Puma boots

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Win a signed Ireland shirt

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Tim Henman

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Tennis legend Tim Henman was at the Slazenger launch at Wimbledon last week (which Sportsvibe covered last week). Tim reminisces about his tennis career and we hear about his shocking revelation that he is indeed a "chucker".

Powell's Buggy Antics Achieves Widespread Notoriety

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Yes, I know, what drunken Welsh rugby star Andy Powell did with his stolen golf buggy on the hard shoulder of the M4 is totally wrong and a bad example and he was rightly dropped from the test squad but ...... there is something endearing about it, nonetheless. For a start, it's totally nuts. Is it any wonder that his nickname within the squad is "Brain Dead?" What on earth possessed him to do it? Second, it is clear he is a passionate Welsh rugby player who will be mortified to discover he is now out of the team because of his spontaneous, alcohol-fuelled actions. He didn't cheat. He didn't punch anyone. True, he broke the law but, in essence, he was just a very silly boy. The public's reaction to all this is telling. Has Powell been condemned? Hardly at all. At the last count the Facebook appreciation society for Powell after his motorway jaunt had reached 20,000 members. In an age where our stars are now finely-polished automatons governed by their image and their sponsors, Powell's ill-judged antics were a throwback to the days of degenerates. As a yardstick I bet people's future reaction when Powell admits to how he obtained a criminal record will be to smile, not condemn. One tip, though. If you ever play golf with the man, make sure you do drive the buggy!

Can Manchester United Go All The Way In The Champions League?

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

After coming from behind to beat Milan, Manchester United proved that even without Cristiano Ronaldo they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League. Heading back to Old Trafford with a one goal advantage, United certainly look favourites to progress, but will they reach the final in Madrid?

With the inspirational Wayne Rooney in the form of his life can the Red Devils avenge last year.s defeat at the hands of Barcelona and claim a 4th European Cup?

ENGLAND TEAM UP WITH ADIDAS FOR DELHI 2010

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Commonwealth Games England has announced sportswear manufacturer Adidas as their official clothing partner for the 2010 Games to be held in Delhi this October.

Taking place once every four years, The Commonwealth Games is the only opportunity for England to compete as a nation at a multi-sport event on the world stage, and is broadcast extensively around the world. England will be sending their largest ever team to an overseas Games, with almost 400 athletes making the trip as they hope to make the Games one of their most successful ever.

CGE President Dame Kelly Holmes added, “I was honoured to represent England at the Commonwealth Games and as a competitor you want to feel professional and that includes looking good – it is a huge event and I look forward to watching our team win even more medals than before"

Robin Money, Head of Sports Marketing for Adidas in the UK & Ireland said, “Adidas has a long heritage in supplying teams at major sporting events and is proud that almost 400 athletes from the England Team will receive the very best bespoke team apparel wear for Delhi 2010”.

The Commonwealth Games runs from the 3rd – 14th of October 2010.

ENGLAND LEGENDS TAKE ON IRELAND AT THE STOOP

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

On Friday the 26th of February old rivalries will be renewed as England and Ireland Legends go head to head at the Twickenham Stoop for the first ever Stuart Mangan Memorial Match. The night before the two countries meet in the Six Nations, former England captain Martin Corry and Sean Byrne will lead out their respective sides in aid of The Matt Hampson Trust and The Paralysed Rugby Player’s Fund.

Some of the biggest names in Rugby history will be appearing at the charity event including Jason Robinson, Jason Leonard, Phil Greening, Neil Back, Rob Henderson, David Humphreys and Eric Miller to name just a few.

The game was conceived to raise money for Stuart Mangan, who was paralysed from neck down following a rugby accident whilst playing for Hammersmith & Fulham RFC in April 2008. Stuart required 24hour medical care and The Stuart Mangan Appeal was launched to help raise funds. Stuart sadly passed away in August 2009 having contracted pneumonia, but his family have chosen for the match to go ahead in his memory and to raise necessary funds to support other injured players.

Matt Hampson suffered a similar accident to Stuart whilst training with England U-21s and provided friendship and support to Stuart. With the sponsorship of the Byrne Group and Validus Re, 100% of all the funds raised will go to these deserving charities.

Tickets and information on the event can be found at the below web address.

www.englandirelandlegends.co.uk

Handball's John Pearce and Kathryn Fudge

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Handball is a largely unknown sport in the United Kingdom. However, it is huge in the rest of Europe, especially Denmark and Germany. With the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, Britain's handball talent are preparing to compete at the games as well as trying to raise the profile of the sport on these shores.

Sportsvibe caught up with two of handballs brightest stars, John Pearce, a young flanker from the Aarhus Academy and Kathryn Fudge, also from the Aarhus Academy for a quick chat about the sport among other things…….

How did you get into handball?

JP: Through UK sport's and British handball's talent identification programme (ITD) in 2007, after replying to an application form put on Loughborough University's rugby club notice board.

KF: I came into it through the sporting giants campaign, which my mum read about in the paper. It was looking for sporty people who were really tall to compete in the Olympics, and me being 183cm, I thought it sounded like it would be good, and so I filled it in, went to the trials and got through.

Tell us a bit about the sport handball?

JP: It's fast, physical and extremely skillfull. It's a 7-a-side game on a 40m by 20m court with a goal at either end.

KF: Well it's like water polo but without the water (played on a court) there are six outfield players and a goal keeper, and it's a fast, end to end game which is very physical.

What characteristics do you need to be a good handball player?

JP: Good awareness of space and other players (peripheral vision), speed, balance and power.

KF: You have to be strong, quick, agile and not be afraid of a bit of contact.

What is the best thing about your sport?

JP: Scoring.

KF: Everybody on the court is involved, and it's a fast end to end game.

Who, if you have one, is your biggest inspiration in your sport?

JP: A number of players, I take inspiration from lots of different players to try and incorporate the best parts of their game into mind. Luc Abalo (France) for his physical capabilities and free style of play, Lars Christiansen (Denmark) for his technical ability and finishing.

Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

JP: There are many examples of people I admire outside of my sport such as Jonah Lomu a player who single handedly changed the sport he played. Usain Bolt for the same reason. Also I admire Richard Hill, (ex England Rugby player) who in my opinion was the ultimate team player and performer.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

JP: I force myself to break any superstitions I have.

Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e before a match or tournament?

JP: I normally train twice a day everyday for handball. Then I try to fit my conditioning work in between.

KF: Standard days include handball training twice a day, along with the gym three times a week, along with matches at weekends, and sometimes mid-week. The actual training itself changes before matches due to working on tactics on how the other team will play, and how we need to play to beat them.

What is the most memorable moment in your career to date?

JP: Perhaps playing against Montpellier with 3 Olympic Gold medalists in their side. Or maybe playing in the Limburg Cup in front of a full stadium.

KF: Well I think it will have to be scoring against France in October.

What do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

JP: I want to be selected for my club's first team on a regular basis and I want to consistently score 6 goals a game regardless of the opposition I face.

What was the best performance of your career so far?

JP: Probably scoring 4 goals against Greece or playing against Belgium and Luxembourg in the Challenge Trophy.

Handball is big in Europe and the USA, why hasn't it really taken off here?

KF: I honestly don't think it's had a real chance yet, it is played in the UK but not as much as other sports. I think the fact that it's not on the curriculum at school is a reason, as when you start sports it's usually at school, and if it's not being played at school it is preventing it taking off, and people being interested in it. As a spectator sport, I think given the chance it will do.

Do you think handball has what it takes to be big in the UK in the future?

KF: Yes definately, it's an indoor sport and so the rain won't prevent it from being played, and all you need is a court, two nets and a ball.

What do the Olympic Games being held in London do for handball in the UK?

KF: It will be a massive boost for handball as it will allow people in the UK to see what handball is all about.

What are your targets at the Olympic Games?

KF: To be competitive and win a match.

JP: As a team to be competitive with the top nations at the 2012 games, individually to do everything I can to make the team goal happen.

If you hadn't of been a handball player what would you have been?

JP: I'm not sure probably involved in sport in someway or another most likely as a frustrated rugby player.

KF: Possibly playing some other sport somewhere?

What music, if any, do you listen to when training?

JP: Only when doing physical or conditioning training I find it helps me to get to the next level. Normally anything with a high tempt. Hip-hop, rap or indie rock.

KF: I'm quite a fan of the Libertines and dance music.

What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

JP: I like to spend time with friends or just relax and do nothing. It's hard in Denmark to fully relax as I share a room so it can be difficult sometimes to get time to yourself.

KF: Mostly just chilling out, watching films and catching up with friends.

If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

JP: I would spend it living with consequence.

KF: Having fun with the people who mean the most to me.

What is your favourite film?

JP: The Matrix or Remember the Titans.

KF: There isn't really just one film, Top Gun, Green Street or One Fine Day.

What is the funniest thing you've read/heard about yourself in the media?

JP: A friend made a group on the internet 'The John Pearce appreciation society' some of the stuff on there is pretty ridiculous.

WIN A PAIR OF PUMA FOOTBALL BOOTS

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

PUMA has just launched its latest football boots and Sportsvibe is lucky enough to have 2 pairs to give away.

The new PowerCats will be worn by the likes of Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic, so for your chance to follow in their footsteps simply answer the following question.

Which club does Michael Carrick play for?

WIN A SIGNED IRELAND RUGBY SHIRT

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

To celebrate the 6 Nations, Sportsvibe has teamed up with PUMA to give one lucky reader the chance to win a signed Ireland Rugby shirt.

The home jersey has been signed by Ospreys winger Tommy Bowe and Leinster duo Gordon D'Arcy and Jamie Heaslip.

For your chance to win simply answer the following question.

Who is the current Ireland captain?

Sam Davies & Mike Golding

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe bumped sailors Sam Davies and Mike Golding as they talk about what they love about the sport and their addiction for entering the Vendée Globe race.

'SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL'

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Santa Pod Raceway has announced its first 'Saturday Night Special' date for 2010. The 20th February.......and all kinds of car and motorbike are invited!

As if drag racing your very own pride and joy wasn't fun enough, Santa Pod's SNS events let you race throughout the day, from 9am into the night! Think night racing is the exclusive reserve of professional Top-Fuellers, Le Mans stars and F1 Legends? Think again!

For the usual fee of £10 admission plus your choice of sign-on free, you'll get the usual mix of 'Run What You Bring' goodness, with the freedom to exploit the 'Pod's ultra-grippy quarter-mile and FIA approved timing gear all day long. With the added advantage of passengers over the age of 17 now allowed to ride under race conditions, it's the perfect day out for car clubs and enthusiasts.

As the light dims however, the action ramps up a gear, with Firefore, the 'Pod's own Jet Funny Car laying down some 270mps display runs and hard-charging racing. Then it's time to hit the on-site bar, enjoy an evening of free musical entertainment and sink a few beers. With free weekend camping for anyone purchasing a weekend admission ticket.

For more information on this event and more then visit www.santapod.co.uk

AQUALAP FINGER WATCH

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The latest innovation from Speedo is the Aqualap finger watch which offers a simple, one handed operation for monitoring lap times in the pool. Placed onto the index finger you simply use your thumb to start and stop the timer meaning that you don’t have to break your stroke.

The silicone strap stretches to fit any finger size while the timer has a 175 lap memory, perfect for checking your progress.

RRP: £40
www.speedo.co.uk

Listen to America's Cup Winner's Wish-List, and Make it Happen!

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

It received surprisingly small headlines in the sports pages over the past couple of days but Sportsvibe, at least, would like to congratulate everyone at BMW Oracle Racing for winning the America's Cup with their magnificent boat, "USA 17," which trounced holders "Alinghi" 2-0 in the best of three challenge in Valencia, thus ending the dominance of land-locked Switzerland on the oldest and most prestigious trophy in world sailing. Let's hope now the event can heed the words of BOR's skipper, Russell Coutts, who has just notched up an incredible fourth America's Cup win. The Kiwi wants the boats to return to a more traditional state where the best sailors win the day. Moreover, he wants an end to all the litigation that has flown around both teams for the past two years. The real winners of the 2010 America's Cup, after all, have been the lawyers. Finally, he wants the creation of an America's Cup governing body that will pass judgement on everything concerning the event, thus preventing the damaging accusations and spats that have so marred what should be a fabulous advert for sailing. I can only echo all these points.

WIN A PAIR OF GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP TICKETS

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe would like to congratulate Fran Light who guessed correctly and won a pair of tickets to see Harlequins take on the Northampton Saints last Saturday.

Be sure to check out our latest competitions for more fantastic prizes.

St. Moritz Bobsleigh

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Stuart Broad

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Kelly Sotherton

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Should there be a play-off for the fourth Champions' League place?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Premier League chiefs are considering the idea of a play-off system being introduced for the fourth Champions' League spot.

As it stands, the fourth placed league team receive the European bearth, but under the proposal, teams from fourth to seventh will battle it out.

It is seen as a way of increasing Premier League competition, as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have occupied the four positions, in five out of the last six seasons.

Should there be a play-off for the final Champions' League place?

Will it increase competition in the Premier League? Or will it damage British dominance in the tournament?

Ali Wilson

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Ali Wilson is a defender who has represented Great Britain at the 2008 Bejing Olympics and won Gold at the 2009 EuroHockey Championships. When he is not playing international hockey, he plys his trade for Beeston Hockey club. Sportsvibe caught up with Ali to shoot a couple of questions at him...

With your dad an International Umpire, was Hockey always your sport of preference?

Hockey has always been my main sport - Both my parents played, so it was one of the first I tried, but I played most sports when I was at school.

What appeals to you most about Hockey?

I like the combination of athleticism and skill needed to play. The game is fast and there are usually lots of goals.

How does it feel to represent your country at the highest level and play at the Olympics?

It was a massive honour- I’ve always dreamed of representing GB at the Olympics. The whole experience was great, meeting all the other sports people, the tradition, the opening ceremony, and the fact we played well made it even more special.

Did you have any sporting heroes when growing up? And what impression did they have on you?

My parents were the biggest influence on me. They were very supportive and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help. Ian Botham was an inspiration when I was younger. I always liked the way he was so talented, had such a will to win, but still knew how to have a good time.

Who is the best Hockey player you have faced?

Probably Teun De Nooijer when I first started playing for England. Now I’d say Jamie Dwyer – he’s a very complete player. Very skilful, fast and agile which makes him tough to play against

Do you follow or play any other sports?

I play golf, squash, and ski when I can. I like to watch rugby too.

According to your Great Britain Hockey profile, your nickname is ‘Willow’. What’s that about and how did you get that nickname?

Willow, Wilson, nothing to tell really.

How do you balance hockey and working?

Its not easy, although I don’t do much work so that helps! I’ve been coaching at Oakham School this term. They are very keen on hockey and have been very flexible around my training schedule.

You were a part of the team who won gold at the 2009 EuroHockey Tournament. Describe that feeling of winning gold at a major championships.

It was amazing. We were so proud of the way we played in that tournament and that our hard work is starting to pay off. It was great after the match, everyone’s friends and family were there to share the experience with us. I don’t remember much after that point though...

What would you say is your most memorable moment in hockey?

I’ve had a few so its hard to choose. Winning gold at the Euros was amazing, as was the last World Cup (2006 in Germany), which was the first time I played in front of a really huge crowd. Off the pitch, walking out at the opening ceremony in Beijing was something I’ll never forget.

Following the success at the EuroHockey Tournament, you now have the World Cup in Delhi. Is there an expectation for success? And how does this expectation affect the team and preparations?

I don’t think it really affects us. We’ve always had high expectations of ourselves – we know we are capable of playing well and beating any team on our day. This tournament is no different.

Considering the successes in Hockey, it should get more attention from people, but it still remains a sport in the shadows. What is it about Hockey, which doesn’t get it more of a media profile?

I think the fact that the National team hasn’t won much makes a big difference. If we want more coverage its up to us to earn it. The sport hasn’t always been presented well on television when it has got coverage either. I think the rules should be made as simple as possible to allow non-players to get interested. The England Hockey Board have done a lot of work to make the game and its presentation more attractive to crowds and television recently, so hopefully that will help too.

Do you find there are more people playing hockey nowadays, or is there not that interest that comes with the other field sports?

Its tough to tell really. I know my club (Beeston in Nottingham) get really good numbers down to the kids training on Sundays, so that’s encouraging. The sport is still played in lots of schools too. Hopefully if we keep winning things and hockey gets more T.V. interest then more people will want to start playing.

What is the training regime like for a hockey player? What type of things does it involve and how does it change when leading up to a major tournament?

Our training varies quite a lot depending on the time of year and what is coming up. Lots of hockey, sometimes in regional sessions, sometimes on longer National team camps, sometimes with our clubs. We also do a couple of running and a couple of weights sessions every week. Nearer tournaments we are together a lot more and the training increases a lot.

What do you and the rest of the squad do to relax before tournaments or matches?

When we’re away for tournaments there is a lot of down time. I’d say Facebook and DVD’s take up most of my time. Other than that there is a lot of corridor cricket, cards and winding up of certain other players.

Who is your best pal in hockey?

In the current England team I probably spend most time with Ben Hawes and Rob Moore – they’re both as cynical and moany as me.

Any funny stories or anecdotes you can tell us?

Anything that comes out of Andrew Hudson’s (our strength and conditioning coach) mouth. He isn’t trying to be funny, but usually ends up making all the lads laugh. All the best stories are probably not for sharing.

How would you like to be remembered in the sport?

As an Olympic Gold medallist, and a good lad.

Ali Wilson is a brand ambassador for Slazenger. For more information visit: www.slazenger.com.

Thom's Plight Creates Perspective

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

It's been quite a weekend in the RBS Six Nations, with France destroying Ireland in Paris, Wales pulling off one of the comebacks of all time in a never-to-be-forgotten win over Scotland, and Italy almost pulling off a shock win over a lack-lustre England. Of course, the brutal physicality of the game was also highlighted by the neck operation on Scotland centre Thom Evans who, at the time of writing this blog, was moving his feet and arms in what is a highly encouraging development after his collision at the Millennium Stadium. I was at the Cardiff Hilton late on Saturday night when his brother and Scottish teammate Max finally returned from the University College Hospital with anxiety etched all over his face. Losing a test match when ten points up with three minutes remaining may be tough to take for the Scots. But the image of Max and both parents beside Thom's bed as questions were being asked over his future mobility places a game into massive perspective. Everyone at Sportsvibe wishes Thom a speedy and full recovery.

Jackson v Adlington Is Back On!

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Double world silver medallist swimmer Jo Jackson will be competing for the first time in a serious meet next weekend in Swansea since the world championships last august where she finished runner up in both the 400 and 800 metres freestyle finals.
The 23-year-old, who also won bronze in the 400 metres freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics behind champion Rebecca Adlington, missed out on the December Europe v USA “Duel in the Pool” in Manchester due to problems with asthma stemming from influenza but will reassume her rivalry with Adlington in both the 400 and 800 metres freestyle when Germany come to west Wales to take on Britain in another “Duel in the Pool.”
Jackson, who took bronze at the worlds in Rome alongside Adlington in the 4 x 200 metres relay, is expecting her British friend and rival to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 that saw the double Olympic champion claim just two bronzes at the world championships.
The pair are likely to be scrapping it out for gold in both the 400 and 800 metres at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October, as well as at the European championships in Barcelona this summer, where Italy’s 400 metres world champion and world record holder Federica Pellegrini will also be a major contender.
But Jackson, who saw her 400 metres world record set last year taken away from her by the Italian, also expects to improve.
“I was delighted to win two silvers at the worlds last year but I want and need to kick on from that, especially with the London Olympics in 2012 looming so close,” she explains. “Silvers are great but I race to win and if I’m going to win Commonwealth and European titles, let alone an Olympic gold, I have a lot of work ahead of me.
“Fortunately the likes of Federica and Beccy make sure I’m pushed all the way. I’ll be up against Beccy in Swansea and although we’ll be swimming for the same team against Germany I’m sure we’ll be very competitive. Both of us will be in the middle of hard training and nowhere near peaking so I wouldn’t expect great times. But it would become a competitive race between us if we went for a swim in a paddling pool!”
Last year Jackson had the edge on an Adlington somewhat distracted by all the post-Beijing euphoria, beating her at the trials and then twice in Rome, but the Yorkshire girl knows Adlington will come back hard this year.
“She’ll be a lot stronger this year, that I can guarantee,” she says. “I’ve known Beccy a long time and she’s a great competitor. She’ll be hurting after last year but she’ll learn from it and use the experience. I had a better year but I still saw my world record taken away from me, and fell short twice on a world title, so we’ve both got a little to prove this year.”
Both will be swimming in the same swimsuit, albeit with Jackson wearing an Adidas and Adlington a Speedo, after the controversial, performance-enhancing swimsuits were outlawed from January 1st this year. Jackson wore a suit that was believed to have had a slight buoyancy advantage over that worn by Adlington but now both will be wearing a uniform, cut at the knees with an open back swimsuit.
“It’s very welcome because now people will focus on the swimmers and not the suits,” is Jackson’s take on this. “I don’t think it’s going to make much if any difference to me or my performance. I was winning races and beating the best before they came in and you still had to train and use your talent in racing when you wore them. Although the times may be a little slower in the short-term I think the best will still win because of their talent.”

Alec Stewart, Tim Bresnan and Liam Plunkett

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Cricket legend Alec Stewart was hosting the Slazenger 2010 launch in Wimbledon earlier this week. He comments on the performance of Tim Bresnan and Liam Plunkett who both ventured out of their comfort zone and tried their hand at Tennis and Hockey. We also get to hear about the controversy stirred up by Tim Henman at the event and Alec's take on the whole saga.

Capello's Having a Fab Time at Terry and Neville's Expense!

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Fun and games at the League Manager's Association dinner at Wembley last night where John Terry seemed to be at the centre of most things. In the silent auction an England shirt signed by Terry was up for grabs, with the centre back being described as England's captain! Oops! Then auctioneer Johnny Gould announced that Fabio Capello, who was sitting on the top table alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, had told him that Rio Ferdinand was not, after all, going to be the next England captain, but instead the job was going to Gary Neville. "Fabio explained that Neville's got no chance of sha**ing anyone else's girlfriend." No-one laughed louder, it seemed, than Capello and Ferguson.

Six Nations Under-20s special

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Introducing Danny Wright, England under-20 lock. Initially called up to the international squad for the Six Nations tournament last year, he has fast become a senior member of the squad. With one international cap already under his belt, he is on for a second and to break into the team, starting with Friday’s match against Italy.

International Rugby at any level requires a strong team, with a strong mentality and strong characters. That is no different at the very competitive under-20s level, where the eagerness to impress and show character is a huge part of a player’s game. Danny Wright displays this no end.

At 20-years-old and playing in his second Six Nations campaign with the England under-20s, he is looked upon as one of the more senior members of the squad. Young players just entering the international fray look to him and the other senior players for leadership and to set an example. This is a pressure that he thrives on.

“This year I have more input, because I’m like a senior player in the team. In a way it puts pressure on me because I got to lead by example and there are young boys coming in. But now I can enjoy it more because I’m actually part of the squad, whereas last year I got called into it. There’s more responsibility on my shoulders now to take more of an authoritative role. I enjoy being a directive figure.”

The young player, who is on loan at Cinderford from his parent club Gloucester, understands this role fully and attributes the closeness of the squad and management to the high confidence in the camp ahead of Friday’s match against Italy in Venice.

“We have a strong team leadership group, based of four or five players, which feeds back to us and the management. Our team is full of motivators, we’re all passionate and we all lead each other on.”

Confidence breeds success and this can be seen following the huge 41-14 victory over Wales last week. Wright puts this down to the focus and concentration of the team, together with the sense of camaraderie. It is this camaraderie within the whole of the set up which makes gruelling matches abroad much more manageable.

“With the management and the group of lads we have, it [playing away from home] doesn’t really change. We are as focused as if we were at home and with everything we use and all the facilities we have, it’s like nothing has changed.”

It is not just the work that the under-20 squad does that prepares them, it is also the interaction with the senior squad and the attention to detail that helps the players learn and develop.

“We trained with the full first team seniors and took a lot out of that. That has made us confident.

Then we all [the youth team] get together. All the forwards will have a meeting, talk through what we need to do, what we need to work on and the same with the backs. Then we all come together and get focus.”

Despite the positive mood throughout the camp, the match against Italy is huge and will no doubt have a bearing on the direction of the Six Nations championship. Wright and the rest of the squad know that they can’t take any match lightly and with a trip to France and a massive game against Ireland just around the corner, focus and preparation is essential.

With Scotland’s draw with France last week though, nothing is predictable in this year’s tournament.

Catch Sportsvibe’s follow-up with Danny Wright next week.

Danny Wright is exclusively represented by Total Sport Promotions.

GATORADE REWARDS ATHLETES FOR THEIR COMMITMENT

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

UK athletes are to be rewarded for their consistent effort and commitment to sport with the opportunity to redeem prizes amounting to over £1,000,000. The ‘Gatorade gives back’ campaign encourages people to collect codes from Gatorade bottles which can then be banked online, or via text ,and used to cash in on a wide range of sports-related products. These will include sports equipment, music downloads and sports holidays.

World Record 400m freestyle swimmer and Gatorade spokesperson, Joanne Jackson, said: “Athletes thrive on incentives and this scheme will drive sportsmen and women at all levels to train harder. The rewards available can really help local clubs, as well as individuals.”

For more information, then visit: www.gatorade.co.uk

PUMA® LAUNCHES NEW FOOTBALL BOOT

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

PUMA has launched the all new PowerCat 1.10 boot, inspired by current World Champions Italy. The off centre laces provide a larger striking area for increased power and a better feel for the ball.

This latest design follows the contours of the foot providing a glove like fit and the soft Kangaroo leather provides plenty of comfort.

Available with studs or blades the likes of Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Hennessey will all be wearing the new PUMA PowerCats.

Retail Price - £125

Paul Collingwood

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

England Cricket captain Paul Collingwood was at the Slazenger 2010 launch at Wimbledon a few days ago. We pulled him aside from the action to talk about the team's upcoming trip to Bangladesh.

DALLAGLIO EMBARKS ON EPIC CHARITY CYCLE

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Lawrence Dallaglio is embarking upon a 2,800km cycle through all of the RBS 6 Nations countries in a bid to raise over £1million for charity. The Dallaglio Cycle Slam, which commenced in Rome on 12th February, is taking place over the course of a month and will take in all of the international rugby stadia along the way, finishing in Edinburgh.

The proceeds from the gruelling trip will be split equally between Sport Relief and the Dallaglio Foundation, which the former England Rugby star founded and whose beneficiaries include Cancer Research, DebRA, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Help for Heroes and the RPA Benevolent Fund.

Dallaglio said: “I’ve been training for this for a long time and it is a relief to finally get started. Since I hung up my international boots, I have had to watch the 6 nations wishing I was still on the pitch. This is my own new way of taking on Europe and I’m sure it will hurt just as much.”

Over two hundred and fifty other cyclists will join Dallaglio en route, including former footballers Lee Dixon and Les Ferdinand, who will both take part in the first leg, riding from Rome to San Remo. Former QPR, Newcastle and Tottenham legend Ferdinand said: “I commend everyone who is taking part and I hope people will support us as the money we raise can really make a difference.”

The route is split into five stages, each of which passing through an RBS 6 Nations country. From Rome and the Stadio Flaminio, the group will cycle through France to the Stade de France and then across the Channel to the home of English Rugby at Twickenham. They will then visit the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Dublin’s Croke Park before heading to Murrayfield in time to watch England and Scotland battle over the Calcutta cup on 13th March.

This challenge is the latest in a long line of projects the Dallaglio Foundation has been working towards in its inaugural year. Launched after the passing of Lawrence’s mother Eileen, who lost her battle with cancer, the Dallaglio Foundation has already raised over £600,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Key dates:

12 February 2010 – depart from the Stadio Flaminio, Rome

22 February 2010 – arrive in Paris

26 February 2010 – Cycle through London and arrive at Twickenham

02 March 2010 – arrive in Cardiff

06 March 2010 – arrive in Dublin

08 March 2010 – arrive in Belfast

12 March 2010 – arrive in Edinburgh and final day of Dallaglio Cycle Slam

Visit www.dallagliocycleslam.com for more information on this Dallaglio's epic ride

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/dallagliocycleslam

THE WORLD'S FIRST GLOBAL CRICKET FRANCHISE IS ANNOUNCED

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Rajasthan Royals have linked up with cricket teams from around the world to create a new global sporting franchise, Royals2020, it was announced on Monday at the home of Cricket, Lords.

