Jess Fox triumphs
Kicking off the 2021 Canoe Slalom World Cup series in Prague, Jess Fox has shown her strength and the power of determination. Fox took out Gold in the C1 event and Bronze in the K1 event. The event marks the end of Fox’s preparation for the Olympics and with two gold medals and a bronze from World Cup racing to her name, it certainly looks like the medal haul will continue for Fox in the future as she looks to add to her silver win in London 2012 and bronze from the Rio Olympics.
Speaking about her performance to the Australian Associated Press, Fox said: “Overall there has been really good paddling and I’m really pleased with the way I’ve raced and there have been good runs across the board so I’ve got a lot to take away and work with.”
Emily van Egmond earns 100 caps
It was a big milestone for the Matilda sporting star, as Emily van Egmond celebrated a major achievement by writing her name into the history books of Australian football. Egmond joins just seven other Matilda players to have earned 100 caps for her country.
Melissa Wu claims national title
Last week marked the 2021 National Diving Championships and Tokyo Olympic Games Selection Trials. Wu claimed the national title in the women’s 10 metre platform, securing her ticket to her fourth Olympics in Tokyo. Also qualifying for what will be her third Olympics was Annabelle Smith, while Esther Qin is also headed to her second Games and Nikita Hains will make her Olympic debut.
Laurel Hubbard becomes first trans athlete to compete at Olympics
New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will make history as she becomes the first transgender athlete to ever compete at the Olympic Games. Hubbard will compete in the women’s super heavyweight category on August 2. While it’s a cause for celebration for most, some have claimed it presents an unfair advantage over her rivals, having gone through male puberty before transitioning in 2012. Hubbard has said she’s delighted to have been selected, issuing a statement that read: “I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders.”
Maddie Groves sheds light on swimming’s ugly culture
Swimming has often been considered a male-dominated sport, but it wasn’t until Aussie swimmer Maddie Groves came forward and withdrew from the Swimming Australia Olympic Trials last week that the full extend of the sport’s ugly culture came to be revealed. The two-time Olympic silver medallist used her platform to speak up about the treatment female swimmers face in the sport, tweeting allegations of harassment and abuse within swimming, as well as body-shaming and inappropriate sexual comments. Swimming Australia will now investigate.
A celebration for women’s rowing
It’s been a big week for Australian rowers, with a total of 38 having been named in the Olympic team, including qualifications across the women’s double scull, women’s quadruple scull, and women’s pair, four and eight events.
Rhiannan Iffland defies gravity
During last week’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2021 opener, Iffland stared into the face of fear to take the win at the first event, completing a jaw-dropping dive off the 27 metre platform to take the win. If all that wasn’t enough to impress, Iffland was 63 points clear of second place.
A Hockeyroos celebration
With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics fast approaching, it’s all we can do but wonder just who the athletes we’ll be cheering on in the green and gold will be. As for the Hockeyroos, the AOC has announced the 16 who will be headed to Tokyo, with the team boasting a mix of experience and fresh talent. Included in the mix is two time Olympian Emily Chalker, and Australia’s most capped goal keeper Rachael Lynch.
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