Guaranteed gold and double bronze for Team IOW on Island Games day five

Yahoo

17-07-2025

Team IOW celebrated another exceptional day of sport in Orkney, continuing their strong showing at the International Island Games with two bronze medals and a wave of personal bests, team pride, and standout performances across multiple disciplines.
In the athletics arena, Skyler Brown took on a daunting challenge in the shot put event, competing against nine-time gold medallist Linda Kivistik of Saaremaa.
Undeterred by the calibre of her competition, Skyler described the experience as 'more inspiring than intimidating.' She went on to deliver a remarkable throw of 9.74 metres, a performance that electrified the team and lifted spirits across the board.
Meanwhile, on the badminton court Anna Showan delivered a confident win over the Faroe Islands in her opening match of the day.
Her victory propelled her into the semi-finals, ensuring at least a bronze medal.
Although she was ultimately defeated in straight sets, her poise and strength on the court were widely admired by teammates and competitors alike.
In the men's competition, Jacob Honnor faced early disappointment with a loss in the first round, but rebounded brilliantly to win the consolation competition, known as the Plate.
In golf, the competition grew more intense as the final day approached. Nathaniel Riddett climbed the men's leaderboard and is now just one point behind third place. The men's team currently sits in the bronze medal position heading into the final round, maintaining strong form throughout the week.
On the women's side, Team IOW remains dominant. The women's team is firmly in gold medal position, with Sophie Beardsall only a single point away from the individual lead. Both she and her teammates have delivered consistent, high-calibre performances, setting up what promises to be an exciting conclusion on the course.
The cycling road race offered one of the day's most dramatic moments, concluding with a five-bike sprint to the finish line. George Spooner rode with outstanding tenacity, ultimately finishing in fifth place. The margin between him and the gold medalist was mere fractions of a second, underlining the fiercely competitive nature of the event.
In the pool, the momentum continued. Mylea Gobby delivered another impressive swim, while George Hayward once again qualified for a final. Both the men's and women's relay teams also secured places in their respective finals, ensuring that the final days of the games will be rich with opportunity.
Team IOW's presence in the athletics stadium has been impossible to miss. Dressed in their signature red hoodies, supporters have created a vibrant and vocal 'red wall' of encouragement. Their cheers echo throughout the arena, drawing comments and admiration from spectators and competitors across other islands.
On the track, Ellen Williams put in a spirited performance in the women's 5,000 metres, finishing in a commendable tenth place. Her positivity and determination captured the essence of the team's spirit. Archibald Pearson continued his strong form in the middle-distance events, advancing to the final of the 800 metres after another successful heat.
As the competition nears its end, all eyes turn to the harbour, where the sailing events will wrap up. Arthur Farley is guaranteed to take home a gold medal, while teammates Harry White and Oliver Mayo remain strong contenders for further podium finishes.
The overall success of the sailing team has been a highlight of the Games for Team IOW.
While today's medal wins are a point of celebration, the team remains grounded in their values. For Team IOW, the Games are not solely about podium finishes. The breakthroughs in personal bests, the growth and promise shown by developing athletes, and the infectious team camaraderie have made this week a deeply meaningful experience. With two days of competition remaining, athletes are either pushing through their final events, preparing for their moment on the stage, or proudly supporting their teammates.
The spirit of the Games in Orkney has been extraordinary.
The Island has welcomed TeamIOW with warmth and enthusiasm, and the stunning weather has only enhanced the experience. With so much talent on display and more excitement to come, TeamIOW is closing in on what could be a triumphant and unforgettable finish to a remarkable week.