The winners of the inaugural Indian Premier League in 2008 will be joined by England’s Hampshire Hawks, who have been renamed the Hampshire Royals. Negotiations are ongoing with West Indies’ Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa’s Cape Cobras to become Royals, with a leading domestic team from Australia completing the franchise.

The strategy is to have a competitive team in each of the main cricketing markets around the world, their selection based on records and commitment to Twenty20 Cricket; player development; stadia; and a cultural and commercial fit with the Royals’ ethos.

Shane Warne, Captain and Head Coach of the Rajasthan Royals said: “I am delighted to be part of this new innovation and I am excited with what we can achieve. It is a bonus that clubs with which I have such deep affection are so involved.”

The idea behind the franchise is for the fans of the Royals to have a team they can support all year round, with teams in every major league in the world. For the players it is an opportunity to develop their game and gain more global exposure with opportunities to play in overseas markets.

Manoj Badale, Chairman and co-founder of the Rajasthan Royals and Royals2020 said: “This is a major innovation in World Sport, and it represents a great opportunity for fans and sponsors to be part of something totally unique and exciting.”

Visit the Royals' website at: www.rajasthanroyals.com

FOOTBALL MUSEUM MOVES TO MANCHESTER

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The National Football Museum will move to its new home at Urbis in Manchester, it has been confirmed. A meeting of trustees affirmed, unopposed, the resolution made last year, which will see the new site open in the summer of 2011.

It was also cited that the current museum in Preston might be kept as it is, with the collection of football memorabilia still accessible to the general public.

Chairman of the trustees, Paul Dermondy, said: “We are working relentlessly to maximise public access to our world class collection and the National Football Museum will open up our exhibits to a much wider audience. This could be further enhanced by the retention of public access to the collection in Preston.”

BRITISH ASIAN SPORTS AWARDS 2010 WINNERS REVEALED

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Boxing star Amir Khan was voted one of the winners at the Change4Life British Asian Sports Awards 2010, scooping the Here and Now Champagne Moment of the Year Award.

The ceremony, held at the Grosvenor House hotel in Park Lane, celebrated the achievements of British Asians in the world of sport over the past year and it was an accolade that Khan was only too pleased to receive.

Khan said: “Every time I win an award, I get the same feeling as when I first won. It feels great to win the Champagne Moment of the Year. Last year I became world champion so it was a really good year for me.”

England women’s cricketer Isa Guha was presented with the highest accolade of the night, the Change4Life Sports Personality of the Year Award, for becoming an established international cricketer and playing an integral part in. the World Cup winning team last year.

She said: “Today’s ceremony was amazing! There were so many strong contenders up for this award and so I am truly humbled to receive it. It’s been a great year for women in sport and I hope that this award can inspire more women to get actively involved in sports.”

Amongst the other winners was Sri Lankan cricketer, Arjuna Ranatunga, for the Astra Lifetime Achievement Award and Amit Bhatia, Vice-Chairman of Queen’s Park Rangers, who was crowned with Emerald Knight Community Business in Sport Award.

Full List of Winners:

Change4Life Sports Personality of the Year
Isa Guha, Cricket, London

HSBC Young Sports Personality of the Year
Viroshan Gnanapandithan, Taekwondo, Essex

Shana Foods Junior Sports Personality of the Year (under 18, male)
Jesse Mander, Rugby, London

Unison Junior Sports Personality of the Year (under 18, female)
Riana Devi Soobadoo, Women’s Senior Football, Essex

Cobra Beer Most Up and Coming Sports Personality of the Year
Raj Hundal, Middlesex, Professional Pool

Anand Hyundai International Outstanding Achievement Award
Salma Bi, Cricket, Birmingham

Emerald Knight Community Business in Sport
Amit Bhatia, Football, Queen Park Rangers

Astra Lifetime Achievement Award
Arjuna Ranatunga, Former Sri Lankan cricketer and politician

Madhu’s Coach of the Year
Sivakumar Renganathan, Taekwondo, Essex

Genesis Networks International Sports Personality of the Year
Saina Nehwal

Here & Now 365 Ltd Champagne Moment of the Year
Amir Khan, Boxing WBA World light-welterweight champion

'ARENA GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT' ANNOUNCED AT SILVERSTONE

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

A new Arena Circuit will be used to stage the 2010 Santander British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The majority of the iconic track will still be in use; the only significant change is a new ‘Arena complex’, which has been designed to give three new opportunities for overtaking. This should enhance the action of an event that has always been criticised for the lack of opportunities for the drivers to pass one another.

Work on the Arena Grand Prix Circuit is said to be well under way, alongside improvements for spectator viewing facilities in what is set to be a busy year for the Buckinghamshire venue. It has been confirmed that deals have been made for stages of both MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycle racing series to be held there, as well as Formula One.

The circuit is the only track to hold the British Grand Prix since 1986. Though, much to the horror of die-hard F1 fans, it was feared it would lose this privilege, with the real possibility of Britain losing the most prestigious event in the motorsporting calender completely. Development of the Arena Circuit shows that there is certainly a future for the historic track, especially after a recent 17-year deal to host the event has been agreed with the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).

To see how the Arena Circuit is progressing, visit :http://www.sportssystems.com/hosting/display.cfm?key=101350

Will UK Boxing's 'Night of Champions' Herald New Dawn?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

On Saturday the 13th of February, Wembley Arena will be buzzing with excitement as some of Britain’s finest young boxers take centre stage. Topping the bill is the undefeated lightweight Kevin Mitchell who recently beat the man that destroyed Amir Khan in just one round, Breidis Prescott.

Nathan Cleverly will compete for the vacant European light-heavyweight title; while the undercard features Olympic Gold Medalist James DeGale, and one of England’s most successful amateurs, Frankie Gavin.

Will all four of these talented fighters go on to bigger things or is there just one that stands out as a possible World Champion?

HELP MUSCLES MOVE WITH MAGNESIUM OIL

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

BetterYou has launched a new Magnesium Oil Sports Spray which improves muscle performance, increases energy and helps beat fatigue. Used by international athletes and sports teams around the world the handy spray speeds recovery time and quickly soothes muscles.

One bottle contains up to 800 sprays helping provide comfort against all those aches and pains no matter how tough the training schedule.

Available from Holland & Barrett the 100ml spray has a RRP of £14.50.

HOUSE OF HOOPS 'HOOPSTALK' LIVE

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

This weekend, NBA fans can have the chance to gain exclusive access to such basketball greats as LeBron James, Nate Robinson and Steve Nash.

‘HoopsTalk’, hosted by House of Hoops, coincides with the beginning of the new NBA season and the Nike All Star game, providing the perfect opportunity for VIPs to question the players.

Held at the House of Hoops by Footlocker, in their flagship Oxford Street store, London, 40 lucky consumers will be invited along for the February 13 event.

This unique event is also available exclusively to Facebook fans of House of Hoops. The fan page will be broadcasting ‘HoopsTalk’ live for those wanting to watch. Fans will also have the chance to suggest questions for the Q&A, by posting them on the Facebook page prior to Saturday.

Follow the link below to the fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/houseofhoopslondon

Warne is Bowled Over by Lords and, er, by Me!

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Was with the suspiciously-tanned Shane Warne at Lords cricket ground yesterday shivering in the February sleet as he fronted up the introduction of the Rajasthan Royals as a global cricketing franchise. "Warney" has been the scourge of English cricket for getting on for 20 years, either verbally or, in particular, out in the middle where his leggies have often single-handedly destroyed England. He has a dodgy track record off the field, especially when it comes to text messaging, and his well-chronciled problem with his legs means that they were often unable to walk past a plate of food. Yet the man is one of the most-loved Aussies in England and seen by many - not least Royals Chairman Manoj Badale - as the best face figure to front up cricket as we enter the century's second decade. As for me? Well, I still dine out on clean bowling Warne out in the nets in Brisbane when I played with the Australian team ten years' ago. Now, although Warne was a very handy number eight test batsman, bowling him out is not quite the same as smacking the greatest ever bowler in cricketing history for six. It's like winning a point off Roger Federer at racketball or winning a crazy golf hole against Tiger Woods. Especially as he was nursing a shoulder injury at the time! But I'll take it. Straws need to be clutched!

WIN A COPY OF LIONEL MESSI BOOK

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe would like to congratulate Paul Marshall, Marita Duff and Mark Stanley who all correctly guessed Lionel Messi's nationality and won a copy of his book.

Be sure to check out our latest competitions for more fantastic prizes.

Should Strauss Have Captained England Against Bangladesh?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

England captain Andrew Strauss has announced that he will be sitting out the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The Middlesex opener feels he needs a rest after a hard, but successful 18 months where England reclaimed the Ashes, and battled to a series draw in South Africa.

But is this decision disrespectful to Bangladesh? Would Strauss have taken a break if the series was against the likes of Pakistan or India?

Is this a mistake from the selectors, or does Strauss deserves a rest with the World Cup and Ashes fast approaching?

HENMAN FINALLY WINS AT WIMBLEDON

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Tim Henman achieved on Tuesday something that he had failed to do in the entirety of his professional career- finally winning an event at Wimbledon.
Unfortunately for him, this victory came at Wimbledon Park, a mile down the road from the hallowed courts of SW19.

The event was organised to promote Slazenger’s new range of V1, V2 and V3 cricket bats; N-Pro 1, 2 and 3 hockey sticks; and the new range of Wimbledon tennis balls for this year’s All-England club showcase.

Who better than cricketers Paul Collingwood, Tim Bresnan and Liam Plunkett, as well as England and Great Britain hockey’s Ben Hawes and Ali Wilson to compete against Henman and test out the new products?

The challenge, in a test of the players’ power and accuracy, required them to hit a serve, score a field goal and bowl a wicket in the fastest combined speed. As always with Wimbledon, weather played a big part, with freezing conditions replacing the traditional rain in conspiring to affect the players’ performances.

In the first round- the serve- most struggled to hit the ball over the net and if they did mange to, it was usually met with a resounding ‘out’ from an over-eager member of the crowd. Tiger Tim took full advantage of his opponents’ struggles, taking what proved to be an unassailable lead, as he hit the fastest serve- albeit at a rather underwhelming 76mph, which he attributed to having not played tennis since last May.

Compere for the day, former England captain Alec Stewart didn’t need asking twice to point out to the crowd the competitors’ shortcomings in the challenges that were not in their specialist sports. As frustrations mounted, excuses started to be made- much to the amusement of Stewart, who was glad to be a spectator rather than in the competition.

Twenty20 Captain Paul Collingwood didn’t fail in keeping his former teammate’s spirits up. Before the second event- hitting a hockey ball as fast and hard as possible into a goal- he claimed to have never held a hockey stick in his life. The resulting shot admittedly may have justified his claims. It saw him slice the ball wildly in a manoeuvre that gives hope for the rest of us that though he is a master of his own craft, highlighted by an imperious 105 vs. South Africa in November, he is a novice with a hockey stick.

Plunkett, Bresnan and Henman fared better, getting the ball on target to varying levels of success and it was the latter who showed a certain amount of finesse in his shots, which he attributed to his previous experience of hockey as a schoolboy in PE lessons.

It was up to Hawes and Wilson to prove one can hit a hockey ball in cold conditions powerfully and with precision- it doesn’t slice if you hit it properly!
To the surprise of many, Henman took the fastest shot, making it two out of two and beating the European Hockey champions at their own game in the process. This cast a shadow over the reliability of the speed gun, which had already been sporadic in the tennis event.

One might think that because the speed gun was not entirely accurate that the event might be under threat, but the players were still keen to prove themselves against one another- by this point it was no longer just about power and precision, or how fast a ball can be hit. It was about endurance.

At least that’s how these internationally-acclaimed English sportsmen seemed to treat having to hit a hockey ball on a cold February morning, with their competitive edge winning over anything the elements could throw at them.

This was a far more enjoyable spectacle for this- it was a chance to see true English grit first hand. The final task of bowling a wicket as fast as possible showed that all involved had an aptitude for it; it was just some were a lot faster than others!

If the speed gun was accurate, then Tim Bresnan’s attempt of 49mph should see the description of his bowling on Wikipedia change from medium-fast to slow-slow. Perhaps he was saving himself for the forthcoming Twenty20 series vs. Pakistan later this month.

As proceedings drew to a close and all the readings were in, it was clear there was only ever going to be one winner: Henman had finally won at Wimbledon.
It seemed only fitting that Tim Henman scooped the prize and broke his Wimbledon duck, after the years of heartbreak that he and the nation endured. He received the award with a humility that Centre Court would have been proud of and promising to come back next year to defend his title.

I don’t think anyone had the heart to mention the speed gun.

Joking aside, it was thoroughly enjoyable watching some of England’s finest sportsmen out of their comfort zone and giving it their all to prove themselves as all-rounders. The event was competed in admirably high spirits, with Stewart winding up the competitors a welcome distraction from the chilly conditions.

Perhaps the harsh English winter was a bit of a shock to the system to some of the players who are used to plying their trade in warmer climes this time of year:

-Paul, Tim and Liam will join the rest of England’s cricketers to play in two Twenty20 fixtures against Pakistan in Dubai on 19th and 20th February ahead of their winter tour of Bangladesh.

-Ben and Ali, along with the rest of England’s hockey team, will be participating in the 2010 World Cup, held in India, taking place from 28 February to March 13 at New Delhi’s Dhyan Chand National stadium.

-Tim Henman has started training for next year’s event.

-To find out more about Slazenger’s V-Series cricket bats; N-Pro Hockey Sticks; and Wimbledon Tennis Balls, please visit: www.slazenger.com

Which Team Will Shine In RBS Six Nations?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

This weekend saw the beginning of the RBS Six Nations. Despite being poorly tipped, England overcame Wales 30-17. Earlier in the day Ireland strolled past Italy 29-11 and on Sunday, Scotland lost out to France 9-18. Despite the results though, nothing is certain and England will have to work hard to win the tournament. Is this coach Martin Johnson’s chance to prove he is the right man for the England job?

Are England good enough, or will Ireland, Wales or even France walk away with the Six Nations crown?

The Snow Leopard Cometh

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

With the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics kicking off on Friday, all eyes will be on Vancouver, as the 21st games gets underway. The real star however, will be the ‘Snow Leopard’. Kwame Nkrumah-Acheamphong, Ghana’s only representative at the games will don his skis, despite only learning to ski in 2002 and will vie it out against the world’s best.

Will the 'Snow Leopard' be another ‘Eddie the Eagle’, or will he fulfil his dream in Canada?

Gatland Fails to Keep it in the Family

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Alan-Wyn Jones probably didn't sleep too well on Saturday night, nor Sunday night for that matter. It was his intended trip on Dylan Hartley that resulted in a yellow card and ten minutes in the sin bin at Twickenham, a time in which England scored 17 unanswered points against the 14-man Wales, and won the RBS Six Nations opener. A superb second row forward, who toured with the British & Irish Lions, Jones will probably ask himself until the day he hangs up his boots why he decided to attempt such a professional foul on the England hooker. In rugby terms it was a complete no-no. The truth is it was a spontaneous, out of character reaction which cannot be explained, not least by himself. Although head coach Warren Gatland had every right to be angry with his lock was it right to vent his anger quite so publicly in front of the world's press? Usually these things are handled in the dressing room, or at least away from the glare of the media spotlight. Of course, the media's not complaining. It made good copy. But solidarity is the key to team success, and one wonders whether the post-match reaction will be as damaging as the trip was in the first place?

Motorsport

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Adam Khan

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Adam Khan, 24, is a British racing driver of Pakistani descent. He has raced in the GP2, A1 and F3000 racing series and is currently mulling over offers for his services from two Formula One teams after a stint as a Renault F1 test driver in 2009. He was also nominated in the 2009 British Asian Sports Awards as ‘Most Up and Coming Personality of the Year.’

So where are you now and what exactly are you up to?

Well, basically, I did very well in Formula 3000, which used to be called the old Formula 2. Guys like Schumacher, Montoya, Hakinnen and Alonso all came from Formula 3000. I finished 3rd in the championship in 2008 and that was despite having missed the first four rounds of the it.

Why did you miss those events?

Basically through lack of sponsorship. I had to get the funding together and the budget sorted first. I sort of thought it was my shot to get seen by the F1 stage. But after sponsorship was sorted I won pretty much all the races I was in, pole positions etc. etc. and that caught the eye of the Renault Formula One team, who of course took Fernando Alonso from Formula 3000 prior to that.

So I got signed up as test and demonstration driver in late 2008 and in 2009 I spent testing and driving their Formula One cars.

Is this a recognised stepping-stone to Formula One, them checking you out - how does it work?

Renault has a tradition of promoting their test drivers to race drivers. Once you’re a test driver, you are in that clique of formula one drivers, the next step is then to become a race driver. Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, Renault was sold a couple of weeks back so that put me out of my contract.

In 2010 I’m looking at two offers from other teams and I’m looking at signing for one of them very shortly. The good thing for me is that I’ve done my testing apprenticeship with Renault now and that is seen by other teams as quite a valuable thing to have done, so I’m quite happy.

Hopefully it will only be short period that you are left in limbo then?

It’s my choice which team I sign up for, so I’m just biding my time, see what happens and make sure it’s the right decision for me.

You’re 24 at the moment and only started driving at 16, so in many ways you’re a late starter- are you catching up quick and what are there advantages and disadvantages of this?

When you start that late it does go against you because it is a very elitist and cliquey club to break into and you’re not really accepted at first. People don’t believe you can succeed without the apprenticeship of go-karts and the various lower formulas. I went in at the deep end, was good at it, but people didn’t really want to give me the break I needed.Now it’s all different. I’ve established myself over the past eight years and now Formula One teams know my name- but it was hard.

Most guys on the F1 trail were spotted years ago, their progress has been tracked for years and then all of a sudden there’s this new guy on the scene, pushing into the party…

That’s right. When you have people like McLaren who have spent 12-15 million on getting Lewis Hamilton to Formula One and other drivers, like at Red Bull, you really are up against it. Why should they sacrifice their money getting an unknown into F1? I’ve had to sort out sponsorship since day one and it is kind of cart before the horse- if you haven’t done anything then you can’t get sponsorship but you can’t do anything without sponsorship.

What’s your overall plan- are we talking the F1 championship?

Absolutely. I’m adamant I will achieve that. It’s just getting in the right car at the right time. If you look at what happened this year it wasn’t the best driver necessarily that won the championship, if you put Button in the same car as Alonso, the latter would probably be faster.

Which kind of driver would you say you are, or is it not as easy to define as that?

Each driver has a different style- Alonso and Raikkonen are aggressive and fast, whereas Button and Hamilton are also fast but ultra-smooth. I’ve been told I’m good in the high-speed stuff, with long fast circuits my speciality.

You can have the raw talent but you also have to apply yourself. You have to be meticulous in every aspect of racing- fitness, engineering ability, discussing the data, analysing, along with raw talent itself.

Does your university education help you then?

Most definitely. It makes it so much easier for me. I managed multi-tasking university and racing at the same time, which people couldn’t believe, so now it’s a breeze- I know how to do it and I know how to simplify everything.

So, ride and team permitting, do you have a timeframe for your game-plan mapped out?

Let’s say three or four years, hopefully.

Back to the British Asian awards- you are half-British, half-Pakistani?

Yes, my father’s from Pakistan and I raced for them in the A1 series.I’m very proud of my Pakistani roots and I’m proud to be a Yorkshireman as well.

What do the British Asian Sports Awards mean to you? Is it a positive thing for promoting Asian sport in Britain?

I hope so. I’m very proud to be nominated and I hope other people will be encouraged to partake in motor sport, as it is not a widely accessible sport in the Asian community. But also setting a good example to young people as well, not necessarily just in racing.

What do you like most about your sport?

It’s a very primitive thing to say but I like the fact that I can earn a living through using my hands. When you are driving, you’re making the car do that- it’s almost artistic.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the sport?

Schumacher

And outside?

Probably my father- he’s been supporting all the way through. When the chips were down, he was there to pick me up and give me some encouragement ..

And finally- up to this point, what is the greatest experience of your career?

Probably my first Formula One test at the beginning of last year.

Ben Ainslie Goes Blue

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

As one of Britain’s most successful Olympians ever, Ben Ainslie has ruled the waves for nearly two decades. A sailing World Champion in his early twenties, all the way back in 1993, he then became a household name with a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, before a hat-trick of golds at Sydney, Athens and Beijing.

Ben’s also a big football fan and has turned his attention to this weekend’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. He’s been very precise with his prediction too; let’s see how he gets on:

“Chelsea’s the team I support and this weekend’s game against Arsenal is a massive match. Earlier this year at the Emirates it was very much men against boys and Chelsea totally took Arsenal apart. The game will be closer on Sunday, though, as Arsenal have something to prove after they were ripped apart by Man United last week, however I think Chelsea will win 2-1 with both their goals scored by Drogba.”

Ben's Charity Choice is The Princess Trust
Around one in five young people in the UK are not in work, education or training. Youth unemployment costs the UK economy £10 million a day in lost productivity, while youth crime costs £1 billion every year.

The Princes Trust address this by giving practical and financial support to the young people who need it most. They help develop key skills, confidence and motivation, enabling young people to move into work, education or training.
www.princes-trust.org.uk

Mr Betdaq
Ben’s not the first Celebrity Punter to turn his attention to his favourite football team. Paul Sackey backed Liverpool and Liam Tancock got with Exeter City, but neither man managed to make a profit from their biased bets.

This time, though, I expect Ben to have called the outcome of the game correctly with a Chelsea win. For all their beautiful football, Arsenal just seem a little short at the moment.

Furthermore, the Blues’ record at Stamford Bridge has been nothing short of extraordinary over the last few years where since the start of the 2004/5 season, they’ve lost just twice at home in the Premier League. Both defeats came last year and Arsenal were one of the two teams to win there, but after the recent performance against Manchester United, the bookies are giving the visitors little hope – it’s 4/1 for the away victory.

The 5/6 on Betdaq for the home win is decent value in itself, but Ben’s lumped his stake on the correct score market. With odds of 15/2, the payout would be a handsome one if the 2-1 win is recorded.

Ben also reckons that Didier Drogba’s going to bang the goals in for Carlo Ancelotti’s men on Sunday, and there’s little to put me off agreeing with him on that either. He got two against the Gunners in a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture at the Emirates and scored midweek in his first game back from the African Nations against Hull. He’s also netted ten from 11 games against Arsène Wenger’s boys so seems a prime candidate to net the first goal at around 4/1.

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Ben’s Celebrity Punt:
Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal correct score:     15/2

Chelsea v Arsenal game odds:
Chelsea:                5/6
Draw:                     13/5
Arsenal:                4/1

WIN A MEN'S ACTIVE SWIM WATCH

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Speedo is the world's No1 swim brand and they have given us this fabulous Active Swim Watch to give away to one lucky reader. It features a large, easy to read digital display is framed in a PC case. The watch also features a bi-color PU strap with a pin-less Aqualock™ closure system. In addition this watch offers a stopwatch, a countdown timer, an alarm, dual time, a back light and is water resistant to 100M. Perfect for swim training and impressing in and out of the water.

Worth: £45

For stockists and further information: www.speedo.co.uk

To win this exclusive prize all you have to do is answer the following question;

Which swimmer has won the most number of Olympic Golds?

Kristan Bromley and Shelley Rudman

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Kristan: It's been four long years since the last Winter Olympics in Turin but now, finally, the wait is almost over. The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games are almost upon us, with the Olympic bobsleigh track up in Whistler, which is like staging the football world cup in Brazil. Winter sports are all Canadians care about and going there and winning would be, in our sport, the equivalent of winning the world cup at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Turin seems a lifetime ago and so much has happened since then. Back then, of course, Shelley my partner and now fiancée and mother of our baby daughter, Ella, won the silver medal and collected it while I was finishing fifth. It was a strange mixture of emotions. I was at rock bottom to be out of the medals, especially as I came to the Italian Alps hoping to claim gold. At the same time I was elated for Shelley, who was on cloud nine. Her success definitely helped me overcome my own disappointment. It also highlighted the narrow margins in bob skeleton. I can go to Vancouver and win, or I can finish tenth. We're talking about tiny differences in times here.

Since Turin we've had Ella, of course, and she travels everywhere with us. Some people may think this is a distraction. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ella is our little stress-buster. She gives me a hug and immediately takes away any problems. She can say hello in four different languages, which isn't bad for a toddler aged 2 years and 4 months, and the first time she ever went ice skating the other day she took to it like the proverbial duck to (unfrozen) water. Contrary to popular belief the British government haven't asked us to produce a wonder athlete for the 2030 Winter Olympics, although she's good genes. I've heard Shelley and me described as the "Posh and Becks" of bob skeleton, which always makes me laugh, and now that we have Ella I suppose we're the (very) poor people's version of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf with their kids. If they don't have the ingredients to become good tennis players, nobody will. Actually I'd prefer Ella to become an ice skater because she looks like she has some talent there and there's more money in it. Still, like me, she's into winter sports at an early age. A few years ago I unearthed a drawing I'd scribbled as a four year old boy back home in Rossendale, Lancashire. It depicted a large bobsleigh with people waving out of its windows. I've no idea how the bob had captured my imagination aged four, but the idea of sliding down ice tracks has stayed with me ever since. Later on in life I gained a Phd in materials engineering after writing a thesis entitled "Factors Affecting the Performance in Skeleton Bobsleigh." When the media found this out I was immediately dubbed "Dr Ice."

We're based in Sheffield now, having moved from Bath after Turin, and Shelley and I have been working hard since 2006 looking to improve all aspects of our performance with the help of my company, Bromley Technologies Ltd.

Becoming world champion and world cup overall champion in 2008 eased the pain of Turin, but not enough to be desperate to give it another good go in Canada. Win, medal or miss out, I know I've done everything possible. This time I'd like both Shelley and me to experience an incredible high of success at the Winter Games. It's certainly a possibility, that's for sure.

Shelley: The first sign that I'd end up doing what I do was when I was aged just five and I went tobogganing with my Dad and my dog on the hills around the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire, where I grew up. The dog, incidentally, sat on the sledge, just in case you're thinking we got him to pull us! 22 years' later and I'm just as hooked as ever. The Turin Winter Games was a very strange experience. I came to them knowing I stood a chance of doing something, but only on the basis that anyone in the top ten has that chance. Then it all came together in the practice runs and then for real. I received my silver medal just as Kristan was competing, and so obviously his disappointment was a shared one. I'm really hoping this time we both win medals in Whistler, although anything can happen.

Since then we've both really gone for it. Yes, I've had some extra dimensions to my life, notably Ella. People can't work out how I endanger life and limb hurtling down bobsleigh tracks at 80 mph as a mother, nor how I can focus with Ella around. My reply to this is that bob skeleton is an extreme sport, not a particularly dangerous one, while Ella is a very welcome distraction because it means I can switch off from bob skeleton as well. Not having her around us would be the distraction, believe me. I'd like to think when she's older she'll think it's cool to have two parents who do what we do for a living.
There's been a few other changes, too, as a result of my silver medal. I went to a few functions, like the premiere of Basic Instinct 2, had a few glossy magazine photo shoots and got to wear a few nice dresses. And there's been some much-needed lottery funding that has made our lives a little easier. In Pewsey when I go back I get recognised quite a bit on the basis that there aren't too many girls from the town with an Olympic silver medal, but it's not especially the case elsewhere.

Since Turin, despite becoming parents, Kristan and I have not left a stone unturned in our determination to improve in terms of technology, sports psychology and nutrition. I've had the best year yet as far as preparation and performance goes and I'm going to Whistler confident knowing that I'm in with a shout if I get two good runs under my belt. The track at Whistler is considerably faster and steeper than anywhere else so hold on to your hats - or helmets! At the Olympics Kristan and I will mainly go into "athlete mode." By this I mean we can't be too much of a loving partnership as we both have major goals to aim for. I'd love to have Kristan's world and world cup titles, and he'd love my Olympic medal. But I'm sure at one point up at Whistler one will turn to the other and ask: "Who's got the house keys?"

WIN A GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP BALL

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe has teamed up with GUINNESS sponsors of the GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP rugby ball signed by Premiership rugby stars.

To stand a chance of winning simply answer the following question

Which team won the 2009 Six Nations Championship?

WWE Divas Kelly Kelly and Maria

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

It takes a lot of work to be a WWE Diva! Kelly Kelly and Maria rehearse their lines for their shout to Sportsvibe in this video.

Steve Redgrave

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe were at the introduction of Team GB for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. At the event to promote team GB was record gold medal winning rower Steve Redgrave. We stopped him to ask what his connection to winter sports was, about his planned cycle across America and we even got a chance to see the amazing light show put on to promote Team GB at Somerset House.

Rotating Boxes Small

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Red Bull's F1 on Ice with Sébastien Buemi

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

When Formula One announced the return of the Grand Prix to Montreal in 2010, Red Bull Racing couldn't wait to celebrate in one of their favourite cities, no matter what the calendar or weather report said. So with parkas packed and custom tyres in the lab, the team mapped out its ultimate winter drive with Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Sébastien Buemi behind the wheel. In sub-zero temperatures, Buemi put rubber to asphalt and ice...

Team GB 2010 Winter Olympics

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The 2010 Winter Olympics are on the way and Team GB are getting ready to bring home some medals. The team were introduced at a massive event at Somerset House and we chatted with five of them about the their hopes for the games, how they got into winter sports in the first place and the time Shelly Rudman was caught sledging down a hill with a dog.

It's Too Close a Shave for Woods and Henry, but not for Federer!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Take a look at the American Gillette commercial which you can watch in the features section of Sportsvibe TV. In it you will see Tiger Woods and Derek Jeter shaking their heads as Roger Federer plays the fool. It's the same story with the European version, as well, with Woods and Thierry Henry treating Federer like their idiot younger brother. There's every chance Messrs Woods and Henry were shaking their heads again on Sunday as Federer was demolishing Andy Murray to pick up his 16th Grand Slam title, but this time shaking their heads at how life can serve up the most unexpected turns. While Woods is out of the picture, trying to salvage his marriage, his earning power and his golf after a long list of now public extra-marital affairs, and Henry remains persona non grata in football after his blatant cheating got France to the World Cup at the expense of Ireland, Federer marches on, seemingly better than ever, a father and a very happily married husband. Perhaps Gillette should make another advert, but this time have Federer shaking his head at a suitably sheepish Woods and Henry?

RUGBY STARS BRING GUINNESS TO LIFE

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

International rugby stars Lewis Moody, Lee Byrne and Paul Sackey join GUINNESS to kick start the 2010 international rugby season with a new advertising campaign.

The campaign embodies the new GUINNESS end line “Bring it to Life” by depicting the key moments that bring rugby union to life for supporters through the game-changing moves of the featured stars. The print campaign was shot by Japan ’s Satoshi Minakawa, whose landscape and concept photography has been used in high profile campaigns in the UK and Japan for Nike, Timberland, Audi, Landrover and Mercedes.

Cameroon Football Team Training

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Exclusive training footage with the Cameroon national football team from the African Cup of Nations in Angola; the first time the event has been hosted by the Southern African country.

The competition came to a close with Egypt beating Ghana in Luanda on Sunday 31st January 2010.

Russell Coutts & Jimmy Spithill

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The 33rd America's Cup is just around the corner and the BMW ORACLE team have been working around the clock to put the finishing touches to the "USA 17". We caught up with CEO Russell Coutts and helmsman Jimmy Spithill to see how the preparations are going.

Want to Win a Grand Slam Final? Then Don't Play Me!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Guesting with Greg Rusedski today on Radio 5 Live reminded me of the time when I faced the famed Rusedski serve shortly after the Canadian-turned British tennis star first arrived on the scene armed with the fastest serve in tennis. Absurdly, I stuck my racquet out and watched as Greg's serve rebounded straight back and past him for a clean winner. We both looked at each other dumbfounded. After that Greg made sure I barely touched the ball, slicing and spinning his serves at ridiculous speeds and angles. Anyway, a few months later he made it to the US Open final, only to lose to Pat Rafter. After yesterday watching Andy Murray lose the Australian Open in straight sets to Roger Federer and then seeing Greg reminded me of how exactly the same thing happened to Murray, too, when I faced his serve at London's Queens Club. Again, his first serve hit my racquet and rebounded back over the net for a winner. Again, he murdered me in response. Maybe, in the cause of British tennis, I should have had a hit with Federer when he first broke through? It's a bit late now, though, isn't it?

Laura Bechtolsheimer

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Laura Bechtolsheimer is one of Britain's top exponents of the dressage world. In 2005, aged just 20, she became the youngest British Dressage Champion, won the British Dressage Rider of the Year award in 2008 and represented Britain at the Beijing Olympics. Last year she helped the British team to a silver medal at the European Dressage Championships, and won a bronze in the individual Grand Prix Special, and has since gone on to win other Grand Prix events. She has started 2010 in fine form, finishing second in two Grand Prixs in January, breaking two British records in the process.

1. How did you get into your sport?
Through my parents. They have always had horses together and I grew up riding, the yard was my playground!

2. Tell us the best thing about your sport?
Unlike other sports, we are relying on another living creature that has a mind and will of its own! Trying to make this unpredictable element more predictable through training and the relationship that we build with our horses makes it a continual challenge. We both have to be on form at the right moment in order to compete successfully and this makes it very special when it comes off!

3. Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?
My father because he trains me and does all the day to day work with me. My highs are his and so are my lows so I always want to make him proud.

4. Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?
I grew up idolizing Steffi Graf and now I tend to admire anyone who stays consistently at the top of their game or makes a good comeback. Someone like Federer is definitely a role model because he is a genius of the court and a gentleman off the court.

5. Who is the best player you’ve played with/against?
In dressage we are often in the same class as the top few in the world so it is hard to say. Isabell Werth who rides for Germany is always a force to be reckoned with because she has been winning gold medals almost since I was born!

6. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I always have a playlist on my ipod made to suit my frame of mind at that given period of time.

7. Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before matches etc?
I ride about 6 horses in the morning, which involves training them. In the afternoon I tend to hack them out or take them for a canter for fitness. I also have a pilates lesson 2x a week and I go running to keep fit. I compete abroad about once a month.

8. Who is the funniest player at your club/who’ve played with?
Edward Gal is the world’s no1 at the moment and he is pretty entertaining. When ever we compete at the same shows he is smiling, (probably because he always wins!) but he always lightens up what can be a tense “backstage area.”

9. What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career to date?
Winning the team silver and individual bronze medals at the European Championships in 2009.

10. What are do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?
End of September this year I hope to ride at the World Games in Kentucky and I hope to achieve another team and individual medal.

11. If you hadn’t of been a dressage rider what would you have been?
A political journalist or maybe Jonny Wilkinson’s physio!

12. What will you do after your sporting career is over?
Coach other riders and I will always have young horses to bring on, I can’t imagine not having horses in my everyday life.

13. What music (if any) do you listen to when training?
We usually have the radio on but I get very irritated by adverts and we can’t get radio 1 at our place! I am more into old school music and a bit of country roots.

14. What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?
Go and see my uni friends in London, drink too much and dance badly.

15. If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?
I would steal a top event horse and give the Badminton cross country course a crack, (although I do dressage I am a bit of speed junky!) I would then fly to a ski race and ski a world cup downhill, its got to be a good way to go!

16. What is your favourite film?
Lord of the Rings trilogy, Strider is my hero!

17. Do you get any strange fan mail?
Yes and that is all I want to say about that!

18. What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?
I have heard there are some pretty bitchy forums about top riders on the circuit, written mainly by very low level amateurs but I stay clear as I don’t see the point in getting upset about things you can’t change! Someone also once referred to my chiseled six-pack in a magazine once, I wondered how they knew?!

19. Tell us a joke about your sport?

The Things You Have To Do To Get a Pastry!

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I have a dilemma and it involves Jess Ennis, the golden girl of British athletics and a previous Special Guest Columnist here on Sportsvibe. In her column she said how she can cook a mean blackberry and apple pastry. Later the world heptathlon champion promised that she would cook one just for me. Well, that was in December and I'm still waiting. Moments after she broke the 60 metres hurdles indoors British record on Saturday at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall I told her that when a girl makes a promise she has to deliver. "Well, you promised that you'd sort it out so that I can get to meet Gordon Ramsay," Jess replied. And so I did, on the basis that a few years ago I actually cooked for Gordon in his Chelsea restaurant for three long days and nights. So there you have it. It seems the only way I can get hold of one of Jess Ennis's blackberry and apple pastries (and she swears they are the best around) is to arrange a meeting between Mr "F" Word and the girl who looks well set to add the world indoors title in March to her outdoors title won last summer. I tell you what. That pastry had, to use Gordon's vernacular, better be f***ing good!

ITALY GO TUG WAR!

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The World Indoor Tug of War Championships will take place on 25th-28th February in Italy. The club competitions will take place on the first two days with the International event taking place on the second two days. The weight categories being contested are 560 kilos, 600 kilos, 640 kilos and 680 kilos, this being the combined weight of the 8 pullers.

England will be represented in all four of the above weight categories. Rather than selecting a squad from various teams, England will be represented by the current national champions in each weight class. The teams are as follows:

Norton TOWC from Stoke-on-Trent will represent England at 560 kilos and are currently the European Outdoor Champions at 600 kilos. Norton won the gold medal at 560 kilos at the national indoor championships in December to qualify to represent at this weight.

Kilroe TOWC from Manchester will be represent England at 600 kilos. Kilroe represented England on 5 consective occasions at World Indoor Championships at 560 kilos, winning a gold medal for England on each occasion.

Sheen TOWC from Staffordshire will represent England at 640 kilos, having won this weight, and four other weight classes at the national indoor championships.

Raunds TOWC from Northamptonshire will represent England at 680 kilos. Raunds finished as runners up at the national indoor championships in December and are previous world champions in this weight class, winning the gold medal for England in 1997.

Redgrave's a Winter Olympian at Heart!

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sir Steve Redgrave was in fine form the other night at the official announcement of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Winter Olympics team, which he attended as an official ambassador for the team. Let's be honest, who wouldn't want the five time gold medallist and total legend attached to your Olympic team? It wasn't too long ago that nobody really cared about the Winter Olympics in this country, unless you were in to Torvill and Dean, or Eddie the Eagle? It seems we have come a long way. London's white Somerset House was used as a giant screen as union jacks and footage of winter Olympians in action were displayed before the athletes were introduced on the ice rink. But what's Steve's link to winter sports? Well, apart from the fact that he reckons he's a half decent downhill skier (and you'd want to get well out of his way if you saw his bulk hurtling down the mountain at you) he also narrowly missed out on selection for the British Winter Olympics team in 1988 in the four-man bobsleigh, something he still chunters on about. The fact that he went on to win two medals at the Seoul Olympics that same summer doesn't prevent his wistful thoughts at what might have been. Knowing him he probably would have won a Winter medal, as well. He doesn't particularly need it for his CV, though. He is, and will most likely always be, our greatest Olympian ever.

DALLAGLIO SUPPORTS YOUNG GUNS

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Former England Rugby Union Captain, and 2003 World Cup winner, Lawrence Dallaglio, is on a mission to help find rugby’s stars of the future through a new initiative headed by pesto pioneers Sacla in conjunction with the RFU. The initiative will see the Italian food manufacturers sponsor ALL the grass-root rugby festivals across England this year, a programme involving over 40,000 youngsters.

The first festival kicks off on 22nd February and the 104 Sacla’ Rugby Festivals for children aged between 10 and 16 years across the UK, will reach their exciting climax with an exclusive training session with Dallaglio at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 5th June. One child from each festival will be chosen to attend the Sacla’ National Training Day based on qualities of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship, the Core Values of the sport.

Children who attend the festivals will receive Sacla’ skills cards, which will offer special tips from Lawrence to help them track their progress and improvement. Parents will also have access to healthy eating tips and recipe cards to make sure their children are getting the nutrition they need for action on the pitch, goody bags and a chance to taste Dallaglio by Sacla’ sauces.

The festivals will also feature SOS Kit Aid containers for clubs and individuals to drop their unwanted rugby kit. The IRB run project, which redistributes kit to less advantaged children from around the world, provides others with a chance to play the game, a core component of the Sacla’ social commitment.

FIRST EVER ECO DRIVING CHALLENGE

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Peugeot Eco Cup will follow a 1000 kilometre course from Paris to Geneva, with the winners being those arriving at the finish within set time targets having used the least fuel.

Entry to the Peugeot Eco Cup is open to any qualified driver. Would-be competitors can sign up at the dedicated website www.ecocup.peugeot.com which can also be found via www.peugeot.co.uk by 15 February 2010.

The website features a range of eco-driving tips, an online eco-driving test and details of the four different Peugeot cars available for the event. Applicants select the car category they prefer to compete in, enter their details and submit a 140 word description of what makes a good eco driver.

Peugeot will select 72 competitors from the online entries and then randomly draw entrants to be invited to take the challenge, with four each
representing the 18 European countries (and accompanied by a team-mate of their choice), to compete in four different Peugeot cars.

With strict equivalent weights for each model used, the 72 vehicles will all set off from Paris on Sunday, 28th February 2010 towards Geneva via a compulsory 1,000 kilometre route to be covered within the 30-36 hour permitted period.

For each model, the candidate having consumed the least fuel at the end of the course will win a new car. Winners will be announced and the keys to the vehicles will be handed over on Tuesday 2nd March 2010 on the Peugeot stand at the Geneva Motor Show.

UK HOSTS GRASS TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Burton & Leicester Grasstrack Association has been invited by the FIM to host the 125cc Grasstrack and 250cc Longtrack Youth Gold Trophy Championships taking place at Tallington Showground, Stamford, Lincolnshire 24/25th July 2010. It is the first time the 125cc International Championships has been hosted in the UK and it is the inaugural year for the newly formed 250cc Championships giving UK riders who have never competed abroad the opportunity to meet their fellow International competitors and go head to head for the Championship title. Riders in both classes are highly competitive and racing off ensures the event will produce some very exciting and exhilarating racing.

For more information checkout www.fim-youthgrasstrack2010.moonfruit.com

GREAT NORTH BIKE RIDE

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

This popular charity event will take place on Sunday 29th August 2010. The route follows Seahouses Northumberland to Tynemouth Priory and takes in 60miles of beautiful Northumberland coastline. Last year 2300 took part raising £100.000 for childhood cancer research. This event started a few years ago with just 6 cyclists.

Full details www.greatnorthbikeride.com

SHOCK DOCTOR SIGNS QUINS' SKINNER

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Shock Doctor, the mouthguard and sports protection brand, have signed the Harlequins rugby union captain Will Skinner to be the face of the brand.

Skinner was the leading tackler in English Rugby last season and is one of a number of outstanding young English back row forwards pushing for international honours During his career he has already captained a victorious England Saxons Churchill Cup tour.

According to Skinner, “In contact and at the breakdown, protection is paramount! Shock Doctor not only gives me the confidence I need to go in hard, but helps me deliver on performance."

Shock Doctor sporting goods can be found in any good sports shop

VANGO BAG THE BUSINESS

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Providing great protection for your laptop and plenty of room to carry all your gadgets and goodies with ease, this laptop rucsac (SRP: £25) is ideal for use as a work bag or an urban daysac and will prove handy when you’re on the go.

The Excel 1680D PU texturised nylon body provides a durable and reliable cover. There is also a specially padded internal laptop section to further protect your computer, two zip pockets on the front to keep you organised and front panel zip entry to the main compartment for ease of access. Along with a padded foam back for unmatched comfort the laptop rucsac is an essential and convenient accessory to your kit.

For further information visit www.vango.co.uk

HORSING AROUND FOR VALENTINE'S

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The British Horseracing Authority has a whole host of good ideas for Valentine's that should keep both halves of a loving couple happy. They include:

BUY A RACEHORSE
How about a personal share in a winning racehorse? This all-inclusive gift could soon see that special someone reaping the benefits of racehorse ownership for a season. The package includes a certificate of ownership from the trainer, a photograph of the racehorse, up to the minute information about the horse and notice of when the horse will be racing. If that’s not enough, your loved one will also receive an exclusive Owner’s badge to watch their horse race, including special access to the Parade Ring and the Owners & Trainers’ Bar facilities at the course in question. From £199 per person: John Long Racing, Surrey.

NAMING A RACE
Buy someone the truly unique gift of naming a race in their honour at Lingfield Park Racecourse, the premier All-Weather venue in the heart of the beautiful Surrey countryside. This special package not only includes the naming rights itself, but entry to the racecourse for two, a racecard and four-course meal on a table that overlooks the winning post and is yours for the day.
Price starts at £414, Lingfield Park Racecourse, Surrey. More details: As this is a bespoke package please contact Lingfield Park to discuss your dates and requirements on 01342 834800  www.lingfield-racecourse.co.uk

THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
Put a smile on your partners face with this premium package to capture the magic of one of racing’s momentous events, the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on 19th March 2010. New for The Festival 2010, the Glass Fronted Restaurant is elegantly furnished and overlooks the racecourse, providing a stunning view of the action. The package includes admission ticket and Club badge, car parking, morning coffee, 4 course luncheon, afternoon tea, table for the day and a complimentary racecard – everything you need for a day you won’t forget! From £429 per person: Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. More details: 08445 793003 www.cheltenham.co.uk

Go to www.britishhorseracing.com/valentines for more information on these Valentine’s experiences and to find out when you can go racing this winter.

WWE Divas Kelly Kelly and Maria

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The WWE Divas Kelly Kelly and Maria were in town to promote the UK arm of the WWE tour due to start in the Spring. We talked to them about injuries, how they got into wrestling and tried to get them to spill the beans on Tiger Woods.

Look Out for USA's "Dog" in the America's Cup!

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Bobbing up and down on a rib on the western Mediterranean waters off the coast of Valencia the other day I drew up alongside the challenger for next week's America's Cup and saw something you have never seen before on the open seas of this planet. BMW Oracle Racing's "USA" is so enormous, so powerful and so awesome to look at that the world's sailing media have re-christened it "Dogzilla," and for good reason. 30 metres in length (the same size as a blue whale), its piece de resistance is its wing, which towers up into the sky at an incredible 57 metres (or 190 feet). Dogzilla boasts the tallest mast ever witnessed on a yacht, and one that can be seen for many a mile on the open water. At speeds of 42 knots it is likely to mount a serious challenge to the current holders of the world's oldest sporting contest, Switzerland's "Alinghi," especially as "USA" is skippered by three-time winner and America's Cup legend, Russell Coutts. There are two potential problems, however: first, it is far more effective in strong winds than light winds, and nobody knows which way the weather will turn on February 8th when the first of the best of three races begins; and second, "USA" has entered so many unchartered waters with its design that nobody knows for sure how she will fare in match racing. The world will soon find out whether Dogzilla is a beast, or just a dog.

Una Healy and Ben Foden

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Una Healy and Ben Foden trade places in their shout to Sportsvibe.

Lesley Sackey

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Lesley Sackey is a female British boxer who is fast rising in the world of amateur boxing. She is one of only a handful of female boxers on the cards at the famous All Star Boxing Club in west London which is most famous for producing another sportsvibe friend Frank Bruno. She is Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) National Champion in the welterweight division and in 2008, won a Gold medal at the European Championships.

Lesley is a fighter with the world at her feet and her aim is to put her name firmly on the map by representing Great Britian at the London 2012 Olympics. Sportsvibe recently caught up with Lesley for a chat about everything from training, music, her favourite films and of course the London Olympics...........

1. How did you get into boxing?

I was interested in getting fit but didn't like the idea of going to the gym so a family friend recommended I try going to the local boxing gym for a workout. I started going to the keep fit boxing classes and the coach recommended I try amateur boxing and the rest is history!

2. Tell us the best thing about your sport?

Winning! Nothing beats the feeling of winning!

3. Who if you have one, is your biggest inpiration in your sport?

I think I have a lot of respect for many people in boxing for different reasons, I always like Carl Forch's heart, I think he has a lot of heart in fights which can often be the difference between winning and losing a fight. David Haye for managing himself and finally getting the recognition, Floyd Mayweather because he is a truly exceptional boxer and of course Muhammad Ali because of his skills and personality in and out of the ring, to name but a few!

4. Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

Yes I admire any athlete who takes their sport seriously because I realise the dedication and sacrifice that comes with competing at a high level.

5.Do you have any pre-bout rituals or superstitions?

I prefer to stay in the changing room until I have to box but that doesn't always happen if you are boxing in a tournament because you always want to see what is going on in the ring with your team mates.

6. Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before a bout etc?

My training schedule involved me training up to 6 times a week in the boxing gym, for 2 hour sessions 4 times a week and the other 2 days is spent running, sprinting and maintaining weight, speed and stamina. Leading up to a bout the last week I would do less running and more skill work.

7. What is the most memorable moment in your career to date?

Winning a Gold medal in the European Championships in 2008. I boxed girls who had a lot more experience than me and I beat them. I was also told it was the first time British boxer entered the tournament for the first time and won Gold.

8. What do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

To win this years ABA's, get to the World Championships and be selected for the GB Squad.

9. Do you have a favourite fight/favourite performance in your career so far?

I have favourite moments from fights. But every fight I learn something, win or lose.

10. If you hadn't of been a boxer what would you have been?

An actress, or I would continue with my career in the music and events industry (business not performing!).

11. What will Lesley Sackey do after their sporting career is over?

Whatever I feel like at the time! I always like trying new things so I will see what opportunities arise and go from there.

12. What music (if any) do you listen to when training?

All sorts, anything from Jay-Z to George Benson, Fela Kuti, Bashy, Kano always feature on my shuffle and house music always gets me going.

13. What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

Try to relax which is hard. I go to see friends, hang out with my boyfriend and shop!

14. If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

With the people I loved, eating lots of food!

15. What is your favourite film?

Breakfast at Tiffany's and Leon.

16. Do you get any strange fan mail?

Not yet!

17. What is the funniest thing you have read about yourself in the media?

Im just starting out so I haven't heard anything yet but im sure there's time!

18. Tell us a joke about your sport?

Not sure it's a joke but it's funny because a lot of people think all female boxers are butch looking but they actually aren't!

19. Being from London yourself, how big a deal is it that we are staging the 2012 Olympic Games?

It's a massive deal, not only would it be amazing to be in the first Olmpics for over 100 years that has female boxing included but the fact it's on home soil is reassuring and comforting to know you will get the support of the Londoners plus it will drive me harder to win because no-one likes to lose on home soil!

20. This will be the first time female boxing will be a part of the Games, how good is that for female boxing as a sport?

It's great for the sport, it creates awareness to everyone - young people who might want to get involved to people of all generations who didn't even know much about about female boxers and how good we actually are.

21. Do you think this move by the IOC could lead to female boxing being as big as men's boxing?

Hopefully it will raise awareness and be considered as good as men's boxing.

22. Could this open the floodgates for female sports at the Olympic Games, as men still compete for 38 more medals than the women.

I'm not sure what the outcome will be but it's nice to know we have the opportunity at 2012.

23. What can people who have never watched female boxing expect at the 2012 Olympics?

Females who are skilled and focused, that have the ability to win medals!

Ben Ainslie

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We were at the London International Boat Show and bumped into Olympic Gold medalist Ben Ainslie. We talked to him about sailing's accessibility to the average person, his favourite films and his admiration for a certain high profile golfer...

Brive is the 13th Premiership Side!

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I was in Brive the other day in south-west France visiting the England centre Riki Flutey for a chat when Jamie Noon, the former Newcastle and England centre ambled up to say hello. Moments later Shaun Perry, the former Bristol and England scrum half, also waved from the other side of the stand. Out in the middle Andy Goode, sporting a red beard, was honing his kicking skills before he, too, came over to discuss who is the better at table football - for the record I am as I beat him 10-3 at the Leicester Tigers training ground a couple of years ago. Then, while still waiting for the laid back Flutey to make an appearance, former Northampton and current England hooker Steve Thompson began the usual banter he has had with me for many years now, which included accusing Flutey of sounding more German than French when he attempts to parlez Francais. Damian Browne, the former Northampton back row forward is also plying his trade now at Brive. Finally Flutey, the Kiwi-turned Englishman, turned up, nodded his head at the gaggle of English internationals, and said: "And I thought it would be a new life and culture here!" Quite!

Flutey's Back, Fit and Ready to Put English Wrongs Right.

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

He may only have played nine times for England, and indeed only made his debut in November, 2008, but both the England players and management are united in their belief that their fortunes over the next five games that make up the Six Nations will depend a great deal on Riki Flutey.
The Kiwi-turned Englishman, who missed the three, disappointing autumn internationals after shoulder surgery last August, is close to being the first name on Martin Johnson's teamsheet for when England take on Wales at Twickenham in the tournament opener in just 13 days' time. This is why all and sundry went quiet and listened when the 29-year-old delivered his verdict on the autumn tests at a Twickenham squad meeting a fortnight ago, and although it was undoubtedly meant to be constructive, it was also pretty damning.
"I had a very positive attitude towards being out of the game due to the shoulder operation, but one thing frustrated me beyond belief and that was not having a voice and being able to give my opinion during the autumn internationals," explained the inside centre as he sat in the clubhouse at his French club Brive, away from the thick of the current attention focussed on England, but far from forgotten.
"I understand the problems there were in having so many players out injured and bringing in new guys who were taken out of their comfort zones and had to learn a new language in terms of playing, but at the same time players need to take some of the responsibility.
"After all, the last thing I want as a player is for a coach to tell me this is what I have to do within a structure. That takes away my vision and my flair. If I see space and I'm going to ask someone to put me or a teammate into that space I don't want to see people holding back because they think the coach is saying from here you have to do this, this and this. That's what I felt watching England during the autumn. We were going through the motions of the pattern in training but within this we were doing nothing. We weren't creating anything for each other."
Did Flutey really say all this in front of the squad and management? "I did," he replied. "You see, when we're on the field we have to take responsibility. You can't always ask in a split second: "Hold on, am I allowed to do this?" I don't want a situation where I don't have any freedom in whatever structure I'm given. I know Brian Smith (the England attack coach) doesn't want this, either. He's encouraging us to play with a lot more freedom within the structure. That means that the half backs, for example, can cancel the planned move and do something else at a moment's notice."
Shane Geraghty filled Flutey's absent boots in the autumn but failed so dismally to recreate his club form that he now finds himself demoted to the Saxons squad. Inside him a dreadfully deep Jonny WIlkinson failed to impress. "Ten is huge," Flutey confirmed, having played at stand off many times himself during his career both in New Zealand and England. "The role is to both organise the pattern of play and look for opportunities. It's not a question of playing deep in a game, or playing flat. You have to mix it up according to the circumstance. If the move's asking me to be the playmaker at 12, for example, then the ten has to be deep, but if we're looking to move the ball quickly down the backs or we want to be in the opposition's faces then ten stays flat. There shouldn't be a rigid pattern to this."
Kicking is another area that Flutey feels needs to be worked on, after an autumn that saw England kick away both the ball and possession with montonous regularity. "If we're in our own 22 and the opposition have their back three and number eight back then what's the point of just kicking the ball to them and giving away possession?" he asked. "We need to react to the situation on the field. That means maybe getting the ball out wide because their wings are deep, or manipulate their defence, or go through two or three phases to bring the number eight and the back three up. Then you've created space to kick the ball into. What I saw in the autumn was players kicking the ball for the sake of kicking, just to get the ball out of England's half."
If nothing else you can expect Flutey to engineer a more offensive approach when Wales come to Headquarters on February 6th, and if they are buoyed by the notion of a vital player at inside centre featuring for England who has just come back from a serious injury, then the man in question has some news. Last year, a year in which he stamped his authority on the Six Nations to help guide England into second place, before then playing for the British & Lions in their winning third test against South Africa, Flutey was only at "60%" due to his shoulder injury. Now this problem has been finally sorted, he feels close to 100%.
"It was this time last year when my shoulder became sore after a front on tackle playing for Wasps against Castres," Flutey explained. "During the Six Nations I had rehab before and after every test to get me on to the field for the next one. The adrenalin of playing hid the pain most of the time but, when I was with the Lions, I felt it go again during the game against the Southern Kings. I was up icing my shoulder for every two hours during the night in order to get me fit for the third test when I knew both Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts would be out injured.
"I arrived at Brive late due to the Lions. They'd already played three games and I'd had next to no off-season or pre-season training. I was desperate to play against Clermont Auvergne as it was a big, local derby for Brive but, in hindsight, I shouldn't have done so. Every time I made a tackle I felt a sharp pain. Afterwards I couldn't lift my arm up to my shoulder, let alone over it. After seeing medical advice I realised I had to have surgery. Otherwise I'd be short-changing myself and my teammates at both Brive and England.
"I enjoyed my time out of the game, apart from watching the autumn tests. It was the first break I'd had in ten years and I was able to shake off all my niggles and work on my conditioning. I came back to England where we have a place in Twickenham and went every day to the stadium for one on one treatment with Bill Knowles, the sports rehabilitation specialist, Margot Wells, the sprint coach, and Barney Kenny, the RFU's physio.
"For the first time in a long time I feel pretty much injury free now. I would hope to be a better player for this than I was last year when, like I said, I was only operating to 60% of my capacity due mainly to my shoulder."
He may need to be, too, because first up is Wales and Jamie Roberts, who will be aiming his large, rampaging frame directly at his opposite number, and friend, at inside centre. "Yeah, we became good mates with the Lions," Flutey confirmed. "We were roommates and also sat on the music committee. Jamie's a top man and I really enjoyed his company."
All of which will clearly count for nothing, though. "Well, I've played against a lot of very good mates in my time, such as Seilala Mapusua and Aaron Mauger. When you play against a mate you have to show them respect, and the best way of doing this is to give it 100%. That's what I'll be doing against Jamie and any other Welshman for that matter."
Flutey's also up against his former Wasps and Lions coach, Shaun Edwards, who also serves as assistant coach to Wales. "The Welsh boys told me that Shaun had them analysing me all week when they played us last year at Cardiff," he revealed. "I took that as a compliment. Anyway, I managed a few line breaks in the game and afterwards Shaun had a go at them, even though Wales won, because I did exactly what he said I would."
Riki Flutey grinned, clearly relishing the chance to do it again on Saturday week. "Let's hope Shaun will be having a go at the Welsh again on February 6th."
And let's hope England take heed of the man's advice.

Steve Curtis

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Steve Curtis is the eight time world offshore powerboat champion and by some distance the highest profile figure in the sport. Here, in an exclusive interview, our fearless British sports star reveals what makes him tick.

1. How did you get into your sport?

I was very fortunate, because my father used to race powerboats, and owned a powerboat building co. therefore it was an easy shoe in.

2. Tell us the best thing about your sport?

The great thing about offshore powerboat racing is obviously the speed, the boats we are running are about 160 mph, the power (around 2000 hp per boat) and thrown into the mix is the fact that the surface that we race on is always moving, so it’s like racing a car in 3D.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?

The biggest inspiration in sport is going back to the halcyon bays where people like Garwood would race great big planks of wood with four aircraft engines reaching speeds of over 100 mph.

4. Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

Yes, I’ve always admired different people, not only for their sporting endeavors but their life pursuits. For racing, I’ve always admired Barry Sheen and Ayrton Senna, both of whom I’ve been privileged to meet.

5. Who is the best player you’ve played with/against?

The best partnership I’ve had to date was with Bjorn Gjelsten, who I won five world championships with and we broke every record in class one history together.

6. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

No not really.

7. Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before matches etc?

I try and keep myself at around 90 kilos of weight, and as I’m 6ft 2 that’s not tubby, I work on core strength, and try and eat a healthy diet.

8. Who is the funniest player at your club/who’ve played with? NA

9. What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career to date?

Winning the first world championship in 1985 I was the fastest, the first and probably the drunkest that night.

10. What are do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

I still have a huge passion for winning, but when I do decide to give up I would love to be involved in the running and building up of the sport.

11. If you hadn’t of been a power boat racer what would you have been?

Probably a boat captain as I love the sea, and it would have been great travelling round the world

12. What will Steve Curtis do after their sporting career is over?

I’m involved in running the family business which is cougar marine which build high performance boats, military crafts and custom tenders. I would also like to get into the running of powerboat racing.

13. What music (if any) do you listen to when training?

I quite like upbeat stuff, such as Kaiser Chiefs.

14. What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to go boating hang out with friends and play with my little boy max

15. If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

Hanging out with my family especially my little boy max.

16. What is your favorite film?

Probably, legends of the fall. It was kind of epic.

17. Do you get any strange fan mail?

Yes, but I never answer those ones.

18. What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?

That I starred in a porn movie.

19. Tell us a joke about your sport?

Someone once said you could make money at it.

Keri-Anne Payne

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Keri-Anne Payne was born in South Africa but competes as a British swimmer in the gruelling 10km Open Water event. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics she won a silver medal and at the 2009 World Championships in Rome she went one better in becoming the World Champion.

How did you get into your sport?

My older brother and sister both swam so it was just a case of me always being at the pool.

Tell us the best thing about your sport?

Meeting all the people I do when I travel around the world.

Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?

My biggest inspiration has always been my brother; in my sport I would have to say Steve Parry

Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

I think the GB cycling team has done such a great job of becoming and staying the best team in the whole world at what they do.

Who is the best player you’ve played with/against?

In swimming it has to be Rebecca Adlington.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

No, not really, the biggest change for me over the last 4 years is that I now wear goggles when I race - which took some getting use to.

Tell us about your training schedule?

What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before matches etc? Well I train 10 times a week. In the pool each session is 2 hours so that’s a total of 20 hours a week in the pool and about 3-4 hours of land work on top of that. When we get closer to a major meet our volume goes down so we are rested and ready to race quick.

Who is the swimmer at your club/who’ve swam with?

Cassie Patten is the funniest, she’s been at Stockport for about 3 years and nearly every time we go away we share with each other and we have had some really strange but very funny trips.

What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career to date?

My most memorable has to be winning silver in Beijing but a memory that will always stick with me is having to swim through thousands of jelly fish during the World Champs in 2007.

What are do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

This year to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and try to defend my World title in Open Water, but my goal is to make the London 2012 team.

If you hadn’t of been a swimmer what would you have been?

I have no idea!! I have been swimming since I was 4 so I don’t really know anything else!!

What will Keri-Anne Payne do after her sporting career is over?

I would love to get into the wonderful world of “Media” I don’t know what just yet but that is the area I would like to go into after swimming.

What music (if any) do you listen to when training?

Unfortunately we can’t listen to music during training but when we’re in the gym it’s usually dance tracks to get us pumped up!

What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

Try to visit my family, do some shopping or go to the cinema.

If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

This is going to be really cliche but I’d spend it with my family, boyfriend and dog

What is your favourite film?

The Count of Monte Cristo.

Do you get any strange fan mail?

Not strange but amazing – a letter somehow got to my house addressed “Keri-Anne Payne Olympic Swimmer” and it was from a little girl who was 8 telling me how much she loved swimming and looked up to me, (her parents didn’t know she sent it!!) So I rang her and sent her some signed pictures.

What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?

It’s always funny to see how people spell my name I’ve had Cerrie-anne, Carry-anne, Kerry-anne never spelt right (no pressure!)

Tell us a joke about your sport?

Q: What race is never run? A: A swimming race.

Sarah Stevenson

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sarah Stevenson won bronze for Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Taekwondo, to add to her world title back in 2001. Here she reveals all to Sportsvibe.

1: How did you get into your sport?

My older brother was already doing Taekwondo so when I was old enough I joined in. A very boring story, sorry. I didn’t want to be a power ranger like Aaron Cook, his story is much better than mine.

2:. Tell us the best thing about your sport?

Getting to kick people.

3: Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?

My coach from Doncaster, Gary Sykes. He is still very close to me as a friend/family and coach. We have a special bond.

4: Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

I love Roger Federer. I got a Roger Federer hat for Christmas, I love it so much and wore it all Christmas day. He is so cool under pressure and a very humble guy. It’s so hard to stay at the top like he has and he has done it so well.

5: Who is the best player you’ve played with/against?

I would say Maria Espinoza. We always have hard exciting fights.

6: Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I used to have an obsession with buying new socks, but then as I got older I stopped because I didn’t want to rely on anything and worry when I forgot to buy socks.

7: Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before matches etc?

We train 6 days a week and twice per day, It’s a hard schedule and very demanding. Before a competition, the sessions will get shorter but more intense and even once a day the week before a competition.

8: Who is the funniest player at your club/who’ve played with?

I would say Tyrone Robinson is a very funny lad. He’s from Mansfield and always keeps up the morale of the team. Never a dull moment.

9: What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career to date?

Being the first person the win a World Championships was a crazy time and I will never forget that feeling.

10: What are do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

I want be an inspiration to all our younger Taekwondo Athletes out there. We need more girls, so come on girls get involved.

11: If you hadn’t been a Taekwondo Athlete what would you have been?

I would possibly of been someone who helps people, not really sure what profession, or a Zoo Keeper because I love animals. I even got to be a Zoo Keeper for the day once. It was a birthday present and one of the best presents ever!

12: What will Sarah Stevenson do after her sporting career is over?

I would like to stay involved in Taekwondo, possibly become a coach. I’m more interested in the development of athletes and seeing them progress onto great things.

13: What music (if any) do you listen to when training?

I like up beat music, like old school 90’s dance tunes.

14: What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

I love going home and going out with my girlies.

15: If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

With my fiancé and all my family and live out a typical Christmas day.

16: What is your favourite film?

Hmmm that’s a tough one. I love lots of films, but if you asked my parents they would say Calamity Jane. This is highly embarrassing, but I love it.

17: Do you get any strange fan mail?

Not really, but when we were at the World Champs in Copenhagen last year, there were some really creepy guys lingering for autographs.

18: What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?

I’m not famous enough for bad press.

19: Tell us a joke about your sport?

I can’t, I’m so bad at jokes, I wouldn’t in a million years be able to come up with anything funny for you x.

Yelena Isinbaeva

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Yelena Isinbaeva gives us a Russian lesson in this video shout to Sportsvibe.

Frank Bruno

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Frank Bruno made a special appearance at Cancer Research UK's Sporting Turn the Tables, held at BAFTA in London's Piccadilly. The event gives sporting pros the chance to turn the tables on journalists as they battle it out over two rounds of questions. First up was The Voice of Golf Peter Alliss, who quizzed Steve Rider, while Sir Clive Woodward relished the chance to take on The Sunday Times rugby correspondent Stephen Jones at his own game.

Sporting Turn the Tables is a spinoff of the charity's hugely successful Political Turn the Tables and raises vital funds for Cancer Research UK's lifesaving work. Since the series began, it has raised over £500,000 to help beat cancer.

To find out more about the charity and how you can support its work, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

Mad Dog Sniffs Scottish Victory

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The stars are lining up to take on the Celebrity Punt and this week we have another member of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad – Lewis 'Mad Dog' Moody.

With Lewis likely to be in the side for England’s opener against Wales, he obviously can’t look at that one, so instead gives us a prediction on Scotland versus France at Murrayfield on Sunday 7th February. He’s tipping an unlikely victory for the home side:

“Although France are always contenders for the Six Nations title, they come up against a rejuvenated Scotland who are always formidable at Murrayfield, but will be even more of a handful on the back of their historic win against Australia in the autumn.”

Charity

This month’s charity is HOPE HIV a great charity supported by Lewis that helps support children and young people in sub-Saharan Africa affected by HIV/AIDS. The charity beieves these children with the right support have the potential to make Africa’s future one of hope, rather than despair. For more information go to

www.hopehiv.org

Mr Betdaq
Like Liam Tancock last time out, whose beloved Exeter couldn’t beat Norwich – the Canaries won 3-1, returning a win for those that followed our advice to back over 2.5 goals – Lewis has gone for an outsider in his Celebrity Punt.

He is convinced that Scotland’s first victory over Australia in nearly 30 years can be a springboard for another prized scalp and is well-placed to judge, having first-hand experience of life under Scots head coach Andy Robinson during his England regime.

Mad Dog would have been impressed with their rearguard action against the Aussies – something he certainly knows all about – and this looks like being the key again as they aren’t exactly prolific scorers.

They will have their hands more than full with a number of potential Les Blues match winners, notably No 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, and the score threat coming from the likes Julien Malzieu, Cedric Heymans and Vincent Clerc.

The rugger boys have had mixed fortunes on the Punt so far with Paul Sackey and Phil Vickery drawing a blank, although Martin Offiah came up trumps right at the start.

Scotland are one of the weaker sides and will be doing well to finish above anyone other than the Italians. They can, though, raise their game and are capable of causing a surprise, but let’s not kid anyone; this would be a big one.

There is some value in backing the Scots in front of their home fans on this occasion, but remember France aren’t the Six Nations favourites for nothing and the visitors are likely to make the return journey across the Channel with two points in the bag.

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Scotland v France
France:        1/3
Scotland:     9/4
Draw:        22/1

Six Nations Outright
France:        13/8
Ireland:     11/4
Wales:        9/2
England:     5/1
Scotland:     20/1
Italy:        200/1

Wayne Rooney Nike Laser Viral

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Watch Wayne Rooney take on a laser goalie in this viral for Nike Football.

Una Healy and Ben Foden

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Saturday's singer Una Healy and England Rugby player Ben Foden perform an exclusive set for Sportsvibe. The duet, also known as "Benuna", chat to us about Una's true allegiances in Rugby, Ben's love of singing and dispute the details of the first song that Ben sung to Una.

Check out the official site of The Saturdays for more of Una Healy.
www.thesaturdays.co.uk

VOTING FOR ASIAN SPORTS AWARDS OPENS

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Voting lines are now officially open to the public for the Change4Life British Asian Sports Awards (lines close Thursday 4th February).

Amongst the shortlisted hopefuls this year are Formula One racer Adam Khan, Yorkshire and England cricketer Adil Rashid, Queens Park Rangers Vice-Chairman Amit Bhatia and England women’s cricketer Isa Guha. The Awards, which are made up of ten categories and judged by a panel of experts are, for the first time, taking place in partnership with the ground-breaking Change4Life movement which supports families to ‘eat well, move more and live longer’

The partnership with Change4Life aims to increase awareness of the importance of eating well and moving more amongst the South Asian Community, where obesity remains a huge challenge, with current estimations that nine out of ten kids could be overweight or obese by 2050 if no action is taken.

The panel of expert judges, includes British Asian Sports Award ambassador and former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash, Evening Standard sports contributor Mihir Bose, the skipper of the first all female crew to sail around the world in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Tracy Edwards (MBE), Olympic Gold medallist, Denise Lewis (OBE), Lorraine Deschamps of Sporting Equals and Executive Vice-President – International Business for Sony Entertainment Network, Rajan Singh.

The event, which takes place on the 6th February at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London is the only awards ceremony of its kind that recognises and honours the best in British Asian sporting talent. The charity of choice for the Change4Life British Asian Sports Awards 2010 is The British Asian Trust, and the event is also being supported by Sporting Equals.

For details of the shortlisted nominees and for voting numbers, visit www.basauk.tv

"Ego" - Benuna

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Saturday's singer Una Healy and England Rugby player Ben Foden, AKA "Benuna", perform an exclusive rendition of The Saturdays song "Ego" for Sportsvibe.

Check out the official site of The Saturdays for more of Una Healy. www.thesaturdays.co.uk

Frank Bruno is a National Treasure!

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I lunched with Frank Bruno today at a Cancer Research UK "Sporting Turning the Tables" function at BAFTA in Piccadilly and I must say it was good to see Frank again after all his well-chronicled troubles. I haven't seen him for a while but spent many an hour with him in the twilight of his boxing career, once driving with him from his Essex home to the Channel 4 Big Breakfast studios at 5 a.m. to both appear on the show. His humour remains intact. Today compere Gary Richardson asked him how surprised he was when the phone rang at home all those years ago and it was Terry Lawless asking if he could be his manager. "I was very surprised, especially as I didn't have a phone," Frank answered, to much laughter. Anyway, here's a story that tells you everything you need to know about Frank Bruno. I first met him at training camp in Lanzarote in the days when there were only a couple of flights a week. On the first night news came to me that our house had been burgled and the thief had left our kitchen knives all over our bed. Nice! Frank was livid on my behalf and swore he'd do some serious damage to the burglar if he ever came across him. It was nine months before I saw Frank again, in which time he would have been interviewed by hundreds of journalists and met thousands of new people. Despite this the very first thing he asked me was how the family was, and if the burglar had been caught. I can think of a thousand sportsmen who are too wrapped up in themselves. Frank Bruno has never been one of them.

ASTHMA UK'S BEACH 2 BEACH CYCLE CHALLENGE

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Fancy a challenging two day cycle ride along the picturesque south coast of England from Bournemouth to Brighton, for charity? The event will have a 1950s seaside theme and cyclists will be encouraged to take part in fancy dress - prizes will be awarded for the best costumes!

When? Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 May 2010, corresponding with Asthma UK's fundraising week which runs from 1-9 May 2010.

The Route
The route covers approx 100 miles and has been specially designed to incorporate the best that the south coast has to offer. Cyclists will start in the seaside town of Bournemouth on Saturday morning before travelling into the heart of the New Forest. Next the route heads towards the beautiful South Downs before arriving at West Wittering for the end of the first leg. Day two will see cyclists head out along the coastal tracks of Worthing, Shoreham and Hove before arriving in buzzing Brighton for the finish line celebrations.

Sign up
Cyclists can sign up by visiting asthma.org.uk or calling the Events Team on 0800 121 62 55. The registration fee is £49 which includes overnight camping accommodation in West Wittering. Minimum sponsorship is £250.

In addition all participants will receive:
* an exclusive Asthma UK T-shirt
* a fundraising pack to help give you ideas on how to have fun with your fundraising
* regular team newsletters
* training tips and fitness advice
* round the clock support from the Events Team
* post event reception where you can celebrate your achievements with friends, family and refreshments
* on the ride participants will have clear route signage, full mechanical support as well as regular refuelling stations.

For information about the national fundraising week visit www.asthma.org.uk

Ashton Sings for the Saints and England.

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The home crowd at Franklin’s Gardens were singing “When The Saints Go Marching In” as England’s latest star, winger Chris Ashton, continued his hot scoring streak for Northampton as they battered Perpignan in a crucial and penultimate Heineken Cup pool game victory.

One Northampton fan stayed silent, however, even though everyone around him was singing, and that fan was Ashton’s father, Kevin.

It is hard enough when your dream is to see your own son play for the Wigan Warriors rugby league team and then, when this dream has been realised, be told that he is off to “the other side” that is union.

But to then be forced to endure the song that all his life signified his beloved Wigan’s bitterest rivals? Well, that’s bordering on cruel.

Ashton junior is laughing as he explains. “”When the Saints Go Marching In” may be Northampton’s signature song,” says the man whose hunger for the try-line has propelled him straight into the England senior squad in this, his third season in union since switching codes. “But it also happens to be St Helens’s song as well, and my Dad now has to sit through it over and over again sitting in the Franklin’s stands. He loves watching me play, he’s proud of what I’ve achieved, and he never misses a home game, but there’s no way he’s going to sing that song.”

Just imagine the scene, then, three years’ ago, when a 19-year-old Ashton broke the news to his father. “It was almost a case of “sit down Dad, pour yourself a drink, I’ve got some bad news,”” recounts the Guinness Premiership’s leading try scorer this season. “It nearly killed him when I said I was leaving Wigan to join Northampton. All he ever wanted was to see his son in the hoops of Wigan, and now I was off to union. I could have told him I’d accidentally got a girl pregnant and he would have seen it as better news. To his credit he let me get on with it, but it’s taken him time to come round to it. I reckon making the England squad might just swing it.”

Hopefully it will with the Wigan public, too, who were none too pleased with their young hero’s bombshell. “I remember getting booed every time I caught the ball in my next game for Wigan, and I’m sure it wasn’t all from the away fans, either. I’d take a lot of stick on nights out in the town as well.”

In truth it was quite a decision to make for the young man who was dubbed the new Kris Radlinski in rugby league. “I didn’t want to be one of those people who stay in the same place all their life,” he explains. “I knew that if it went wrong I’d be young enough to come back, but if I’d signed another contract I probably wouldn’t have tried union until it was too late.”

A relegated Northampton meant that Ashton could find his feet in his first season in Division One where he scored a record 39 tries. “In truth it hid my deficiencies because I could get away with it at that level,” he recalls. “But when we went up to the Premiership I was exposed last season.”

The confidence sapped, and when he found himself out of the starting XV at the start of this season, Ashton’s mind began to wander back to what he had left behind at Wigan.

“I thought I was ready to go back,” he admits. “I was prepared to go cap in hand and say I’d got it wrong. I didn’t feel it was ever going to go right for me at Northampton.”

So why didn’t he return to league? “I just didn’t want to be another league star who’d come over to union, failed, and gone back to league,” he says. “There’s been quite a few and I didn’t want to add to that statistic. If I’d returned to Wigan I would have been very disappointed in myself at some point in my life.”

Yelena Isinbaeva

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Considered to be one of the greatest female athletes of all time, Yelena Isinbayeva took time out of her training regime to talk to us about her previous life as a gymnast, her future plans in the sport and the pressures of being a champion.

James DeGale

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

James DeGale knocks us out with this video shout for Sportsvibe.

Voltz

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

My Mistake, But It's a Nice Celebrity Idea!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I made an interesting slip up with one of my tweets the other day when I talked of how Mark Foster's specialist subject was "80's Music" on Celebrity Masterchef. Of course, I meant Celebrity Mastermind, in which the swimmer turned "Strictly" star managed to finish, unusually for him, joint last. Still, my purposeful (ahem) mistake was soon spotted by you eagle-eyed Sportsvibe readers who pointed it out on numerous occasions to me. It's not a bad idea, though, is it? Celebrities are asked to cook a meal in front of Gregg Wallace and John Torode and then set two minutes of questions, the winner being the one who has amassed the most points from the two disciplines. Alternatively, you could have celebrities answering questions in the famous black chair before then rustling up a meal in front of judge John Humphreys. Taking it further you could have a celebrity pentathlon, throwing in some DIY, "Dancing on Ice" and a spot of gardening on "Ground Force" as well. I'm joking although I wouldn't put it past some bright spark at the BBC to put it up for commission. If so, hands off! This is my idea!

Dave Pickford Elite Climber

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Part of Karrimor's team of elite athletes since 2005, Dave is one of Britain's leading traditional climbers with a wide portfolio of major ascents to his credit, stretching from England and Wales to far flung corners of the world such as Arabia, Indo-China, Central Asia, Madagascar, India and North Africa.

Combining his climbing adventures with work as an outdoor photographer, Dave is also Karrimor's primary photographer. His journalistic skills lead to Dave frequently reporting on his climbs and travels to a variety of magazines and websites located in the UK and the United States.

Sportsvibe caught up with Dave for a quick chat.........

1. How did you get into your sport?

I was introduced to climbing by my friend next door's Dad, when I was nine years old. We lived just a few miles from the gritstone 'Edges' of the Peak District and he took the two of us climbing there. I haven't looked back since.

2. Tell us the best thing about your sport?

Climbing is an extraordinary vehicle for exploring the world in a way that few others are able to. Because it is a global sport, it also has a global community. Climbing has taken me to some incredible places, and through climbing I've met some exceptional people. I guess that probably 90% of the most important people in my life, my closest friends, I've met through climbing.

3. Who, if you have one, is your biggest inspiration in your sport?

A lot of different people have inspired me over the years, and continue to do so.

4. Do you admire anyone outside your own sport?

Of course. In fact, I probably gain far more inspiration for my own climbing from sources outside climbing itself. Things like adventurous journeys, literature, music, art, design and photography inspire me a great deal more than individual climbs or climbers.

5. Do you have any pre-climb rituals or supersitions?

No. Although I prepare very carefully for a hard ascent.

6. Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change , i.e before climbs etc?

I don't have a fixed, planned schedule. I train pretty hard in the months leading up to an important trip or big expedition, or if I have a challenging project in the UK. I have realised over recent years that over-training is one of the biggest causes of injury and a loss of motivation. Too many athletes train far too hard, for too long, too much of the year. They then get serious long-term fatigue and stress about their performance going downhill, when all they need to do is take a week or two off! The extremely damaging modern obsession with winning, with being the best all the time, has caused this both in climbing and in many other sports. It's a really destrctive end, particularly for young climbers.

7. What is the most memorable moment of your career?

It's hard to isolate just one. In 2005, I made the first ascent of one of the hardest routes in the Pamir Alay mountains in central Asia with my good friend Sam Whittaker. That was one of the big highlights in my career in terms of pure adventure. In 2008, I established a new route in Madagascar's Tsaranoro Massif with a team of three other guys, we had such a good time on that trip - it was a big higlight in terms of having a lot of fun on an expedition somehwere quite exotic - a lot of exotic climbing trips can be pretty full-on in various ways. In 2009 I made the first ascent of a last great unclimbed line on the sea cliffs of Pembrokeshire, one of my local crags and favourite places to climb anywhere in the world; then, in the autumn of 2009, I climbed two of the physically hardest routes I've ever done in the Mascun Gorge in the Spanish Pyrenees. I guess 2009 was a pretty good year, really - I seem to be stronger and climbing better now than ever before.

8. What do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

I want to inspire others to follow their dreams. If you decide to make a career as a climber, writer, photographer and motivational speaker - as I have - you take a whole series of big risks in order to make a living from something you love. A lot of people never had that kind of opportunity in their lives, often because they simply say 'I can't do it'. I try to show that it's always possible to do something you really want to do, as long as you believe you can.

9. What has been your favourite climb?

That really is an impossible question to answer. Try and ask a racing driver what their favourite track is, or a professional skier what their favourite mountain is. They'll most likely say the same thing. I've done so many amazing routes, in so many places over the last twenty years that to isolate my favourite climb is a bit like trying to choose my avourite sports car of all time - there are just too many to choose from!

10. If you hadn't of been a climber what would you have been?

Good question - I guess if I hadn't discovered climbing at such an early age I would have discovered something else adventurous like extreme skiing, ocean sailing or paragliding - something where you engage in an elemental dialogue with the world and have huge adventures along the way. Actually, I discovered big-mountain skiing much later in life (I was 25 or 26) and the thrill of that took me almost in the same way that climbing did when I was a young kid. It's obvious to me now that adventure sports attract adventurous people.

11. What will Dave Pickford do after their sporting career is over?

Fortunately, my career as a writer, photographer, editor and motivational speaker is not dependent on me continuing to climb at an elite level for the rest of my life - obviously sportsmen and women can't stay on top of their game forever. It's important to set up the next stage well in advance!

12. What music (if any) do you listen to when training?

I don't normally - I try to focus on breathing and keeping a quite, focused mind. I actually try to avoid training in a noisy enviroment - it's very counterproductive.

13. If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

Waking up to freshly made Indonesian coffee followed by a long swim in the sea. Afterwards, I'd go and climb a really long, adventurous route up a big mountain wall. In the evening, I'd cook freshly-caught fish on an open fire, open a bottle of Bordeaux, and play several games of chess by moonlight.

14. What is your favourite film?

As with climbs, I don't have just one favourite. I enjoy and respect the work of the great Japanese director Akira Kurosawa very much.

15. Do you get any strange fan mail?

Thankfully not, so don't distribute my details via this publication!

16. What is the funniest thing you've heard/read about yourself in the media?

I was once described by a (presumably drunk) lady journalist on Cooler Magazine in an article about 'Rock Gods' as a 'honey-coated Adonis'. I laughed for a long time when I read that.

17. Tell us a joke about your sport.

See above. Whenever journalists who don't know anything about climbing try to write about it, they always come up with some absolute corkers!

Dave Pickford is a Karrimor sponsored athlete, for more information on Dave visit www.karrimor.com.

Josh Lewsey

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Former England Rugby player Josh Lewsey has made a massive life decision by leaving his Rugby career behind. He is now working in a normal job to help fund his quest to conquer one of the planet's harshest environments, Mount Everest. We caught up with him in the haunting environment of the Brecon Beacons to see how his preparation is coming along and to chat about life, the summit, and everything.

BETTING CHANNEL LAUNCHES

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Betting Channel - a new dedicated multi-sports betting TV service has launched. The new channel has begun streaming via www.thebettingchannel.tv , initially broadcasting from 9am – 11am, Monday to Saturday - with plans to soon lengthen the programming output to six hours a day.

The concept is the result of several years planning by former Sky Sports and Liverpool TV presenter Alan Bentley. Since setting up his own production company in 2001, he has been working towards the idea of an online platform to provide entertaining and informative betting comment and live updated odds. Alan himself anchors the live magazine show from their London studio alongside co-host Simone Thomas. The pair will be regularly assisted by a host of sports and betting journalists including legendary pundit Alan Brazil, The Racing Post’s Mark ‘Couch’ Winstanley and former Arsenal hero Perry Groves.

Liam Tancock

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe managed to grab a few minutes between lengths to put a few questions to top Brit swimmer Liam Tancock, winner of the 50m backstroke at the 2009 Fina World Championships and current World Record holder for 50m Backstroke. Liam is also a brand ambassador for Speedo www.speedo.co.uk

1. How did you get into your sport?
I learnt to swim when I was 5, and then went into a local swimming club (Exeter City SC).

2. What's the best thing about your sport?
Racing!

3. Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?
I don’t have one.

4. Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?
Yes. Anyone who has competed at the highest level within their sport. Such like Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton and Kelly Slater.

5. Who is the best player you’ve played with/against?
I guess you would have to say the best swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps.

6. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Not really, but I never get my hands wet, when getting ready for a backstroke start.

7. Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before matches etc?
I train 10 pool sessions each of 2 ½ hours, 3 weights sessions and 2 extra sessions a week. I use a Powerplate to enhance core training. Training does decrease just before a Major Competition

8. Who is the funniest player at your club/who you've swum with?
Kris Gilchrist is pretty funny

9. What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career to date?
Becoming World Champion in a new World Record time.

10. What are do you want to achieve next in swimming? What are your goals?
Short Term – to compete at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India
Long Term – To Compete at the 2012 London Olympic Games

11. If you hadn’t of been a swimmer what would you have been?
Maybe Rugby

12. What will you do after your sporting career is over?
I’m still not 100% sure. Travel the world at first, then decide.

13. What music (if any) do you listen to when training?
I don’t really as I’m submerged in water, but the pool usually has chart music playing in the background.

14. What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?
Chill out with friends, eat nice food and go to Ragdale Hall Health Spa.

15. If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?
Probably on a beach, surfing in the morning, then something to get my adrenalin going in the afternoon like skydiving and go for a nice meal with my family and friends in the evening.

16. What is your favourite film?
I haven’t got a favourite but Shawshank Redemption will be up there.

17. Do you get any strange fan mail?
Not really strange, I tend to get most messages posted on my website www.liamTancock.com or on facebook but they are all supportive!

18. What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?
Nothing really, but I have been asked when I am doing Dancing on Ice or Strictly Come Dancing – no chance - for the forseeable future anyway!

19. Tell us a joke about your sport?
I don’t think there are any jokes about swimming.

Robbo's Passionate About Rugby, and Scotland!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

High in the Murrayfield stands a proud, patriotic Englishman sat during the last Calcutta Cup rugby match between Scotland and England and marvelled at the passion shown by the locals, not just on the pitch, where the Scots would prevail for the second successive time in Edinburgh, but also from those occupying the seats around him.
He looked at the lone piper standing high on the roof of the stand, his kilt swirling in the wind as his pipes bellowed, he took in the smoke from the guns that had fired on the pitch seconds before kick off, and then he absorbed the rush of nationalism that stemmed seemingly from every soul who had come to see the auld enemy sent packing once again.
That was two years ago and, back then, Andy Robinson, the former England flanker, who went on to assist Clive Woodward as his country won the 2003 World Cup before taking over the top job himself until he was sacked in November, 2006, would never have dreamt that he would become Scotland’s head coach whose remit, amongst others, would be to inflict another sapping defeat on his beloved England.
But that is how events have unfolded and if anyone doubts whether an Englishman known for his fierce pride in wearing and then leading the red rose can seriously plot the downfall of not only his team and his country, but in Martin Johnson the man who captained England to World Cup glory, then listen to his plans, starting with the song that stirs the Scot.
“I’ll be expecting every member of the Scotland squad to sing “Flower of Scotland” when they line up to face England,” the Scotland coach explained, as he gazed across the frozen countryside close to his Bath family home and thought of the March 13th Six Nations encounter.
“I’m undecided whether I will or not. It won’t win us the game, but the players have got to show pride in wearing the jersey because I know it means everything not just to the Scottish rugby fans, but to the nation.
“It was at that 2008 Calcutta Cup match when I sat as a spectator that I really felt this. I was inspired by the frenzy whipped up by all the pre-start show of nationalism and history. I was inspired by those sitting all around me. Beating England, but also having the same degree of passion in general to fare much better in the Six Nations, will really put a spring into the step of this nation. It’s up to us to create this.”
It is not that Robinson has suddenly turned his back on all things English. “I’m a fan of England rugby and I always want them to do well,” he insisted. “But not in the Calcutta Cup.”
He appreciates how this may sound, considering his background. “Look, of course I’m English, but as someone whose life has been knee-deep in sport do you want to know what really gets me passionate? Winning, and the challenge that ultimate goal presents along the way.”
Robinson could be excused for being just a little bitter. After all, he was unceremoniously removed from his head coach post with England after the 2006 autumn internationals, with the jeers of the Twickenham crowd still ringing in his ears after they saw three home defeats out of four, which is precisely what Johnson has presided over for the past two years as England, save for their player-power-inspired surge to the 2007 World Cup final, have failed consistently to shine.
But he does not do bitter, and he has a compelling reason for this. “My late father, Ray, was a talented, all-round sportsman when he contracted multiple sclerosis at just 36 years of age,” the 45-year-old recalled. “I was 11 at the time. He ended up in a wheelchair, blind when the disease got into his brain and, towards the very end, needing the use of a capheter. He’d turn up at Bath games when I was coach there and, despite his blindness, tell me at half-time where we were going wrong having had the action described to him by a friend. He’d be invariably right, too.
“Until his death in 2001 when he was only 61 years old he totally inspired me over how to approach the highs and lows of life. Would he have felt sorry for me when I lost my job with England? Of course not! His view would have been deal with it, learn from it, and make tomorrow a better day than today. It’s the same with the guys losing limbs right now out in Afghanistan. It’s how you react to setbacks in life.”
So there is no yearning to still be England coach, although why should he considering the flak he received from the crowd, the media and especially the RFU?
“I’m not glad I lost my job, if that’s what you mean. This may sound strange to you but that last month in charge was one of my most enjoyable times in rugby. Everyone wanted me out, except for the players. I never lost the players. And I saw it as a massive challenge.”
It was a challenge he would ultimately fail in and the man who also coached Bath to Heineken Cup glory would disappear into a world of self-analysis before re-surfacing, strangely, as the new head coach at lowly Edinburgh.
“I had to visit a few dark places,” he admitted. “I needed to discover just who I was. I never lost my passion. And I never lost my self-belief. The margins in sport are so incredibly narrow between winning and losing. But I needed to not only understand my values, but learn to live by them in order to make me do better.”
He saw the light by mentoring the Gloucestershire cricketer, Chris Taylor, coaching mini rugby and taking a long, hard look at how he had gone about his business. “I realised that before I put everything on the players because I believed in them so much. Now I understand that I need to lead as well. I need to inspire people to be the best they can be.”
He also appreciates the need for a partnership between players and management. “That’s what we had with England between 2001 and 2003. After we won the World Cup, though, some of the players lost the understanding of how the partnership worked.”
Not Johnson, who had the sense to retire on the spot and now finds himself up against his old coach when England head north to Murrayfield. Does Robinson feel a little sympathy towards his former captain who requires a major improvement from his team in the Six Nations?
“No,” he replied immediately. “Head coaches should never look for sympathy. We’re all in a great position.
But his respect for the man remains high. “He wasn’t the best in the line-out, he wasn’t the best scrummager, but he was the best player in the world in 2003. He was an honest player, he understood the game, and he loved competition. The one natural talent he possessed was he had a good engine in him. It made him always deliver. Some of the players around that time – and I could name a few - used to sit back and wait for the big matches to perform, but Johnno never did. Competition turned him on, you see, and I’m sure it still does.”
It takes one to know one, it seems. Robinson had already turned down a couple of Premiership clubs when Edinburgh came calling in 2007, one of two Scottish provinces with a poor record both in the Magners League and in Europe. It would mean him leaving his beloved Bath and, for much of the time, his wife and two children. He grabbed the opportunity, turned Edinburgh into Magners League runners up before coaching first Scotland A and then Scotland.
“It was the perfect fit. It would take me out of my comfort zone. Staying in England would have been much easier, especially from a family point of view. Being away from them as much as I am is hard, of course. But it is the sacrifice I’m prepared to make.”
It has gone well, too. In November Scotland beat Australia for the first time since 1982, as well as Fiji, before falling narrowly to Argentina. The win against the Wallabies underlines Robinson’s mantra.
“One of the calls we had was “82”” he explained. “That was to remind the players when it got tough of the last Scotland win over Australia. Some great players had worn that blue jersey and never beaten them, and now we had a chance to put that right. We must use that win as a springboard.
“The modern game is closer than ever now. Back in 2000 to 2003 England tended to pull away from opponents in the second half because they were fitter and the defence was better. Now everyone lasts the pace and everyone’s defences are water tight. So now you need something else, and in sport it is always the top few inches that matter.
“That’s why I want Murrayfield to become a horribly intimidating place for all teams, not just England, and for the fans to buy into it they need to see us win, just as we did against Australia.
“We haven’t won our first Six Nations game for four years now which is why losing is not an option when France come to Edinburgh on February 7th. We want everyone on the pitch and in the stands to want to beat France, Wales and every other team as much as they want to beat England. As for the Calcutta Cup, we’ll deal with when it comes around. There’s a lot of work to be done first.”
But still Robinson allows himself a passing thought. “There’s going to be a lot of talk before that England game largely because of who the Scotland coach is,” he accepted, with a wry smile and an exhalation of breath that sailed into the cold, west country air.
“It’s going to be a great week.”

Tancock Looks West

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We’ve got another swimmer taking the Celebrity Punt this week in the form of 50m backstroke World Champion and world record holder Liam Tancock. LIam is an ambassador for Speedo www.speedo.co.uk

As a West Country boy Liam is a passionate supporter of home town club Exeter City so has decided to stake his Betdaq cash on the Grecians’ game against Norwich this weekend. Here’s what he had to say:

“Exeter might not be the most glamourous team in the football league, but I’m proud to support my local side. Although we’ve not been in the best of form lately, I fancy that we could cause an upset against Norwich.”

Charity
This month’s charity is … Dream-A-Way www.dream-a-way.co.uk that provides holidays and outlings for people of all ages throughout the South-West of England

Mr Betdaq
Mark Foster correctly tipped Chris and Ola to win the Strictly Come Dancing final last time out – a 5/4 shot on Betdaq. Former pool pal Liam Tancock has the opportunity to make it back-to-back wins as he goes for his team Exeter to beat high-flying Norwich at Carrow Road.

Under Paul Lambert, Norwich have been playing some fantastic football and are doing well to keep on Leeds United’s coattails at the top of League One. They are currently locked on 48 points alongside Charlton and are in need of another win to keep ahead of the promotion-chasing pack.

There isn’t much in the way of previous form between these two – they have only met on three occasions since 1977. In that time Exeter have yet to beat the Canaries, but they have managed two draws. The corresponding fixture earlier this season ended in a respectable draw after the Grecians recovered from going behind. The concern will be that the Grecians have not won on the road since the end of November and they’ll have to be on top form to keep out an impressive Norwich front-line.

The East Anglians are the league’s second highest scorers at home, with 31, while they have let in 13 from 12 matches there. Meanwhile, Paul Tisdale’s outfit have only managed one victory in their last six away matches and have been outscored twelve goals to six in that period – conceding at the same leaky two-goals-per-game average that they have done in away games all campaign.

I can understand why Liam is praying for, and tipping, an unlikely win for his local side, but all the evidence points towards a comfortable home win for the Canaries. No team’s games have averaged more goals than Lambert’s side so I’d rather back there to be over 2.5 goals at evens on Betdaq for better value than the short price about the home team in the win market.

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Norwich:    2/5
Draw:         7/2
Exeter:        17/2

Keano's Already An Experienced Championship Manager

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Simon Clegg, current Chief Executive of Ipswich Town and former CEO of the British Olympic Association, has always been one for statistics. It was him who worked out that out of a total running time of 13 minutes, 2 seconds, a mere 0.545 of a second stood between five British gold medals and five British silvers at the 2004 Athens Olympics when you added up the winning margins of the 4 x 100 metres relay team, the coxless fours rowers, Kelly Holmes's two golds in the 800 and 1500 metres, and Chris Hoy's win in the kilo inside the velodrome. Put another way, it meant the difference between 10th and 17th in the overall medals table! Now he's come up with a staggering fact for Sportsvibe. Roy Keane, his manager at Ipswich, is the 11th longest-serving boss in the Championship out of 24 teams. Nothing incredible about that, you may believe, except that Keane has been at the helm at the Suffolk club since only last April, less than ten months' ago. He was under a bit of pressure, too, when his side began the season without a win for so long, but the club is sensibly looking at the long term and, as we enter a new year, Ipswich have now lost just one in their last 14 games. Is it just a coincidence that the two most successful managers in the Premiership, Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, are also the two longest-serving? No, I don't think so, either.

Rebecca Adlington

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We trekked through the snow in Nottingham at seven in the morning to catch up with Olympic Gold medalist Rebecca Adlington. We find out about her love of Yorkshire Puddings, her views on the X-Factor final and we even managed to get her to talk a bit about that swimming business she gets up to.

Antony Worrall Thompson

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

In a previous life, celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson used to play rugby. He gives sportsvibe a video shout.

Sarah Stevenson & Aaron Cook

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We get a Taekwondo lesson from Olympians Sarah Stevenson and Aaron Cook. We also talk to Sarah about the controversy in Beijing and we ask Aaron about life after knocking out a world champion.

BOAT SHOW TICKET OFFER

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Visit the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show for just £12*

This also includes free admission for two children under the age of 15 with every paying adult….all courtesy of our friends at www.big5kayakchallenge.com

The Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show returns to ExCeL from 8th – 17th January 2010. With exclusive product launches and unique products, all under one roof it is sure to bring more than a splash of water to the Capital.

If you're into boats you can experience over 400 exhibitors showcasing power and sail boats, dinghies, deck equipment, charter holidays and sailing courses. The show offers something for enthusiasts and first time visitors alike.

To take advantage of this offer and book your tickets now by calling 0844 209 0333 and quote ‘L78’. Offer is also available on-line www.londonboatshow.com

Don't forget to visit the big5kayakchallenge stand at the show and if you come on the 16th you get to hear the big5 team speak on the main stage

*Terms & Conditions apply.

LAST DAYS OF SPORTS DIRECT SALE

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

REEBOK GUILDED TRAINER – was £39.99 NOW £8.00 - 7th JANUARY ONLY

At the Sports Direct and sportsdirect.com sale there is a different mega-deal every day, with savings of up to 90% on top brands like adidas, Nike, Reebok and Umbro.

Offers available instore and online at www.sportsdirect.com

BEST RUNNING KIT FOR 2010

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

King’s Road Sporting Club (KRSC) is London’s premier activewear and swimwear store and is the exclusive UK stockist of several in-demand swim and fitness brands. Whether you’re into running, yoga or want to re-create the latest celebrity look, KRSC will get your New Year Fitness regime off to the right start with the right kit.

Head Buyer David Conitzer, himself a keen runner, has selected his top running product picks for the New Year. Check out his video selection here:

Order online at www.KRSC.co.uk

David Coulthard

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

David Coulthard lets slip some racy language in his video shout for Sportsvibe.

Shaw's England Template.

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Simon Shaw, pretty much the first name down on the England team sheet these days despite his venerable age, has revealed the truth behind the desperate series of performances produced by his national team during the autumn internationals, and in doing so he has pulled no punches.

In an exclusive interview the 36-year-old Wasps lock forward, who plans to be not only a part of England’s Six Nations campaign starting next month, but also the 2011 World Cup, has rubbished the excuses used to explain England’s sterile displays such as injured players and the strength of the opposition, and instead exposed a mentality that is controlled by a massive fear factor that has paralysed not only the players, but also the management.

“There were a lot of issues surrounding injuries but in the Premiership we have so many quality players and those picked to play in the autumn were the form players of the season,” Shaw argues. “The bottom line is that the rest of the world is envious of the numbers we can pick from.

“The players have a responsibility to not just go out and do what they’re told by the coaches. They need to believe in themselves because they got picked to play for England on the basis of what they’ve been doing for their clubs and they’re supposed to do exactly that for England.

“The problem is the players don’t feel they can necessarily express themselves. I’ve done this myself in the past. Their mindset is that they may have only a couple of games before the injured first-choice player returns, or that after so many losses they don’t want to give the coaches an excuse to drop them.

“If they do exactly what they’re told to do and then they’re dropped they at least have the right to come back and argue their case. That’s not going to get you very far in rugby, though. I learnt that a long time ago that trying to do something you’re not very good at is not a very good idea and that it’s much better to do what you’re God-given talent can offer.”

So distraught were the England players following their lack-lustre performances in losing to Australia and then beating Argentina in a desperately poor spectacle that provoked jeers from around the Twickenham stadium that they went to air their issues with the England management led by Martin Johnson.

“The players expressed at a management board meeting that we need to go out and play in the way we’re used to and the management have taken it all on board,” Shaw reveals.

“Every match has become a must-win game because of our run of results and the added pressure as a result impacts on the players who don’t want to be the one who, for example, takes a quick tap penalty, gets turned over and concedes the try that loses the game.

“They need to know that if an individual takes a chance he has the backing of both the players and the management. Right now everyone’s on edge, too worried about getting the win, and not about the process.”

England begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales at Twickenham on February 6^th, just five weeks away, and Shaw insists the mentality has to change dramatically if they stand any chance of claiming a title they last won in their World Cup-winning year of 2003.

“Putting everything into just winning the game was, in hindsight, probably not the right way to go about it,” he explained. “It’s strangling both the management and the players. What should happen now is that the management says: “Sorry, this is our aim for the next few games. We’re going to be looking at different ideas, different styles and new combinations and not worry about the result. Clearly putting everything into the win is not working, so let’s concern ourselves about the process and by getting that right the wins will come.”

The man who has played more games and more minutes than any other player in the history of the Premiership also wants some self-esteem to return to the ranks. “It was noticeable how, when the boys came into the half-time dressing room against New Zealand and realised that we were still in the game, just how surprised everyone was. That was the overriding emotion, not a confidence that we would then go on and win the game. We need to find an attitude that says we can take on the best teams in the world”

Shaw’s all-consuming verdict is an extraordinary insight into the current England team mentality, and the first time that any player has gone further, much further, than simply stating that the autumn test matches were below standard.

But when you have 52 caps to your name spread over a stop-start, 15-year international career, a cupboard full of European and domestic club honours, and the rather late-in-the-day position of being named by one recent survey as the best player in world rugby, Shaw no doubt feels he has little to lose and a lot to gain by providing what he sees as constructive comments aimed at helping an England team he very much wants to be a part of.

“I think that’s been my downfall in the past,” says the man who finally took his British Lions chance after three previous tours by being named the man of the match after a barnstorming display against South Africa in the losing 2^nd test in Pretoria.

“The truth is that when I won my first England cap in South Africa back in 1994 I thought at the time that I’d be a part of the England team for the next 15 years.

“If you’d told me back then that I’d still be playing for my country in 2009 I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid. I thought I’d end up winning more caps than Jason Leonard and, if I’d taken my chances, not been dropped or had others not been preferred to me, I might have had 150 caps by now.

“But I didn’t show my ambition to the coaches or to the public. People’s perception of me is that I’m massively laid back and that I can’t really be bothered or care. I am laid back, but I care deeply about Wasps and England and my downfall is that I’ve never expressed myself vocally.

“Don’t forget, I’ve been a part of a Wasps team that had the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio and Josh Lewsey in it who were always making the headlines. I was happy just to get on with my job. I’ve always felt performance should be enough but I guess this hasn’t been the case with some people.”

This changed in 2007 when Shaw set his sights on the World Cup. “That’s when I adopted a different mindset and became determined to not only make the World Cup but play consistently well throughout the tournament. It proved to me what you can do when you put your mind to it and that’s why I followed it up with what happened with the Lions. This season it’s about proving that the last two years have been no accident.”

And then? Shaw may be 36, and he may manage his training accordingly with club and country, but his current contract with Wasps ends in May, 2011, by which stage he will be close to 38 years of age.

“We’ll have to wait and see,” he says. “But if I can maintain my desire for the game, if my body doesn’t let me down and if the England management still want me to play for them, then I’d love another crack at the World Cup.”

In the meantime he has the small matter of helping his beloved Wasps win some silverware this season after a barren spell last year. “The talent we have at the club, especially in the backs, is as good as I’ve ever seen here,” he adds. “The new signings in all areas has added fresh impetus and those who were around last season are clearly determined to do better this time.”

Cup Predictions is a Mug's Game.

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I was asked on Radio Five Live on Friday for my most likely FA Cup 3rd Round shocks and, like a fool, confidently predicted the following: MK Dons to beat Burnley, Nottingham Forest to see off Birmingham, with longer odds for Carlisle and York getting something out of their trips to Everton and Stoke respectively. The results? 1-2, 0-0, 3-1 and, er, 3-1. The voice of sport strikes again! In my defence who in the world would have predicted a Leeds win at Old Trafford against a Manchester United side that had Rooney and Berbatov up front and the likes of Neville, Brown and, by the end, Giggs and Valencia on the park? I know Leeds have been going well but we are talking League One here, for goodness sake! To my mind Leeds have always been a big club - even now one could argue they are in the top ten biggest clubs in England - but winning at the Theatre of Dreams is one of the most dramatic cup upsets for many, many years and certainly one your prize punter failed to spot.

You Won't Have to Kneel in Front of Sir Geech

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Congratulations to legendary Lions coach Ian McGeechan who today becomes a Knight of the Realm in the New Years' Honours List for his stupendous work in rugby both as a player and a coach with Scotland, Wasps and most notably the British and Irish Lions. He joins a list of knighted sports figures in recent years including Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent and Sir Chris Hoy, the latter perhaps providing the best response when I asked him how he wanted me to address him as. "You don't have to call me Sir on anything," replied the four-time Olympic gold cycling medallist with a grin fixed firmly on his face. "That would make me feel uncomfortable. No, I'm still exactly the same person as I've always been, knighthood or no knighthood, and that will never change. Just make sure you kneel before my presence on every occasion we meet!" Chris (or Sir Chris) was, I can assure you, joking.

Determined Adlington Sets Her Sights on the Next Three Years

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It is half past five on Christmas Eve morning and Rebecca Adlington is scraping the ice off her car windscreen, her cold breath caught in the street lights that illuminate an otherwise pitch black Nottingham sky.

She has almost slipped over on to her backside once already on the sheet ice that has formed on her drive at home, such is the severity of the cold snap that has hit the East Midlands, and at such an ungodly hour only milkmen driving their floats and seasonal revellers returning to their warm beds can be seen out on the streets.

And famous swimmers hell bent on a mission.

“I’m always going to remember 2009,” she promises, as she gets into her car and heads off for a two-hour slog in the pool at the Beechdale Centre on the outskirts of the city. “I’ll always recall how it felt not to perform. I’ll never allow myself to forget those feelings. And I’m never going to let it happen again.”

Adlington burst in to the national conscience by, seemingly from nowhere, winning two Olympic gold medals last year in the 400 and 800 metres freestyle, the latter with a time that shattered the existing 19-year world record. She was just 19 years old.

Overnight she became a household name, collecting awards, appearing on shows, and touching the nation’s heart with her girl-next-door demeanour, her absurd fear of the sea and her love of all things Jimmy Choo.

But there would be a price to pay for a young girl who required total commitment to stay at the summit of the high peak she had just climbed, and it came at the world championships in Rome last august where she could only finish third in the 400 metres, and fourth in her best event, the 800 metres, a race which ended with the girl from Mansfield in tears.

In the cold of a late December morning she realises it was not all bad. “I produced a personal best in the 400 metres, which you can’t ask for much more, and I also won a bronze in the 4 x 200 metres relay, so the worlds weren’t a total disaster,” she says later once her morning session was over and she sat in the café with hair still wet.

Then there was the dreaded swimsuit issue, in which Adlington chose to stay with her sponsors, Speedo, and their LZR suit, whilst all of her main rivals went for the more buoyant, faster and therefore advantageous suits developed by other swimwear firms now outlawed as from January 1^st, 2010. “Well, we’ll never know whether that made a difference or not, will we?” she says. “But what I do know is that I swam the 800 metres three seconds slower than I had the previous year, that I felt awful from halfway onwards in that race, and that there was nothing I could do about it.

“It’s taken me time to work it all out. September to December is a crucial time in the year for a swimmer because that’s where all the engine work is done in the pool. I spent a fair bit of that time last year enjoying the post-Beijing euphoria, and I wouldn’t swap it for anything. After all, you never know what might happen in the future. That might have been my last Olympics – although that’s not the plan - so it would have been a dreadful shame not to have enjoyed it all.

“But something had to give. This, and other factors such as moving out of the family house and into a Nottingham flat, all played their part in meaning I hadn’t done the hard yards and I got found out in Rome. I have learnt so much more out of losing in 2009 than winning in 2008.”

If Beijing was a surprise to the British sporting public, this was nothing compared to Adlington. “Even now I look back and say to myself: “I can’t believe I actually did that. Was that really me?” Beijing was only supposed to be an experience, a stepping stone for London 2012. It was part of the journey, not the destination. My goals, even when I was out there, were to make the 400 final and possibly squeeze out a medal in the 800 metres. If I had achieved that I would have come home very happy. You have to remember, I’d never won anything meaningful before.”

It was one hell of a way to get off the mark, but it also disguised her inexperience at the highest level that had previously seen her fail to make the 2006 England Commonwealth Games team, and flop dismally at the 2007 world championships. Rome was a marked improvement on that, but still a letdown after the highs of Beijing.

“I can’t blame anyone else but myself,” Adlington admits. “I let myself down. It’s a horrible finishing fourth in a major final but the big positive is how much it hurt, and how much it still hurts. That’s all fuel for the future.

“If I didn’t think I could improve I’d retire today. Quite a few of my friends expected me to quit straight after Beijing in any case. “How do you follow that?” they asked me. “How do you carry on when you’ve already reached the complete pinnacle of your career?”

“I’ve thought about this quite a lot and the answer is simple. I love what I do. It’s been hard, and maybe 2009 is also a response to eight, solid years completing ten, two-hour sessions per week, every week since the age of 12. I’ve turned 20 and I can feel it in my body.

“People laugh when I explain this to them. They point out that I am still so very young. But my point is that my body has been through the mangle, and it’s changed as I’ve grown older. I’m also a big girl, and it all takes its toll. Now I believe my body will stop changing for a good few years and this means Bill (Furniss, her coach) and I can develop the correct training programme. I’m doing more gym work than I did before, and I’ve had a good autumn and early winter in the pool.”

The most telling factor, as Adlington plans for a 2010 dominated by the European Championships in Budapest in August, and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi two months later, is her own drive to ensure Beijing was not an extraordinary one-off.

“I don’t want to be a one-hit wonder,” she says. “Beijing may turn out to be the best week of my entire life, but I’d hate to think that everything went downhill from the age of 19.

“There’s so much more to win, starting with the Europeans and Commonwealths, and then the 2011 worlds. I’m not naïve to say I’m going to win them all. Look at Michael Phelps this year. Nobody wins everything. But the best win the races that really count. If 2010 and 2011 merely serve to be stepping stones to more Olympic success in London then I’ll take it right now.

“Whatever happens, I’m going to make sure, win or lose, that I’ve given it my best shot. I never want that feeling again of knowing I’ve let myself down as I did in 2009.”

Adlington is forced to take today off, as indeed she was on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but only because the council-run pools are all closed for the festive holiday.

But she will be back scraping the ice off her car windscreen early tomorrow morning before another two-hour session in the pool, two hours which she hopes will bring her closer to proving she is indeed no one-hit wonder.

QUINS V WASPS

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

THE BIG TWICKENHAM SHOWDOWN - 27th DECEMBER

To promote the Big Game, GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP sponsors Guinness got football mad TV presenter Tim Lovejoy to swap the round ball for the oval one and train alongside Quins and old boy Will Carling. Check out Lovejoy's training session in the sportsvibeTV section. He will also taking part in the excitement of the big game against Wasps in front of a packed stadium at Twickenham on 27th Dedcember

According to Lovejoy, “I’ve been known to have a laugh at egg-chasers in the past so it was with trepidation that I let Will Carling persuade me to give rugby a try. Training with the Quins players was a good experience though I felt inadequate as it's a sport of strength, power and speed sadly I possess none of these qualities anymore. The strength of those rugby boys is immense, have you seen the size of Nick Easter? I am now interested to see these guys play live and my first game is a trip is to Twickers to see the Big Game 2.”

www.guinnesspremiership.com

Tim Lovejoy, Will Carling & Friends

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Football mad TV presenter Tim Lovejoy has swapped the round ball for the oval one to make his GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP Debut courtesy of title sponsors GUINNESS®. We catch Lovejoy whilst training with Harlequins and also got chatting to Tim, Will carling and a few members of the Harlequins about Tim's performance, Will's time working for an oil company and uncomfortable shorts.

Harlequins and Wasps will be playing in front of a packed stadium at Twickenham on Sunday 27th December 2009. More info at http://thebiggame.co.uk/

One or Two Handed, Schumi's the Best.

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

So, Michael Schumacher is back and to celebrate the return of the titanic Teuton I have two Schumi stories for you. First, many years ago, I was leaving Silverstone in my old Volkswagen Passat when I came across the great man leaving the circuit in his Ferrari sports car. Sensing a once in a lifetime moment I slammed my foot down on the gas and overtook him, giving him a triumphant look as our eyes momentarily locked. I'd like to think his expression was one of admiration at my manoeuvre but I fear it was more a weary, "oh no, there goes another idot who's going to tell everyone he overtook Michael Schumacher" glare. A year or two later I found myself sitting alongside him in a Maserati Spyder at the Valencia circuit. Foolishly, I revealed how I had outsmarted him at Silverstone. "In which case, you won't mind the speed we're about to travel in, then," he replied, as he took off at 175 mph. It wasn't the growing feeling of nausea that concerned me, although vomiting over Schumi would not have been too clever. It was more the fact that as we careered around a corner he was holding the wheel with one hand whilst trying to find Kiss FM on the car radio. "Would you mind driving with both hands?" I asked the best driver in F1 history, which was akin to telling Denzel Washington to put more effort into his acting. Schumi's response was to smile and drive the remaining ten laps at breakneck speed using - you've guessed it - one hand. Welcome back Schumi. It's just made the 2010 F1 season a hell of a lot more interesting.

Arnaud Séan Garnier: Red Bull Street Style Champion

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Arnaud Séan Garnier, last years Red Bull Street Style World Champion shows Sportsvibe some of the freestyle football skills that won him the championship in this exclusive video.

Check out www.redbullstreetstyle.com for more.

To Alfie's Relief and Surprise, the World Has Moved On.

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It takes a big man to make a brave confession, and that is precisely what Gareth "Alfie" Thomas did this week when he confirmed to the sporting world that he is gay, thus confirming rumours that have been consistent in rugby and in Wales for quite a few years now. His reasons for coming out now, as opposed to five years' ago, are understandable. It is easier to do this after 100-plus international caps, the captaincy of Wales when they won the Grand Slam, and the captaincy of the British & Irish Lions, than it might be for a 21-year-old just starting out in the testosterone-fuelled world of rugby but to his immense relief and surprise nobody cares what his sexual persuasion may be, and if someone chooses to mock him on the rugby field it will merely underline that person's ignorance and prejudices. I wrote Alfie's column during the 2007 Rugby World Cup and afterwards and found him to be one of the nicest guys in rugby. He's also one of the funniest. Take his first speech as Lions captain after Brian O'Driscoll was spear-tackled after 25 seconds of the 2005 first test in New Zealand. "I've just got one thing to say," he announced, as the great and good of British and Irish Lions gathered in a circle on the pitch. "Don't panic."

SANTA CRUZ IS COMING TO TOWN

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

With the festivities just around the corner, Mizuno Football is proud to unveil Roque Santa Cruz as its new global ambassador in a two-year sponsorship deal.

The Paraguay and Manchester City striker is the perfect Christmas present for the sports manufacturer and will play a central role in the research and development of Mizuno Wave Ignitus, a new football boot to be launched in May 2010.

Santa Cruz knows the importance of kitting himself out with the best possible equipment. And the South American appreciates the impact that high performance footwear can have on his game.

“When I choose my boot, it needs to be able to cope with the pace of the game, handle my sharp movements and give me total control in the box. Mizuno understands this better than anyone and I’m excited about helping them lead the way in 2010 and beyond.”

John Hooper, European Promotions Coordinator had this to say “He is a proven match winner at the very top of the game. Off the field we are striving to develop the best quality and most technically advanced equipment and we’re thrilled to have someone of Roque’s ability and experience to help us achieve that.”

The new boots would be ready for the 2010 World Cup, so what about meeting England? Nothing would please the striker more. “England have a great chance and I can see for myself what a World Cup would mean to the people here. It would be a dream tie.”

Ma'a Nonu

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We sit down and talk to New Zealand Rugby player about his plans for Christmas, the Haka and what it's like in Middle Earth.

Isinbeyeva Reveals Why She Intends To Be The Greatest Ever

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It is a mid December afternoon and the Stade Louis II in Monaco is empty save for one, solitary figure. Round and round the stadium she jogs, lifting her knees high and jerking her arms before undergoing a series of stretches that bends her body to, seemingly, breaking point. It is only when Yelena Isinbeyeva enters her fifth hour of training that she calls it a day, but she will back today, and tomorrow, and for as long as it takes until she is on the winners' podium again.
"I want to be the greatest female in the history of athletics," she says, as she takes a sip from an energy drink and wipes the sweat from her brow. "But, right now, I am a loser."
By anyone's standards that last statement is somewhat harsh. The 27-year-old pole vaulter would go down as one of the greatest of all time even if she threw away her pole today for good, but it is the ignominy of failing to clear a single vault during last August's world championships final that sees the serial winner pushing herself harder than ever.
To put this into perspective, Isinbeyeva not winning any medal, let alone the gold medal, and indeed defend a world title she had won for the past two championships, was akin to Usain Bolt finishing eighth and last in the 100 metres final. The Russian came to Berlin with two Olympic gold medals to add to those two world titles, plus the last three world indoor titles to add to her European outdoor and indoor crowns. She was the reigning champion in everything she could possibly be reigning champion in and was expected to break world record number 28, which would have been 16 outdoor and 12 indoor. That's 28 world records!
Instead, and inexplicably, the girl from Volgograd, formally Stalingrad, failed with her first attempt at 4.75 metres, then failed twice more at 4.85 metres to finish last in the final, and leave the Olympic stadium in floods of tears. It was the first time since 2003 that she had not won a major pole vault competition. One week later she broke her own world record in Zurich with a vault of 5.06 metres.
"You know what the problem was," she says, in a heavily-accented English. "I knew what everyone was thinking. "Oh, here comes Yelena. She turns up, she wins, maybe she breaks another world record. Big deal. Same old story. The truth is, that's what I was thinking, too. It felt like just another day, not the world final.
"Nobody seemed interested in the crowd. Maybe people have grown tired of watching me win. It's become boring. Usain's the new kid on the block and everyone wants to watch him smash world records. I knew then that everything was wrong. My legs felt heavy, my run up wasn't right and there was nothing I could do about it. After my first failed effort I went over to see my coach and he said: "Where are you, Yelena? You are not in Berlin. Please come back."
"That made me feel nervous which is unusual for me, especially when I'm facing a vault I can normally clear in my sleep. When I missed with my third attempt I landed on the mat and didn't know what to do. For a split second I convinced myself that none of it had happened. I would wake up, discover it was all a bad dream and then go and win the world title. I almost burst out laughing because it was such an unusual situation for me to find myself in.
"Then I started to cry as it began to sink in. I'd just lost my world title and I was angry with myself. Later that same evening I was eating in the athlete's restaurant when the medals ceremony for the women's pole vault came on to the big TV screen on the wall. I forced myself to watch it. It was hard. It really hurt my ego. But I'm glad I did. I'd forgotten what it was like to lose and I really don't like being called the former world champion."
She fixes you with a stare for a second, her friendly expression transformed into something quite ruthless. "It won't happen again."
For all her staggering success in sport Isinbeyeva knows all about setbacks in life. From five to fifteen years of age she had set her sights on becoming the best gymnast in the world. She'd been told all about compatriots Olga Korbut and Nellie Kim by her plumber father and shop assistant mother and, as she set her eyes on the small TV screen in her tiny family apartment, she allowed herself to dream.
"I'd watch famous, beautiful, rich people on TV and find motivation from them," she explains. "I reasoned that they'd worked hard to get to where they had in life, and that was what I had to do, as well.
"Our apartment was only 48 square metres in size, which is very small for a family of four and, of course, it meant I shared a room with my younger sister. My parents had three occupations to support my gymnastics but still I wore second hand clothes because we couldn't afford anything nice. I dreamt of being rich."
At ten years of age Isinbeyeva won the Russian national gymnastics championships but, at 15, her dreams were seemingly shattered when her coach took her to one side, explained that she had grown too tall, and that she was not going to make it any more in a sport Russian women had always excelled in. "It was the worst day of my life," she recalls. "I didn't know what to do. Everything I had worked for, everything I had dreamed about was over. I cried for days and days."
But there was a chink of light. The year before the pole vault had been introduced as a new, official event in the global athletics schedule for women. Isinbeyeva was introduced to a pole vault coach by her gymnastics teacher after her prowess as a gymnast was noted and seen as a potential advantage when it came to the vault. "The coach said to me: "If you listen to me, if you follow my instructions and if you trust me, you will be like Bubka." And I replied: "Bubka? Who is she?""
She laughs as she recounts this story against herself. Sergey Bubka, of course, was the great Russian pole vaulter who broke 35 world records in the men's pole vault between the early 1980's and late 1990's but it took no time before Isinbeyeva realised she had discovered her true vocaction. "When I joined the class there were ten of us, and I was the only girl," she says. "The boys weren't too happy about me, but I wasn't complaining. Within six months the coach decided to lose seven of our group. He chose to stick with me and two boys. I started learning the pole vault in November, 1997. In June 1998 I won the World Youth Games in Moscow. That's when I knew I might be special."
Her background undoubtedly helped. Her father is a member of a small, ethnic group of Tabasarans who mostly live in Dagestan. "They are mountain people and they are wild," she explains, throwing her arms out wide to emphasise "wild." Her mother has Cossack blood in her. "You know about the Cossacks, yes?" she asks. "So, you see, I have explosive ingredients in me."
Then there is her home town. "Volgograd remains very important to Russians because it was here that the Russians turned the Germans back in the war. Many lives were lost, and to this day we have ruined buildings to remind us of that time, but it means that everyone who comes from my city is very proud. We adopt a lot of pride in everything we do."
By 2005 Isinbeyeva had already been crowned Olympic and world champion but she then made an extraordinary decision to improve her sporting lot. "I felt uncomfortable in Volgograd because every single person knew me and I was struggling to get motivated. I was a big fish in a small pond and if I couldn't improve I was going to stop. I felt empty inside. That's when I decided to change everything: my coach, my home, my lifestyle. I moved to Monaco and spent the first few weeks crying every night because I felt so lonely, but it also made me confront myself. I had to prove myself all over again."
It is a fine example of how single-minded the very best in sport tend to be. Although she has made friends since arriving in the Principality Isinbeyeva, who is single, has left her family behind back in Volgograd and only gets to see them sporadically when she has a window in her gruelling schedule. While her younger sister travels around the world dutifully with her husband, a trapeze artist in the Moscow State Circus, Isinbeyeva flits between Monte Carlo and Italy to hone her well-crafted skills. On the face of it the move away from Russia seemed like an unnecessary risk but, like Nick Faldo re-constructing his swing, it paid off, at least professionally.
Four years after she upped sticks Isinbeyeva came to Berlin with another Olympic title, two more world outdoor championships, and a host of other titles and world records to her name. She had the wealth she craved for, and she had provided for all her family. The move to Monaco had done the trick, or at least it seemed that way, but what happened in the German capital has created the next chapter in Isinbeyeva's story.
"I'm happy I lost," she announces. "I really am. It's given me fresh motivation. Now I feel strong again. My mentality is fantastic. I proved it the following week when I broke the world record in Zurich. It shows that Berlin was an accident. It was, as you English say, a bad day at the office.
"That's why I'm feeling more focussed at this time of the year than ever before. I plan to win the world indoors next year, and the European championships, then get back my world title in 2011, and then win my third Olympic gold medal in London. I plan to break Bubka's record of 35 world records as well. I know I've achieved many great things, but I'm not 100% happy. I want to be seen in the future to be the greatest woman in the history of athletics."
Yelena Isinbeyeva smiles as she realises what she has just proclaimed. "No, make that in the history of the universe," she adds, and bursts out laughing. "You see, I am happy again, and I know there is still so much I can achieve. It took a defeat to tell me this."
Nobody will even begin to doubt her.

Moody is Officially Mr Christmas

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Does Lewis Moody like Christmas? Judge for yourselves. His lovely house in a south Leicestershire village resembles a Santa's grotto right now as he and his admirable wife Annie prepare for a second Christmas with their toddler, Dylan. According to Annie Lewis always insists on putting up all decorations on December 1st but, due to commitments with the Leicester Tigers on the first day of the month, this arrangement was brought forward to November 29th. That's November 29th! He admits to watching - and enjoying - the Vince Vaughan/Kevin Spacey film, "Fred Claus" the other day, his wife refers to him as "Mr Christmas" and if you check him out on the sportsvibe Xmas song, "Jingle Bells," you will see bedecked in a Santa hat. Apart from that, he can take it or leave it!

Watch Phelps Go Now That It's A Level Playing Field Again

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The sight of British swimmer Michael Rock defeating the great Michael Phelps in the 200 metres butterfly at the short-course, Duel in the Pool in Manchester yesterday was something few believed could ever happen.

The 22-year-old law student at Manchester University beat the 14-time Olympic gold medallist by over a second in the eight-length race, and afterwards admitted it would be something he could be dining out on for quite some time. If he does then will he be honest to admit he wore one of the dreaded polyurethane non-permeable suits that provide such a distinct advantage in terms of buoyancy and less drag, and the conquered legend did not? It's not Rock's fault, of course. It is the sport's fault for allowing these suits into the pool in the first place, thus leaving an asterisk against every decent performance and time (and 258 world records have been broken) since they were introduced in February last year.

Rock may care to take in Phelps' demeanour afterwards. It may have been a team event, he may have been wearing the 2010 "jammers" but in his no excuses world he was still not happy. And an unhappy Phelps at the end of 2009 means trouble at the 2011 worlds and the 2012 Olympics, where he will aim to win six more golds to make it 20 in total. Michael Rock may be nicknamed "Rocky," but he has just earned the displeasure of the greatest heavyweight in the history of swimming.

David Coulthard

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The past year has flown by since I hung up my drivers' gloves and finally stopped being a Formula One racing driver. In the past 12 months since my final appearance at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix I have become a father, a TV pundit for the BBC and, of course, a serial winner on television programmes such as "Mr and Mrs" and "Family Fortunes," as well as being able to reflect at last on my 15 years in a sport that I would not have swapped for the world.

The TV work has provided some adrenalin for me, but nothing in life will come close to the wide gamut of emotions experienced as a racing driver. Now, when I look at the races from the comfort of the TV studios and paddock, I sometimes wonder whether I'd been totally mad. After all, so many times I found myself in a near suicidal situation, driving at 200 mph in searing rain with visibility virtually zero and with no idea what's in front of you. It was complete lunacy. All you had in your possession was a blind faith that everything would work out OK, that and a modicum of talent, I guess. That is how I see it now but, when you're out there racing, none of these thoughts enter your head. Instead it's close to being the best feeling in the world.

I miss being a driver but I reckon I got my timing to retire spot on. A year before would have been too early. I wasn't ready to give it all up. This year, though, would have been one year too far. I found the sport mentally fatiguing because I never stopped thinking about it, in and out of the car. I won 13 Grands Prix, which couldn't have been an accident, and I can cling to the fact that I won more points than any British driver in F1 history. That's what longevity can do for you, and I fully expect Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button to overtake this mark at some stage.

I would have loved to have won a world title like Jenson. I could have dined out on it for the rest of my life. I'm not jealous of him for one simple reason. I don't do jealousy. I was jealous once as a young man over a girlfriend and realised the emotion did not agree with me. I have to be honest and also say that I wasn't as good as Michael Schumacher or Mikka Hakkinen when I had my chances to win the title. I had some talent, but not as much as many drivers. What I was able to do was get close to maximising my potential and I'm happy with that.

I'm equally proud of what I felt I achieved with Red Bull. The team have grown from strength to strength and I'd like to feel my input on all matters played its part. Toyota could have had the same opportunity when I left McLaren and Martin Brundle, my manager, went to talk to them. They made it clear they were not interested, which I found strange at the time because of all the experience I could have offered in and out of their car, and now they are out of the sport. Clearly the management made some poor driver decisions and I wonder how long it took the main board in Tokyo to realise when told they had a contract with a Schumacher that they had the wrong one.

 Toyota's departure from F1 was just one of many incidents that made the 2009 season compelling both for negatvie and positive reasons. You had the lying scandal with Lewis and McLaren which led to the departure of Dave Ryan and, more remarkably, Ron Dennis stepping down, the crashing scandal in Singapore with the admission from Nelson Piquet that he had deliberately crashed which resulted in team principal Flavio Briatore being given a lifeling ban with a four year stretch for head of engineering Pat Symonds, but also the amazing emergence of Brawn Racing, Jenson winning the title, the McLaren comeback where Lewis showed his talent in the second half of the season, and the continuing rise of Red Bull.

Next year will be so interesting, especially with Jenson teaming up with Lewis at McLaren. In my opinion Jenson has hung his privates out for us all to see. The easy option would have been to have stayed at Brawn. Instead he's chosen to join a team who has one of the most talented drivers in the world, with a team behind him, and a team not exactly noted for its great relationships with drivers. The question on everyone's lips will be can Jenson get the better of Lewis in the same car? We will have to wait and see but I can tell you one thing: I know racing drivers and while you feel comfortable finishing 10th if your teammate is 11th, you feel awful if you end up 4th and your teammate's in 3rd.  I've swapped the steering wheel for the microphone and I've found it amazing how, as a driver, you could not go anywhere near another team's garage. As soon as anyone saw you the shutters would go down. Now, working in TV on the F1 circuit, I'm welcomed with open arms although I'd like to think having been a driver for so long has something to do with it. Adapting to the new job has been quite nerve-wracking. I'm very used to being interviewed, but that's very different from being a pundit, especially when you have Eddie Jordan alongside you who, as everyone knows, is close to being totally nuts, but good fun.

My other TV appearances in the past few months have caused endless hours of banter, and mostly at my own expense. I used to watch "Mr and Mrs" as a kid up in the Borders so being asked to go on the "All Star" show struck me as a fun idea which would remind me of my childhood. Karen, my partner, needed some convincing, partly because she was concerned about her English. Anyone who has met Karen, who is Belgian, will tell you that she speaks better English than I do. I had it written into my contract that we would win, of course, and that's precisely what we did. The "Mr and Mrs" carriage clock now sits proudly on our mantelpiece.

When it came to "Family Fortunes" I thought it would be a nice day out for the rest of the Coulthard family and give them the chance to go on telly, seeing that they've been so supportive towards me over my career. Again, we managed to win, despite the fact that in the final round when I was asked to name a fruit with a stone I said "grape." To be fair to myself I said "plum" first but that answer had already gone, plus in Monaco, where I spend much of my time with Karen, the grapes have large seeds. Luckily my sister, who was in the final round with me, showed more intelligence.

Any other time I've had has been taken up with young Dayton Coulthard, who has just passed his first birthday. It has been an eye-opening experience, so very tiring, but also so very rewarding. The Christian name comes from the fact that I wanted another "DC," and that the family firm is called Hayton Coulthard after my uncle Hayton. It was just a case of removing the "H" and replacing it with a "D." It is not, as some have assumed, Daytona after the famous race in America, without the "a."

On my last day in F1 in Brazil I filmed everything that happened, including the drivers' parade which I wasn't supposed to do. My take on it was as it was my last race, what exactly were the authorities going to do about it? I wanted Dayton to enjoy his Dad's last day as a Grand Prix driver. I also filmed his birth, although that is definitely not for public consumption. He therefore has a record of his first few seconds of life. If he has half the fun I've had over the past 20 years then I'll be made up for him.
I wish all Sportsvibe readers a Happy Christmas, and here's to what promises to be an awesome 2010.

Strictly Mark Foster

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Mark Foster is one of Britain’s most successful swimmers of all time and carried the flag for his country in the 2008 Olympics. Towards the end of last year he made housewives’ hearts flutter after swapping the pool for the ballroom and competing in the sixth series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

He’s looking forward to the final of this year’s series and has decided to put his £20 Betdaq bet behind sports presenter Chris Hollins and partner Ola Jordan. Mark says:

“Although Chris is not the best dancer I think he will win on popular vote. Personally, I think Ali was by far the most talented celebrity dancer, but now she’s gone, the title has to be Chris’s.”

Charity
Mark’s chosen charity is Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society.
Have a Heart was formed for the sole purpose of improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. The organisation works with hospitals, medical centers and other groups to locate families who have financially fallen prey to this debilitating disease. Once identified, they are able to assist them with medical costs, treatments, equipment, transportation and household expenses.
www.haveaheartcharity.org

Mr Betdaq
Unfortunately Paul Sackey misplaced his charity bet by backing his favourite team Liverpool to beat Blackburn a fortnight ago, but Mark Foster could well have called it right this time.

Previous series of Strictly have shown that the best dancers don’t always triumph and that winning over the viewing public has as much, if not a greater bearing on the final result. Since day one, Chris has shown a willingness to learn from his partner and teacher Ola and has approached each dance with an endearing enthusiasm, even if he’s found it difficult to grasp the finer points of a particular style.

Chris’s rival for the glitterball trophy, Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle, is undoubtedly the best dancer of the two and at first glance seems to have what it takes to appeal to the TV viewers at home. He’s fairly humble and, much like Mark did last year, loves to show off his muscular torso for the female vote. Plus, his partner Natalie Lowe is a fantastic choreographer and has previous form in winning the Australian version of the show. However, Ricky’s missed out on votes thanks to a fair amount of negative press coverage.

I personally think it could go either way but as Chris was a 25/1 shot at one point during the series and he’ll be second-favourite on Saturday, I’ll be cheering him on. Either way, it’s sure to be very close. Best of luck Mark!

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Ricky & Natalie 4/7
Chris & Ola 5/4

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR BRITISH ASIAN AWARDS

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

NOMINATIONS DEADLINE 18TH DECEMBER

The organisers of the Change4life British Asian Sports Awards are once again on the hunt for the UK’s brightest and most promising South Asian sporting talent.

Budding sports stars including their coaches are being invited to enter themselves into the nominations process. From chess players and kick boxers to cricketers and footballers, the organisers are seeking for the best in each of the awards ten categories.

These include:
Young Sports Personality of the Year (under 10)
Junior Sports Personality of the Year (under 18, female)
Junior Sports Personality of the Year (under 18, male)
Most Up and Coming Sports Personality of the Year
Outstanding Achievement Award
Coach of the Year
Community Business in Sport
Lifetime Achievement Award
International Sports Personality of the Year
The British Asian Sports Awards Sports Personality of the Year

All nominees will be judged by a panel of experts including, C4L BASA Ambassador and English cricketer, Mark Ramprakash; Evening Standard sports contributor, Mihir Bose; the skipper of the first all female crew to sail around the world in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht, Tracy Edwards (MBE); Olympic gold medal winner Denise Lewis, OBE; Ambassador for The FA in their ‘Get into Football’ Programme as well as Trustee – Sporting Equals Lorraine Deschamps & Executive Vice-President for International Business, Sony Entertainment Network, Rajan Singh.

Once the lucky few have been selected by the judges, it is down to the public to decide who will be crowned winner for each category. The shortlisted finalists will have the opportunity to attend the glamorous awards ceremony due to take place on Saturday 6th February 2010 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London where they will have the chance to rub shoulders with industry leaders, sporting celebrities and a host of VIPs.

Now in its tenth year, the Change4life British Asian Sports Awards is the only awards programme of its kind and prides itself on acknowledging and celebrating the current British Asian sporting talent and aims to motivate and inspire the next generation of talented British Asian sports people across the United Kingdom.

Last year thousands of entrants were judged on their sporting prowess and the best were awarded at an exclusive glitzy ceremony. Previous winners have included cricketer Samit Patel, kickboxer and boxing champion Sunny Hira and Change4Life British Asian Sports Awards official ambassador, Amir Khan.

The deadline for the British Asian Sports Awards 2010 nominations is Friday 18th December. So if you know someone who is making waves in the sporting world and deserve to be recognised what are you waiting for? Log on to www.basauk.tv for application forms.

GUESS WHO STARS IN OUR CHRISTMAS SINGLE AND WIN £100

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

If you like sport, are feeling festive and charitable yet are a little underwhelmed by the thought of the X-Factor single hitting the No1 slot this Christmas, then take heart because there is an alternative - a charity Christmas video single just for sports fans. It’s a version of festive favourite Jingle Bells that features the often less than impressive vocal talents of some of the UK’s best sporting talent (plus one Australian, one TV presenter and a celebrity chef!).

What’s more if you can identify the 20 sports stars, celebrities and teams that have contributed to the single you could win £100 as well as raising money for UNICEF, as www.sportsvibe.co.uk will donate 10 pence to this global children’s charity for every person that enters its online Christmas Single ‘Spot The Sports Stars’ competition.

Amongst the household names, the medal holders and world champions there are also one or two more tricky to identify contributors, but don’t worry most of the contributors have already appeared on sportsvibe and can be found in and around the website.

Identify the 20 sports stars, teams and celebrities in the sportsvibe Christmas single

Richard Dunwoody

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe caught up with Champion jocket and star of Strictly Richard Dunwoody as he was out and about promoting the launch of his new book ' Method In My Madness'

How did you get into racing? Your father was obviously a very famous point to point rider, did he heavily influence you?

My old man was training in Ireland, then we moved to Newmarket. So watching him ride and stuff as an amateur jockey and then as a trainer and stuff, it was all I ever really wanted to do.

Which is your favourite horse?

Chief’s Song was a great horse I used to ride. Desert Orchid was the best horse I ever rode you know… and Waterloo Boy – a very, very good horse – there’s quite a big selection to choose from.

What was the best thing about horse racing for you?

As a jockey the best thing is competing really. Anyone who is a professional sportsman would do it for nothing, I’m very, very lucky.

Who is your biggest inspiration in horse racing (apart from your father?)

Lester when I was working in Newmarket, Lester, he was the best at what he did you know.

Do you admire anyone outside horse racing?

I love sports, rugby, football, motor racing - Ali what he did in boxing, Schumacher was so dominant in F1 for so long as well. AP (A.P. McCoy) why he is so good is what he has consistently done over the last 40 years is amazing, the longevity has made him great, that’s the thing.

Who is the most competitive person you have come up against?

I would say AP as a competitor.

Does it ever get nasty in the starting blocks?

No, not really, you just fight for the position but it never gets nasty, you have to stand your ground but in jump racing you tend to work it out between yourselves.

Do you ever have any pre-race rituals, superstitions?

Not really, no.

So you did 1000 miles in 1000 hours what made you do it?

I was asked to do it to follow a guy called Captain Barclay, and was approached by Ron Wallwork who was a Commonwealth gold medallist in walking and he wanted to commemorate Captain Barclay. We got a lot of support and we were able to raise a lot of money for 4 charities.

How was that in comparison to doing the Magnetic North?

It was difficult as I dislocated my shoulder but the South Pole was the hardest thing I’ve done. The South Pole would have been tougher.

So why was it so tough, what did you come up against?

The conditions, the wind chill takes it toll on the body. Mentally it was pretty tough but a good guy led us there called Doug Stoop he did a great job and managed to get us there and made it all possible.

Let’s talk about Strictly?

Fantastic thing to do, great privilege to be asked to do it. The hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, amazing, could of done with a few months practice before I got into the studio though. It was a great show to be connected with, I’ve watched it a bit in the past and have a lot of respect to the dancers who are fit and skilful - some are the best in the world. I’ve enjoyed going back and watching the show and it was a good experience.

What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career and why?

Winning the Grand National 1994, it was unexpected, I wondered how the horse would handle the ground, it was unexpected and the horse made it very easy for me.

What do you want to achieve next, what are your goals now?

In the immediate future I want to get away holiday…I also have my book out (Method In My Madness) and I’m busy with book signings leading up to Christmas. Doing a lot of PR and signings.

I also work for a travel business called wild frontiers.co.uk so I’m doing trips to Georgia and Mongolia next year and I might do a geographic North Pole expedition in 2011.

If you hadn’t been a jockey what would you have been?

I don’t know probably a vet or a trainer

What music do you listen to, what’s the last thing you listened to on your Ipod.

Snow Patrol, last concert I went to was Snow Patrol and my favourite song is Run by Snow Patrol.

What do you do on your day off? What’s a chilled out Richard day?

Um, i just like travelling, I might travel to Europe or Italy – I love Italy.

If you had 24 hours to live how would you spend it?

Similar question…travelling really…..It would involve copious amounts of Champagne and lots of beautiful women…I’m very easily pleased. Take them to Italy as well!
Best hotel …Hotel Splendido in Portofino so that might come into it as well…

What’s your favourite film?

Don’t really have one…

Do you get any strange fan mail?

Yeah the odd one, but nothing that really stands out. No strange requests , no.

What is the funniest thing that you’ve heard about yourself in the media?

Lots of funny stuff since doing Stricly. I tend to ignore it, in Strictly someone said on some website they couldn’t believe I was younger than Jo Wood… I stopped reading the papers when doing Strictly!

Tell us a joke about horseracing…

I don’t have any jokes about horseracing – I think Luke Harvey as a presenter is enough of a joke…..!

What are your guilty pleasures?

Champagne/icecream

David Coulthard

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Retired F1 racer David Coulthard was running some errands in London. Sportsvibe hitchhiked a ride and chatted about life after F1, fatherhood and a certain incident in a dungeon.

Laureus World Sports Academy: Sir Ian Botham

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Laureus World Sports Academy member and England cricket legend Sir Ian Botham received a hero's welcome from hundreds of excited children as he paid an emotional return to the Galle area of Sri Lanka, ahead of the fifth anniversary of the 2004 Tsunami Disaster. Sir Ian had visited Galle shortly after the Tsunami struck on December 26, 2004, to see the damage for himself and gauge what the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation could do to help. As a result of his visit, Laureus has been providing support to the Seenigama Sport for Life project has been using sport to rebuild community spirit in the area.

Field Sports

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Sportsvibe Christmas Single 2009

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Hooray! It's Christmas! We're celebrating by putting together our take on the Christmas classic 'Jingle Bells', with a little help from some of our sporting friends that we've met this year. We'd like to thank everyone who made this possible and look forward to getting our visitors inside the head of sport in the new year. We bet you can't identify them all without a bit of help littered throughout the rest of the site!

Equestrian Sports

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

SANTA POD RELEASES 2010 CALENDAR

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Santa Pod Raceway has just released its full 2010 events calendar. It offers something for everyone, mixing classics, modified metal, bikes, music, fireworks and of course racing! Best of all, in these credit crunching times, kids under the age of 16 get in for free at almost all of Santa Pod’s major events, so taking the clan needn't mean breaking the bank.

Highlights include February’s Stunt Night on the 19th, where the cream of European automotive performers and artists will wow the crowds. March the 21st sees the popular Fast Show and the 11th of April offers the Gti Spring Festival, for those who like their cars loud, proud and quick! April’s Easter Thunderball (2nd – 5th) showcases the finest in European Drag Racing and the Big Bang Camper and Bus Show from the 23rd to the 25th is perfect for those who prefer their VWs old - and comfy!

Fans of all years of modded metal will love the PTM show on the 9th of May. In fact May’s a busy month as the host venue for the FIA European Drag Racing Championships between the 28th and 31st. See just how fast cars and bikes can really cover the quarter mile.

June sees the Summer Nationals on the 19th and 20th for quarter mile fans to get their fix and also hosts UK Truck Show. July sees Japshow on the 4th and of course, the legendary Bug Jam , now in its 24th year, between the 23rd and 25th .

August 6-8th brings the Ultimate Street Car whilst September hosts classic VWs once again for VW Action on the 3rd, 4th and 5th.

Drag fans will love September when the FIA Championship reaches its climax at the European Finals between the 9th and 12th, followed by the National Finals on Sept 25th and 26th. Jap fans who didn’t get enough in June can visit the Japshow finale on the 3rd of October and the year ends in a bang with Flame and Thunder on the 30th of October and the Fireworks Frenzy on Bonfire Night.

Of course, in between these massive events lie a plethora of ‘Run What You Brung’ and ‘Drift What You Brung’ days where petrol-heads can thrash the living daylights out of their own car without falling foul of the law.

To see the full line up please click to www.santapod.co.uk/calendar

GOLFERS GET SOCIAL NETWORK

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Golfers can now join their own social network courtesy of ImagineGolfClub.com - Members can create their own profile, have a user friendly platform to communicate simply and effectively with all of their golfing friends, as well as getting all the latest golf news, views, advice, tips and drills.

ImagineGolfClub.com also offers search functions that allow golfers to locate thousands of golf professionals, golf clubs, driving ranges and golfing destinations all around the world. This search capability combined with unrivalled expert content, news, reviews and the most valuable prizes in online golf give golfers access to all of the resources that they could possibly need to get the most out of their golf.

The Imaginegolfclub.com community already numbers over 128,000 people and places across the world uniting:

• 90,000 Imagine Golf Club Members

• 15,000 Golf Professionals

• 18,000 Golf Clubs

• 1,200 Golf Resorts

• 3,000 Driving Ranges

• 1,000 Golf Societies

For more information go to www.imaginegolf.com

Ashley Jackson

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Ashley Jackson was a member of England mens hockey squad which won gold at the 2009 EuroHockey Championhips after making his Olympic debut at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Jackson made his England debut in November 2006 against the Netherlands, before going on to play in his first senior international tournament at the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Manchester in 2007. Sportsvibe caught up with Ashley for a quick chat........

1. How did you get into your sport?

Through school sport at 9 years old.

2. Tell us the best thing about your sport?

It's a high paced team sport.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?

Barry Middleton, Dom Male and Ben Payne.

4. Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

Jonny Wilkinson

5. Who is the most competitive person that you have come up against in your sport and why?

Barry Middleton, always wants to win.

6. Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions?

Not really, if we win then i will try and wear the same kit for the next game, washed or not!!

7. Tell us about your training schedule? What does it involve and how does it change, i.e. before matches?

It gets pretty busy in the build up to a major tournament and will involve weights and running sessions along side hockey sessions. We will often use some tournaments as a training phase in order to peak for the major tournament a few months down the line, so it would not be unusual to turn up to a minor tournament fatigued.

9. What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career to date? Why?

European gold medal 2009, we were underdogs and nobody gave us a chance which I guess made it all that more sweet!

10. What do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?

Next I guess would be to medal at the World Cup in March. My goals would be to help England become and to be a great team and also to medal in all major tournaments.

11. If you hadn’t of been a hockey player, what would you have done?

Maybe a cricketer but definitely some kind of sportsman.

12. What will you do after your sporting career is over?

Urm...not sure at the moment, fingers crossed thats a long way off.

13. What music do you listen to? What’s the last thing song you listened to on your i-pod?

I listen to a range of music but enjoy the chilled out scene. Meet me halfway - Black Eyed Peas.

14. What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

Play some golf, chill out with mates etc.

15. If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?

Doing something unbelievably amazing!!

16. What is your favourite film?

Any Given Sunday, Gladiator.

17. Do you get any strange fan mail?

Nope.

18. What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?

A journalist once asked me about my pet monkey.

19. Tell us a joke about your sport?

I don’t know any!

20. what are your guilty pleasures?

Chocolate.

Jane Couch

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Jane Couch is the former five-time World Champion boxer hailing from Bristol. She recently retired to focus on her promoting career and is recognised as the UK's most successful female boxer of all time. She fought in front of millions and has received an MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Sportsvibe caught up with Jane recently for a quick interview......

1. How did you get into your sport? It has been said that it was a way for you to keep out of trouble? What was an average day for you prior to boxing?

I saw a documentary about female boxing it was on Channel 4 and it was about women boxing in the USA, I thought I’d like to try that and went to the local gym the next day and it all started from there. I wouldn’t say I took it up to keep out of trouble but it did help me as I was hyperactive and got into a few scraps.

2. Your first fight was against a female Police officer whom you knocked out in the 2nd round… how was that?

Great I got paid to knock a copper out instead of getting locked up!

3. Who was the biggest inspiration for you in Boxing and why?

Tex, he trained me my whole career and was always there through good times and bad and taught me how to become a better person.

As I said I didn’t have a great start, and apart from my mum who couldn’t help me financially as she didn’t have any money bringing 2 kids up on her own was hard for her. I didn’t have any family support besides my mum.

4. Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?

My Mum. I admire anyone that achieves and works hard even when the odds are against them.

5. Who is the most competitive person that you have come up against in your sport and why?

Lucia Riker, the greatest ever female boxer. I don’t think we will ever see that sort of talent again but she was so determined to win that’s what made her great.

6. Was there anyone that you really didn’t want to fight because of their reputation for being a dirty fighter?

No I fought everybody of my time and would have never ducked anyone.

7. Did you have any pre fight rituals or superstitions?

No.

8. Tell us about your training schedule? What did it involve and how did it change, i.e. before fights?

I trained very hard twice a day I did circuit training, bag works, pads, skipping and sparred only with men. I was very fit. It was difficult to train when I had to fight in the USA, so much as we had the time difference to cope with so we used to try and live in USA time whilst we were in this country because mostly we would only get flown out two days before the fight and it would have been harder to adapt.

9. What was most memorable moment in your boxing career? Why?

Winning my first world title in Denmark against an undefeated puncher, the French girl, Sandra Geiger. Nobody gave me a chance, she had 29 fights 28 knockouts and I had had 4 and of them 4 were nowhere near the level she had been. It was a very hard fight, she was a much better boxer, but I was so determined to be World Champion nobody would have beat me that night.

10. If you hadn’t of been a Boxer, what would you have done?

It’s hard to say, I didn’t have a great start, no education, I worked in Factories, shops and hotels. I had no ambitions I came from a small fishing town from a broken family and no money, I didn’t know any other way of life. I think if I hadn’t have seen that documentary I would have just been from job to job with no prospects.

11. Tell us a little about your relationship with Ricky Hatton and Hatton Promotions?

I did a couple of joint promotions with Ricky and had a few great shows in Bristol and a big one in Newport. Moving on from that, I have set up a promotional company called Black Eye Promotions with Nick Hodges which is doing really well and we have some really promising up and coming fighters on the books. I can work with anybody, but it’s also good to stand on your own.

12. Who outside of boxing would you most like to have a couple of rounds in the ring with?

I try not to fight outside of the ring these days, but if I could, it probably be the medical doctor at the hearing to be granted my boxing licence when he said women were unstable.

13. Who would win in a fight with you and Janet Street-Porter?

She’s gobby but I don’t think she would last long with me.

14. When you’re out and about are you recognized much and does anyone start any trouble with you to try his or her luck?

No, I don’t get any problems. I try not to put myself in them situations, if I am recognised its usually for beating Barrymore up on his show, and everyone seems to like me for that.

15. A couple of years ago you were really keen to fight a man at Wembley. If you were still boxing now would this be something that you would still want to do and who would it be?

I don’t know where that story came from to be honest but I don’t think men and women should ever fight. I sparred with men all the time but we are different and there are enough good women to fight each other, it would become a freak show if it was man v woman.

16. Mohammed Ali’s daughter Leila has become a boxing super star in her own right. Although 2 stone heavier than you, how would you have done against her?

If we were the same weight I’m sure I would have beaten her in my heyday, but because her dad was Ali she got all the press. She was a good fighter but I think there are a lot of girls out there that are better but they never had the platform she had.

17. What music do you listen to? What’s the last thing song you listened to on your i-pod?

I listen to anything. I like Amy Winehouse and had the Frank Album on in the car this morning.

18. What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?

Spare time what’s that? As a boxing manager and promoter its 24/7.

19. What is your favourite film?

Don’t laugh - Pretty woman.

20. Do you get any strange fan mail?

Mmm, sometimes but most of it is just people wanting you to sign things

21.What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?

I think when I first come on the scene because there was no such thing as women’s boxing in the UK I was painted as this wild child who went round fighting all the time which isn’t the case. I did get into a few scraps but not to the extent as the media said - anyone would have thought I was a mass murderer.

22. What are your guilty pleasures?

Vodka and Coke and chocolate

Disability Sports

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

POLAR TRAINING

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Some training partners can be a nightmare, some are too loud, some are not up to your standards and some are just overly competitive! Well if you'd like a training partner who has none of those characteristics then you need to check out this new range from Polar.

RS800CX MULTI:

No matter the terrain, whatever the sport, the RS800CX is the most accurate way to measure your speed and distance as well as plan, monitor and analyze your body's response to your training sessions. You can also see your route on a map after the training session. Ideal for sports like running, cycling, nordic ski-ing, in-line skating and kayaking. This is an essential addition to anyones training.

RRP £454.62

FT80:

Dedication best describes those who are seriously into their training. The FT80 is the most dedicated training partner for the most devoted fitness freaks out there. This intelligent training computer helps you achieve maximum efficiency and allows you to reach your workout targets. It has a stylish design and is comfortable during a hot workout or for everyday use.

RRP £273.55

FT7:

For those who want to know if they're improving their fitness or burning fat. So the FT7 is perfect for clear guidance and an easy way to start heart rate based training.

RRP £99.95

For more information on these Polar products then click onto www.polarelectro.co.uk/uk-en

GET SOME STRENGTH

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Do you want to build a better body? Well now you can with this essential handbook to strength training for men and women of all abilities. Step-by-step instructions and tailor-made programmes will help you reach your individual goals.

With over 150 exercises and invaluable advice on preparation, nutrition and on preventing injury. Each exercise is illustrated so you can perfect your technique.

Written by strength training experts this is ideal for free and fixed weights, in the gym or at home. This is the ultimate guide to improving your muscle tone, strength and endurance. The journey for your better body starts here!

Release date: January 2010

RRP £14.99

DUNWOODY - 'METHOD IN MY MADNESS'

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In his latest book, Richard Dunwoody reveals his thoughts on how racing has changed in the last ten years and on the jockeys of today, paying particular attention to the question of who is the greatest of them all.

Method In My Madness confirms Richard remains a driven and focused individual. Whether he is flirting with polar bears in the Arctic, enduring dramatic human tensions on the Antarctic ice, taking tea and tips from the Queen, leading riding holidays in war torn lands or walking 1000 miles in 1000 hours; his sense of adventure remains combined with a keen sense of perspective and humour.

Method In My Madness is packed with opinion on well known names from racing and sport but most tellingly on the people from all walks of life that have become his new role models.

In answering the questions he is asked most often, Richard poses a few of his own. Never again will people wonder why he “turned his back on racing”.

Richard Dunwoody is a man who has always done things his own way, inspiring some, irritating others. Method In My Madness continues this.

Out now, from www.racingpost.com/shop

RRP £18.99

PUKKA PIES FOR DING

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Ding Junhui was the lucky winner at the Pukka Pies UK Championship trophy from Telford this weekend. His prize, as well as the trophy was his body weight in Pukka Pies!

The Chinese superstar defeated world champion John Higgins in a closely fought final - 10-8 - to take the title for the second time following his victory in 2005.

Ding was the lightest of the four semi-finalists - weighing in at 69kg - and based on an average of 4 pies per kilogramme will receive a delivery of 276 pies from Pukka Pies, who were in their first year of snooker sponsorship.

“Pukka Pies have been a fantastic sponsor of the event this week and we are all excited about the chance of winning our body weight in pies,” said China’s Ding.

“We all made sure we were wearing a few extra layers of clothes for the weigh-in and I wanted to put a few snooker balls in my pocket but I wasn’t allowed!!”

GO ROWING IN A CAFE?

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

'The Fitness Cafe' in London has launched the new concept of ‘WaterRowing’. It is the only venue in the UK to use the concept. WaterRowing is a resistance system which allows you to work at your own desired intensity, as if rowing in actual waters but without getting wet!

Apparently it is the perfect way to get back into shape in the New Year. Benefits include:

• 84% of muscle mass used, more than any other exercise at one time

• Increases blood flow to major muscle groups

• Increases flexibility and range of motion

• Burns up to 1100 calories per hour

• Can improve posture and core stability

The Fitness Cafe is an 'all-under-one-roof' concept which allows you to enjoy your training routine, join in classes (including Pilates and kickboxing), and gain nutritional advice and cooking lessons so you know exactly how to keep yourself healthy.

www.thefitnesscafe.co.uk

HATTON'S 'MEANING OF LIFE'

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Former World boxing champion Ricky Hatton MBE has revealed what life means to him in a new book entitled 'The Handbook of Life".

Hatton, who enjoyed huge success in the international boxing arena, winning numerous World Titles including the WBA Welterweight Championship said:

"The best piece of advice I ever received was when I was fighting at the MEN Arena in Manchester my mum carol was ringside with my dad and was all excited. She offered the best advice she could when I was being punched by my opponent: 'Duck Son.' Not surprisingly I did and he missed. I love my mum."

"My most life-changing experience? I suppose when I beat Kostya Tszyu in front of 22,000 people at the MEN Arena Manchester and became the undisputed champion of the world at light welterweight. I think that moment will stay with me forever. I was accepted and recognised as the best light welterweight in the world and my world changed, it lead to massive fights and more world titles in America."

The Handbook of Life featuring Hatton's revelations is a compilation of answers to the question: 'what is the best advice on life you've ever been given?' The book will raise money for North West-based children's hospices, Beechwood Cancer Care and Children in Need.

Other contributors to 'The Handbook of Life' series from the world of sport include Sir Alex Ferguson and Lewis Hamilton MBE.

For more information on The Handbook of Life series, please visit www.thehandbookoflife.com.

FAST SHOW 2010 LAUNCHED

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Santa Pod Raceway’s season-opener The Fast Show takes place on Sunday 21st March 2010.

From hot hatches and retros to full-blown supercars, everyone is represented at The Fast Show, making it easily the most diverse of all Santa Pod events. With Run What Ya Brung, dyno and a handling track, you’ll have a chance to press the pedal to the metal and stock up on pub ammo to fire at your mates, along with all sorts of activities off track, including the hilarious Miss Fast Show, popular Show & Shine competition, traders, monster truck show and stunt shows.

Weekend ticket holders can enjoy an extra day of Run What Ya Brung, and all weekend tickets include free camping and entry to the new and improved Pod Palais – a heated nightclub with top DJs, plush furnishings and even exotic dancers on Saturday night.

Tickets start from just £15 for a Sunday ticket, and £25 for a weekend ticket.

Pie Wars Part 1: with Sackey, Hipkiss and Thompson

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

England Rugby players Paul Sackey and Dan Hipkiss were having a pie-off under the watchful eye of legendary chef Antony Worral Thompson. Find out who gets crowned as the pie making champion of English Rugby. Then checkout Pie Wars Part II, the gory aftermath in the sportsvibe tv section.

Pie Wars Part 2: The Aftermath

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We talk to the competitors of the pie making contest, England Rugby players Paul Sackey & Dan Hipkiss. It seems that they were more concerned with the outcome of the competition then they were about talking to us!

Lifetime Achievement Yes, 2009 Sports Personality No!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Ryan Giggs looked as shocked last night as the rest of us sitting inside the Sheffield Arena when he was voted the 2009 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ahead of a disappointed Jenson Button and a very glamorous Jessica Ennis. Sportsvibe considers Giggs to be up there with Best, Law, Charlton, Edwards and Cantona when it comes to the legends of Manchester United and he is, most probably, the greatest footballer of the Premiership years, but the talk amongst BBC sports executives both last night and this morning, when the great and the good of sport emerged bleary-eyed, is that he should have received a lifetime achievement award on the basis that his 2009 was no different, and arguably not as good, as other trophy-laden years, leaving the Personality of the Year award to a champion from this year such as Button, Ennis, or Tweddle. According to the execs Giggs was hardly considered until, to their surprise he made the top ten. After that there was a growing feeling that the Welsh midfielder might run off with the trophy. To be fair to Giggs he made a genuine and modest speech and will appreciate more than many footballers the excellent company of sporting greats he has joined. And, on the basis that Greg Rusedski won this same trophy for losing the US Open, and Damon Hill for finishing second in the F1 drivers' title race, who can begrudge Giggs?

Mr. Universe

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We trekked down to a small village in Yorkshire to talk to the current Mr. Universe. We find out about his intense pre-show training routine, what his wife has to say about all the trophies lying around the house and his unbelievable diet.

Gemma Spofforth, World Champion, World Record Holder, and a Girl Driven on by Tragedy.

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Gemma Spofforth makes a point each day of reading a card her late mother sent to her six months before her death as she sits in her university digs in Gainesville, Florida and explains how she became Britain’s sole female world champion in Rome in the summer, breaking the 100 metres backstroke world record in the process in a swimsuit that put her at a disadvantage to everyone else.

“Keep smiling and the world will smile with you,” wrote Lesley Spofforth, who died from cancer in December 2007 at the tragically young age of just 49. “Keep swimming hard and take out all your frustrations on the water. You have found the place that makes you tick. Now just keep on ticking. Aim high, darling, and you’ll reach your dreams.”

Last August this is precisely what her daughter did, which is why she, alongside the likes of Michael Phelps and Rebecca Adlington, will be one of the star turns at the “Duel in the Pool” swimming meet in Manchester next Friday night and Saturday that pits a European team made out of the best from Britain, Germany and Italy against the best from America, including Michael Phelps.

The 22-year-old, originally from Portsmouth but now so settled in the United States collegiate system that she even possesses an American accent, is unrecognisable from the shattered girl who made it to the Beijing Olympics final last year only to finish fourth on the back of a series of sessions with a psychologist.

“My training distracted me and I was in denial in terms of my grief but after I qualified for the Games the grieving and depression hit me like a sledge hammer,” she admitted. “I would train, then go to my room and cry all night.

“After seeing a psychologist I managed to hold it together until the 100 metres final but after that I couldn’t get home quickly enough. It had hardly been the ideal preparation for an Olympics.”

A year later at the world championships, and after several more visits to an American psychologist, Gemma had turned her mother’s misfortune into a motivational tool.

“Mum sacrificed much of her life for me and our dream of becoming a swimming champion,” she explained. “She lived for my sport. Every day she’d drive three hours taking me backwards and forwards from home to the pool, to school, to the pool, and back to home.

“After she passed away my Dad came out to America to visit the psychologist with me and when I saw him cry for the first time in my life I realised it was OK to cry as well and that made a huge difference to the way I handled my grief after that.

“I now use Mum’s passing away as motivation. It’s made me a better swimmer and a stronger person because I feel as if there are two people inside me. I have taken my Mum’s strength and that’s why, just before the start of every race, I look up to the sky and say “Hi” to her. I feel her all around me. I’m convinced she still sees me race.”

Still, Emma was so nervous before the world final that she felt physically sick. “I was close to vomiting, for sure,” Gemma revealed.

“I was wearing the Speedo Lazer suit when all my rivals were in the quicker suits from Jaked, Arena and Adidas. The British coaches were suggesting I should change but I took the advice of my American coaches back in Florida who told me to stick with what I’m used to and most comfortable with.

“When I entered the call room just before the race all my nerves left me. I’d been scared at how fast I’d been going in training, but right then I knew I could go on and become world champion. My Mum was with me for those last 15 metres and when I touched and realised I’d not only become world champion but broken the world record I was filled with contrasting emotions. I was so happy for the feat and that I had realised our dream, but also so sad that I couldn’t see and share the moment with Mum.

“It’s obvious to me why I won. I’m at peace with myself for the first time in two years and I’m driven massively because I believe I’m on a mission for two people – myself and my Mum.”

The Duel in the Pool, in which we will see the last of the controversial swimsuits on those who choose to use them before they are all outlawed at the end of this month, gives Gemma the chance to remind us all how accomplished she has become as she takes on the rest of the best of America and Europe.

“I’ve not relied so much on the buoyancy of the other swimsuits so that should put me in good stead both for the Duel and, more importantly, the Commonwealth Games next year and, of course, the London 2012 Olympics,” she added. “It means the better swimmers should come to the fore and the winners rely more on their talent and hard work, and not the merits of their swimsuit.”

And, in Gemma Spofforth’s case, a frightening desire created by the saddest of family setbacks.

FEATURES

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Ray Quinn

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Ray Quinn fights through the noise at the track to give us his shout for Sportsvibe.

Will the Curse of Gillette Hit Federer and Jeter?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Watch out Roger Federer and Derek Jeter! The Swiss tennis superstar and the New York Yankees baseball star appear in the European and American Gillette commercials respectively alongside Tiger Woods and Thierry Henry, and we all know what has happened to those two. To say arguably the greatest golfer of all time and one of the finest footballers ever to grace the game are both in a spot of bother right now is putting it mildly. Woods is up to mistress number ten (and counting), and this includes a British sports TV presenter who is well-known and whose name is being bandied around the media as you read this, while his sponsors are reflecting on a PR nightmare. Whether his aura on and off the golf course will ever return after his car crash, sex antics and mass infidelities, is open to question. Henry, meanwhile, is now seen as one of the greatest cheats in the history of football, all his unbelievable talent and goals undermined by his double and deliberate handball for France in the World Cup play-off that did for Ireland. He, like Woods, is in for an uncomfortable 2010. Messrs Federer and Jeter, meanwhile, must be wondering what self-induced calamity is about to hit them.

LONSDALE SIGNS DEGALE

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Lonsdale, Britain’s leading boxing equipment and apparel brand, has agreed a sponsorship deal with James DeGale, middle-weight gold medal winner at last year’s Olympics in Beijing.

DeGale only announced his move to turn professional in December 2008, but is already one of the nation’s hottest sporting prospects. As part of the Lonsdale stable, he will be joining world boxing legends including: Mohammed Ali, Sir Henry Cooper, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe as well as current WBC Super
Middle-Weight World Champion Carl Froch.

Nicknamed ‘Chunky', DeGale was kitted out by Lonsdale for his win over Nathan King for his 5th professional fight screened live on Sky Box Office.

According to Sunny Singh, Sponsorship Manager for Lonsdale, “James is a massive talent with great charisma. He combines speed, flair, explosive power and a winning mentality in the ring with total dedication to training to achieve his goals. James is already a role-model to many and we look forward to supporting him."

www.lonsdale.com

Matt Giteau

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Australian Rugby player Matt Giteau was in North West London for a photo shoot. We pulled him aside for a chat about what it's really like to be an international Rugby player.

Charley Boorman

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Charley Boorman tells us what he gets up to on his epic round the world journeys.

Invers on Xmas Card Duty First, BBC Sports Awards Second.

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Got chatting to the admirable John Inverdale today at the impressive Sports Journalists Association annual end of year sports awards in the City of London. Invers was there in his roving role with a microphone talking to some of the stars present for the lunch but he, like the rest of us, is fretting over Christmas and the fact, once again, that he has done nothing so far at all when it comes to the festive holiday. Still, at least he has it all planned. He has 100 Xmas cards to write and his intention is to get them all done on the two hour-plus train journey from London to Sheffield on Sunday en route to co-presenting the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. "I'll start as soon as I sit down and aim to finish as we're pulling in to Sheffield," he told me. "That's my only slot to get it all done." So, if you see a relaxed looking Invers on TV on Sunday night, you'll know it was a case of job done on the train coming up. If not, then he will no doubt have fallen ten or cards short!

BRIT SWIMMERS COOKING ON GAS

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The British Swimming Team, powered by British Gas, are finalising their preparations for the 13th LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships which begins tomorrow in the Turkish capital of Istanbul.

The four-day event will see some of Britain’s seasoned athletes, including European record holder Hannah Miley, join a number of new faces on the senior international scene. Speaking ahead of the competition Miley said:

“It’s been a really good year with a few ups and downs for me and having come so close to a medal at the World’s I’m really looking forward to competing here. Last year, I came so close to a medal, coming 4th twice so I’m hoping to step it up a gear and improve on that”.

Previous medal winner Matthew Clay added:

“I haven’t competed at the European Short Course for a couple of years but having medalled previously I’m setting my sights high and hoping to do so again. This is such a great event and a fantastic learning experience for some of the younger athletes within our team. Hopefully the tough competition here will entice them to swim that little bit faster”.

Ten time European Short Course champion Mark Foster, who will be travelling out to Istanbul to offer his support to the team commented:

“I’m really looking forward to going out to Istanbul to cheer on the team. This is a great opportunity to give some up and coming athletes international experience and we also have a few swimmers who could do really well.

“I’m particularly excited to see what Hannah Miley, Eli Faulkner and Jess Dickons have to offer, they each have a lot of potential to get it right on the day and our female British swimmers have such strength and depth at the moment which is fantastic”.

Corden On Form

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

That James Corden is clearly a good laugh, both on and off the TV. After his wonderful efforts on X Factor Xtra recently - "it's obvious she was miming" - which caused much consternation he managed to get himself along to the Jenson Button post-Autosport Awards party held at the very fine Mews Restaurant in Mayfair on Sunday night where, among other highlights, he was challenged to a robot dance-off by other guests, after his hilarious take on Peter Crouch's goal celebrations. This, and his mimicking of a crying John Terry in front of not just the England captain, but half of the rest of the team, makes him a bit of a legend in my book, although I'm not sure I'd employ "Smithy" to plaster my walls, especially as he's plastered half the time himself!

Nike Store & NIKEiD UK

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

NEW DEAL FOR McENROE

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Tennis legend and former World No.1, John McEnroe has this week signed a contract extension with tennis brand Dunlop. This new deal means that McEnroe’s relationship with Dunlop now dates back to 1981. He will continue to act as a Global Brand Ambassador and will endorse the brand’s rackets and balls.

RACECOURSES SUPPORT TROOPS

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

• Britain’s racecourses pledge over 30,000 free entry tickets to soldiers, sailors and airmen
• Children under 16 go FREE to Britain’s racecourses, so Troops can enjoy family day at no cost

The British Horseracing Authority has joined up with Tickets For Troops (T4T) to offer servicemen and women thousands of free tickets to racecourses across Britain. The aim is to support the work of military personnel and veterans by offering free tickets to big events. Courses such as Carlisle, Musselburgh and Ffos Las, have pledged unlimited tickets to all their 2010 fixtures, while other courses such as Wolverhampton, Lingfield Park, Ayr and Southwell have donated tickets into their thousands.

Every racecourse across Britain offers FREE entry to children aged 16 and under for most fixtures, meaning that Troops can enjoy a day at the races with their family, at no extra cost.

Tickets for Troops is a new and independent non-profit organisation. The sole aim of the initiative is to secure the donation of tickets to major sporting and cultural events, and make them available through a dedicated website to all serving members of HM Forces and those medically discharged from the Forces since military action in Afghanistan began in 2001. Applicants simply register at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk. For each booking a donation of just £1 is requested, with proceeds being donated across various charities.

Nic Coward, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “We are very proud to be a part of Tickets For Troops and to champion the remarkable work of our country’s service men and women.”

For more information on the British Horseracing Authroity, simply click onto www.britishhorseracing.com.

SEE ENGLAND IN WORLD CUP

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

South Africa had the first opportunity to showcase its readiness for sport's biggest showpiece when it hosted the Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Friday 4th December. Fans around the world had their fingers crossed as 32 nations, including England, awaited their fate.

England landed a favorable draw in Group C against the USA, Algeria and Slovenia. The group stages match dates and venues are as follows:

•    Vs USA, Saturday 12th June, 20.30, at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
•    Vs Algeria, Friday 18th June, 20.30, at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town.
•    Vs Slovenia, Wednesday 23rd June, 16.00, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Thomson Sport’s is now offering England fans a chance to take in a game or two via a short trip package.

One Match package:

For those that have already got a match ticket for England’s third group match, Thomson Sport offer accommodation and travel packages (21st - 26th June 2010). Prices start from £2449 per person for a four night package including international return flights, accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express in Cape Town on B&B, luxury coach transfers, local South African guides, Thomson Sport Big Bar, Thomson Sport merchandise and representation. Packages including a match ticket start from £2512 per person.

Two Match packages:

For those that have already got match tickets for England’s first two matches in the group stages, Thomson Sport offer accommodation and travel packages (10th-22nd June 2010) Prices start from £3699 per person including 11 nights’ accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express in Cape Town on B&B, international return flights, luxury coach transfers, local South African guides, Thomson Sport Big Bar, Thomson Sport merchandise, Thomson Sport representation, and the chance to book optional excursions and internal flights within South Africa. Packages including match tickets start from £3825 per person.

Group Stage packages:

Thomson Sport offers accommodation and travel packages for those that have already got match tickets for England’s three matches in the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Prices start from £3999 per person (10th – 26th June 2010) including 16 nights accommodation at the 3* Camps Bay Resort in Cape Town on B&B, international return flights, luxury coach transfers, local South African guides, Thomson Sport merchandise, Thomson Sport Big Bar, Thomson Sport representation, and the chance to book optional excursions and internal flights within South Africa. Packages including category 3 match tickets start from £4188 per person.

For further booking information contact: www.thomsonsport.com or call 0845 1212018.

VOLLEYBALL ‘CAN YOU DIG IT’

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Volleyball England has launched its Community Development Coaching programme at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering, inducting 14 dynamic individuals selected to help increase participation across England.

The CDC programme forms part of Volleyball England’s “Can You Dig It” campaign aimed at raising awareness of volleyball, encouraging more people to get involved by strengthening links between schools and clubs.

The Community Development Coaches’ role is diverse: they will train players, encourage potential event organisers and volunteers, ensure talented young players receive quality coaching and opportunities to maximise their potential, and put in place clear, structured pathways. The CDCs will work in schools, clubs and community venues to develop sustainable programmes within each region. Volleyball England hopes to have 20 CDCs in post by April 2010.

The programme has received investment from Volleyball England and partners including School Sport Partnerships, Premier League Football Clubs, Primary Care Trusts, Local Authorities, County Sports partnerships and commercial leisure providers.

For more news on Volleyball, click on to www.volleyballengland.org.

QUINS WIN

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Harlequins Rugby League hs agreed a major three year partnership with WIN plc, the leading provider of interactive mobile entertainment and information services.

In what is the biggest sponsorship deal in the Super League club’s history, WIN will appear on the front of their shirts until the end of the 2012 season.

WIN specializes in providing services for mobile telephone users – including interactive games, live voting, music distribution, videos and news delivery. As part of the sponsorship deal, WIN will work with Harlequins Rugby League to develop exciting new ways for fans to interact and engage with the club using both mobile telephones and the internet.

Voting for man of the match awards, streaming video content and a pioneering SMS donation system developed by WIN which will allow fans to donate to the Harlequins Foundation registered charity without VAT deductions, will all be made available in the forthcoming season.

Harlequins Rugby League general manager, Paul Blanchard, said: “This is the largest sponsorship deal in history of Harlequins Rugby League and another sign of the hard work being done by the club to grow and strengthen in all areas."

For more information on WIN then visit: www.winplc.com.

Charley Boorman

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We bumped into actor, writer and adventurer Charley Boorman and had a chat about his love of the biker fraternity, some mate of his called Ewan McGregor and which poster he used to have on his bedroom ceiling when he was younger.

Josh Drives Us Through a Journey to Hell!

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

My biggest problem in life is not having the ability to say "no," which is why I found myself yesterday trekking 21kms in the Brecon Beacons with former rugby star Josh Lewsey and his former army mate, Marcus. If the distance alone is not enough for you then let me tell you that the trek was tortorous, up and down mountains during seven (that's 7) hours of walking in predominantly stinging rain whipped up by winds so fierce it was difficult to breathe and in temperatures that shot below freezing with the wind chill. We were all totally sodden at the end, especially Josh who refused to wear a hat all day and whose ears would have snapped off by dusk. The former world cup winner with England, and multiple trophy winner with Wasps, is training to climb Everest next May, hence his day out in the Beacons. Now, for a man who summitted Kilimanjaro 14 months ago, you may think the Beacons would be a walk, if you excuse the pun, in the national park, but I had trained for Kili, and not for this, which is why this morning every bone and joint in my body hurts, and I am moving like an old man. Lewsey's pretty tired, too, but then he insisted in placing a large, limestone boulder in his rucksack before taking in an extra peak yesterday. He still completed the walk ahead of us. I hope Josh makes it to the top of Everest, but I bet he won't be looking for any extra weight in the Himalayas!

HAVE A CRICKET CHRISTMAS

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Beat the winter blues by following the England cricket team to South Africa this Christmas and New Year with Sport Abroad.

As well as watching top class cricket in the sunshine of the Rainbow Nation, celebrate Christmas Day with a lunch at Durban’s finest Game Reserve and be part of an exclusive New Year’s Eve Waterfront Cruise. Packages for the 2nd and 3rd test (23rd December 2009 – 8th January 2010) start from £2999 per person including 15 nights 3* accommodation and return flights (excludes match tickets and functions). The ‘Tour C’ 4* package starts from £4395 per person and includes guaranteed official match tickets, 15 nights 4* accommodation on BandB basis, return international flights, domestic flights (where applicable), welcome drinks, Christmas Day lunch at the Game Reserve, New Year’s Eve cruise, airport and match transfers and souvenir merchandise.

For more information or to book call 08456 803 086 or go to www.sportabroad.co.uk

Moosehead 234x60

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Jessica Ennis

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

CANCER RESEARCH LAUNCH BOBBY MOORE iPOD

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Forget the socks this Christmas, Cancer Research UK has launched a limited edition Bobby Moore gold-plated iPod Touch. It's a cracker of a gift, and it's hoped sales will raise over £15,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, which raises vital funds for bowel cancer research and awareness of the disease.

Available from www.goldgenie.com/bobbymoore, the Bobby Moore gold plated iPod Touch is £264.50 for the 8GB, £356.50 for the 32GB and £433.81 for the 64GB with 10 per cent of the sale price going to Cancer Research UK. Each iPod is laser engraved with Bobby Moore’s signature and the Bobby Moore Fund logo, featuring the iconic image of England’s only World Cup winning captain lifting the trophy on the back.

Also available is the Bobby Moore iPod Nano in red, similarly laser engraved with Bobby Moore’s signature and the Bobby Moore Fund logo on the back at £164.65 for the 8GB and £192.05 for the 16GB with 12.5 per cent of the sale price going to Cancer Research UK.

To date, the Bobby Moore Fund has raised over £12 million for dedicated bowel cancer research. The funds are spent on high-quality bowel cancer research carried out by leading scientists working across the UK. The money raised to date has funded over 36 Bobby Moore Research Fellowships and three additional research projects.

BEN COHEN CALENDAR

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

England Rugby World Cup winner and Sale Sharks winger, Ben Cohen has released a calendar for 2010 after last minute demand from fans.

"Although we've released calendars in previous years, we weren't planning on doing a calendar for 2010," said Ben (31). "In an email forum on my website in November I asked if anyone would be interested. The answers came flooding back in their hundreds, which took me by surprise. We only did the photo-shoot just over a week ago! It was crazy, but we are really pleased with the result."

The calendar is A3, in full colour and spiral bound. It has a mixture of images of Ben including the 'must have' shower shots. Ben Cohen Official 2010 Calendar is available now from www.ben-cohen.com , priced £15 + postage and packing.

Ben Cohen plays for Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership. He has 57 caps for England and is second to top try scorer of all time for his country. Ben is nephew to Football World Cup Champion of 1966, George Cohen.

Redheads Unite, the Ginger Revolution is Nigh!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I am a ginger. There I've said it. And I feel better for it. It's as if a major weight has been lifted off my shoulders. If I were in a group of gingers I'd receive a round of applause for this admission, especially as for many years I have insisted I am a strawberry blonde. But enough is enough. For years I and all my ginger brothers and sisters around the world have been victimized for our hair colour, frightened to pace the streets in fear of having hair dye thrown over us, or being called "Belisha Beacon," "Copper Knob," "Duracell," "Ginger Nuts" and other hurtful comments that are like knife wounds in the heart. Don't you think it's bad enough having to put three tons of factor 120 sun cream on every time the sun comes out? But now news comes from America that schoolkids have been arrested after launching a "Kick a GInger Day," an idea inspired by South Park. Don't you people understand what redheads have done for the world? Churchill, Bonaparte, Cleopatra, Van Gogh, Cromwell, Elizabeth 1st, er Judas Iscariot and, of course, Geri Halliwell. I rest my case. So on this day I say redheads be proud (except for those who are particularly orange), stand up, hold your red-haired head up high, and be ready. For the revolution is almost upon us!!!!!

BECKHAM SUPPORTS COACHING FOR HOPE

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

David Beckham has attended a ‘Coaching for Hope’ CfH session at the Khaylitsha Township, Cape Town to meet with youngsters and coaches involved with the scheme. The visit was arranged by The English FA as part of its ’International Development Programme’ and David was joined by former South African captain Lucas Radebe and FA Chairman David Triesman.

The session was staged at Ikhusi P.P. School, Khaylitsha Township, Cape Town and featured a CfH workshop involving HIV awareness techniques. David Beckham was taken on a tour of the facility by CfH young leader Michael, 17 before joining more than 30 youngsters for a question and answer session and kicking off a specially arranged tournament.

Coaching for Hope is the official international charity of The FA for 2009, and is an innovative programme which uses football to create better futures for young people in West and Southern Africa. By organizing training courses with professionals from UK clubs and developing social education curricula that address the needs of local communities, CfH trains local football coaches and youth workers to recognized FA standards as well as gain skills to educate and enable the youth in their communities to address such issues as HIV and AIDS and Substance Abuse.

More information on Coaching for Hope can be found at www.coachingforhope.org and on The FA IDP at www.thefa.com

Jessica Ennis

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The World Heptathlon Champion, and one of the favourites to be crowned the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year

To be named even in the shortlist of ten for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards is a great honour and something I would not have dreamt was possible this time last year.

I keep reading and hearing how I am one of the favourites to win although, despite being the competitive animal I am, I’d be more than made up to make the top three, I really would. I reckon the likes of Jenson Button and Andrew Strauss, let alone Ryan Giggs, David Haye, my own British athletics teammate and fellow world champion Phillips Idowu and all the others on the list may have a say or two in this. It appears to me to be particularly wide open this year.

It would be the icing on a particularly delicious cake for me, especially as the awards are being staged in my home city of Sheffield. I am a proud Sheffielder – I support the Blades and it’s great to be able to train in such fantastic facilities such as the Don Valley Stadium and the Institute of Sport right on my doorstep – and with the Ponds Forge swimming pool, the Sheffield Arena where the BBC awards will be staged, the Peak District and all the advantages a big city can provide, I have everything I could possibly need right here.

Twelve months ago I was some way into my rehab programme having contracted a stress fracture of my ankle. The injury not only ruled me out of the Beijing Olympics but, for a while, it was even career-threatening. It was, to put it mildly, a very upsetting time for me.

Maybe it put everything into perspective, maybe it made me realise how much I wanted to be a successful athlete because what I love doing the most was taken away from me, or maybe the enforced rest made me fresh for the world championships last August but, whatever the reason, I returned home with the world title and a gold medal and, ever since then, my world’s gone a bit crazy.

I’ll give you some examples. Back in September the city of Sheffield celebrated my achievement in the Peace Gardens. I was really nervous that no-one would turn up, especially as it was lashing down with rain. Fortunately loads came with their flags and banners. I made a small speech on the stage and was given a cutlery set made out of Sheffield’s famous steel. Better still, I also got a Mulberry handbag.

Then it was off to Glasgow to present the best album award at the MOBO’s (Music of Black Origin). Now this was really nerve-wracking, partly because I was way out of my comfort zone, but mainly because as I walked out on to stage in front of thousands of people, there sitting in the front row were Latoya and Jermaine Jackson. Once I’d given out the award, though, I relaxed and had my picture taken with the Jacksons, plus JLS and Lemar. I didn’t expect any of them to know who I was but Lemar, in particular, told me how much he’d enjoyed watching me win the gold medal.

There have been a few TV appearances as well, notably “A Question of Sport” and “Something for the Weekend.” It was the second time I’d done “AQOS” but I was still nervous. Andy, my boyfriend, has Sky Sports News permanently on the TV back at home and he suggested I should study it closely the night before I went on the show, but I’d rather sit and read a good women’s magazine. I was on Matt Dawson’s team and one of my teammates was the cricketer, Graeme Swann, who was hilarious. I managed to get my two “Home” questions right, which were on the heptathlon and the 100 metres, but didn’t contribute much else.

On “Something for the Weekend” I was interviewed about my success but the really enjoyable part was when I was asked to do some cooking. I love to cook and believe I’m good at it. Gordon Ramsay’s one of my heroes and I really like watching all his programmes on TV, especially “The “F” Word.” On the show I rustled up a Blackberry and Apple Pastry, which is one of my specialities. I strongly recommend it.

I’ve also attended a couple of awards functions in which I have been nominated in. The first was The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in which I came second to the world triathlon champion, Chrissie Wellington. I know people who don’t win say these things but I was delighted for Chrissie because I admire what she does so much, she is in a sport that does not often get a high profile, and she was welling up as she went up on stage to receive her well-deserved prize.

The second was the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Awards night where I was voted the Ultimate Sportswoman of the Year. I really enjoyed the evening, and not just because I won. I met Vernon Kay – he’s really nice and really tall (or am I short?) – and also Fern Cotton, who was also very pleasant and complimented me on my dress.

The next morning all the winners were invited for breakfast at 10, Downing Street with Sarah Brown. The PM’s wife was really nice, seemed to know all about me, and asked me all questions all about the heptathlon. We also had a tour of the building, taking in the portraits of the Prime Ministers up the staircase and Winston Churchill’s famous armchair, with his scratch marks still clear in the arms. The likes of Danni Minogue and Kimberley Walsh were also there, as was my friend Charlotte, who had the best couple of days she’d had in a long time.

As you can tell it’s all been great fun and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but I’m back in training and, once the BBC awards are done and dusted with, I’m going to make sure everything calms down and I can focus fully on what I’m best at.

This means training and making sure that this year is only the start, not the end. There’s so much more I want to achieve as an athlete and, although my schedule will not include the Commonwealth Games next year, it definitely does include the European Championships next summer.

I’ll be training on Christmas Eve and on Boxing Day but, you know what? I’ll be taking Christmas Day off like everyone else. It’s my favourite day of the year so, apart from taking my 10-month old Chocolate Labrador, Myla, for a walk, I’ll be putting my feet up and making the most of it. That’s my Christmas present to myself, that and the world heptathlon gold medal!

James DeGale

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We met up with Olympic Boxing Gold medalist James Degale as he was having his hands and feet mould-casted for a project being run by The National Lottery for the 2012 Olympics. We find out about his favourite boxing movies, his life outside the ring and why his Dad decided to hide in a cupboard.

The National Lottery is contributing almost £2.2 billion to the cost of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, of which £750 million will come from sales of specially-designated lottery games. The total raised for London 2012 towards this £750 million target is currently more than £450 million.

For more info go to: www.national-lottery.co.uk/bepartofit

Giles Long

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

For twelve years Giles has represented Great Britain at the highest level in the world of swimming, both as a Butterfly and Individual Medley swimmer and as a relay team member.

He has won twenty major Championship medals including Paralympic, European, and World Championship Gold medals. His greatest achievement was winning the Paralympic 100 metre Butterfly Gold medal, in October 2000, in a World Record time.

Giles’s achievements are the more impressive given that he had to struggle against cancer for 2 years which threw his entire career into doubt. His treatments for his bone tumour included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and numerous operations.

Sportsvibe caught up with Giles for an update…

How did you get into swimming?
I always loved being in the water and seemed to be always pestering my parents to take me to the swimming pool. One day I was sitting in the back of the car, aged seven, with my Mum was driving along. She looked into the rear-view mirror and said “You like swimming, why don’t you join the swimming club?” I did. Loved it and within weeks wanted to win a gold medal.

What’s the best thing about swimming?
I think it when you feel like you’re flying. After years of training an investing in the skills of swimming you become so used to moving in the water and holding your breath that it becomes a total joy to be in the element.

Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?
My Dad. Between the two of us we worked out a whole new way of swimming Butterfly which has been copied by Paralympics swimmers the world over. He was an amazing sailor and was one of the first few to bring the 18foot Skiff to the UK from Australia in the early 1970’s. He never knows when he beaten and taught me that winning in sport is about using every tool in the box not just about going the gym and getting stronger.

Do you admire anybody outside of your own sport?
I am blown away by Usain Bolt. He is just out of this world. But I admire all the people out there practicing and training in all weathers, trying to be better at something when everyone says they’re mad. Sportsmen and women who are on a journey not knowing where it ends but prepared to give it their best.

Who is the most competitive person that you have come up against in swimming?
A Danish swimmer called Emil Brondum. He had all sorts of things that he would try and do to psych me out.

Do you have any pre race rituals or superstitions?
Yes. I practice self-hypnosis. It takes between 20 and 45 minutes to get into the right mental space but once I’m tuned in I have a trigger phrase which I say in my head in the final fifteen metres of the race. It makes my muscles feel refreshed and means I finish the race harder. As for superstitions I will never hold or touch a mirror on race day just in case I drop it – I’m pretty clumsy.

What is the most memorable moment in your sporting career to date? Why?
Winning the 100m Butterfly at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics in a new world record time. Standing in the middle spot on the rostrum with 20,000 people all standing to honor something that you’ve done just makes you feel like you are shining from the inside out.

What do you want to achieve next in your sport? What are your goals?
I have retired from competitive swimming at the very top end but now I channel my energy into making sure that young athletes that have aspirations of competing at the 2012 Paralympics get every chance. To that end I work with the Variety Club who are doing fantastic work at raising money with fundraising evenings like Reach For The Stars where, with the admin assistance of SportsAid, they aim to bridge the gap between amateur participation and elite competition.

If you hadn’t of been a Paralympic swimmer, what would you have done?
I’m not very good at it but I like to think I would have been a pro surfer. Always in the sun, always in the water, lots of beach babes and a sport that looks really cool. What’s not to like?

What music do you listen to? What’s the last thing song you listened to on your i-pod?

I listen to everything! Everything from Mozart to mind-grinding Techno. I love collecting music and have a huge vinyl collection (which only causes minor domestic friction with my girlfriend). But the last thing to listen to on my iPod was Small Town Boy by Jimmy Somerville, its an eighties tune that has a real sinister melancholic tone to it and I rediscovered it a couple of weeks ago. It’s a song about prejudice and if I was still swimming I would have used it to psych me up before a race – I endured prejudice in swimming and it was always great to let sporting performance make them look small.

What do you do on a day off/in your spare time?
If I get the time I meet up with friends and jam. I play guitar and harmonica – there a few things in the world that can rival making a total racket in a small room for an extended period of time.

If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend it?
I like to think that would use it wisely and visit somewhere incredibly special or experience something incredible. But I think a nagging part of me will just wonder what on earth ever happened to the kitchen scissors?

What is your favourite film?
Withnail & I, I could watch it for ever and ever. Partly because its hilarious in the way that all the best cult films are. But also because underneath the hard drinking, drug abuse and other nonsense its about a man (“I” played by Paul McGann) who dreams of being a professional actor, grinds away at it and against all the odds makes it. I can identify with that. Anyone that has a dream and is prepared to chase it gets my admiration.

Do you get any strange fan mail?
Occasionally things come through that are a little weird though most if it is just very flattering. I once got a picture of a female chest to autograph. I’ll leave you with that thought….

What is the funniest thing you’ve read/heard about yourself in the media?
That “Giles Long sustained his disability after having an accident on his motorbike aged thirteen.” I’ve never even owned a motorbike. And don’t you have to 16 to ride one anyway? I suppose I could have been the passenger but even then it still doesn’t work. Anyway, I had cancer. So there.

Tell us a joke about your sport?
What do cheap hotels and racing bodysuits have in common? No Ballroom.

Giles is supporting The Variety Club Disability Sports Committee & SportsAid new grants programme to support young, disabled athletes in the lead up to the 2012 Paralympics

Paul Sackey Bets On Reds

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Wasps and England winger Paul Sackey, is next to have a go – the Liverpool supporter has put his score on the Reds to beat Blackburn in Saturday’s Premier League game with any winnings going to The Dallaglio Foundation. Here’s what he had to say:

"Liverpool will be looking to capitalise on their derby win over Everton win last weekend, plus Blackburn will be tired from their mid week win against Chelsea which went to penalties – Liverpool to win!”

Charity
England and London Wasps legend Lawrence Dallaglio has created his own charity, The Dallaglio Foundation. The Foundation aims to support a variety of causes, most notably Cancer Research UK, Help the Heroes, the PRA Benevolent Fund, Sport Relief and Leukemia Research. Upcoming events include the 'Dallaglio Cycle Slam 2010' which sees the man mountain cycle all the stages for the Six Nations rugby tournament in aid of Sport Relief

Mr Betdaq
Like Paul Sackey, many Liverpool fans will join Rafa Benitez in thinking that the derby victory will mark a turning point in their fortunes. That was, though, supposed to be the case after they defeated Manchester United, but it didn’t quite happen then, so for the sake of their season it must happen now.

On paper, they should be too strong for Blackburn – they are eight places above them in the table, have a far superior side and their record at Ewood Park has been decent in recent years, where they have lost just once in eleven visits. However, more significant than all of that is the expected return to the side of Fernando Torres. ‘El Nino’ has scored at an incredible rate in the Premier League – he has ten from ten games this season and has netted 48 goals in 59 starts – an incredible ratio.

With him in the side, the Reds are undoubtedly a far stronger proposition and he has been badly missed in recent weeks. Anticipating the Spaniard coming back into the side to partner Steven Gerrard in the skipper’s 500th game, bookies make the Reds odds-on to win – not amazing value when you consider they are the away side and how well Blackburn are playing at home where they’ve lost just two of their last 18 fixtures.

Sam Allardyce will hope to be back in the dugout for the game after heart surgery and he will be optimistic his side can continue from where they left off after knocking Chelsea out of the Carling Cup. But, as Paul points out, they will be tired from the exertions of extra time and penalties. Also, Liverpool’s confidence is returning, they should prove too strong and look good for another three points in the race for the top four.

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Liverpool: 4/5
Draw: 14/5
Blackburn: 21/5

Ray Quinn

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Singer, actor and dancer Ray Quinn was tearing up the Kart track with his family over the weekend. We caught up with him off-track to chat about life after the X-Factor, his love of Motorsports and what he really thinks of Leona Lewis.