Latest news with #ArthurFarley
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wootton sailor a gold medallist and flag bearer after cancer diagnosis
AN ISLE of Wight sailor who had to spend time away from the water following a cancer diagnosis went on to not only win gold at the Island Games but also become a flag bearer for its closing ceremony. Two years ago, Arthur Farley wanted to compete in the games, but couldn't, after learning he had a rare and life-threatening cancer. But the talented Island sailor didn't let that scupper his dreams — bravely taking it head-on and, as has been a habit throughout his career, winning. Now, he stands as a gold medallist for individual and team in an astonishing display. Read more: Team Isle of Wight notch up 11 medals on day to remember Island Games: How Team Isle of Wight fared on day 4 in Orkney He's also been commended for his outstanding contribution in support of other sports; a very proud moment for the 21-year-old. Arthur, of Wootton, was tipped for a bright future in Laser sailing as a teenager — winning national and European titles, with a world accolade and a successful step up to senior level firmly in his sights. Isle of Wight sailor battling cancer for Olympics dream He had climbed the UK's youth rankings to the pinnacle, then up to youth Olympic level, after he won the Europeans in 2022. But underlying it all, Arthur's health was gradually and very seriously deteriorating. He was suffering with a rare and chronic type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — hairy cell leukaemia — a disease which only affects a handful of under-35s in the UK each year.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Orkney's streets buzzing" after 'Fab Thursday' medal haul for Team Isle of Wight
TEAM Isle of Wight delivered a day to remember at the International Island Games in Orkney yesterday (Thursday), with outstanding performances across golf, sailing, athletics and swimming. Excitement had been building all week, and it reached fever pitch yesterday as medal hopes turned into triumphant realities. The calm weather proved a blessing for golf — but it proved to be a nerve-wracking delay for sailors, as light winds stalled the start of the day's racing. Tensions were high in the ILCA 6 class, where Harry White needed to race to remain in contention for bronze. Relief swept through the team when racing was confirmed to begin at 11am. Oliver Mayo, a member of the British Youth Sailing Team and a seasoned competitor after six years in the sport, had a blistering start — winning the first race of the day to edge ever closer to gold. His dominance throughout saw him win seven of his ten races, to secure him a deserved gold medal in the ILCA 6 class. In the ILCA 7 class, Arthur Farley had maintained an unshakable lead throughout the week. He finished first in every race but one — the only exception being a race won by team-mate Harry White, which proved to be a pivotal victory. That win became the tie-breaker for the bronze medal, placing Harry on the podium beside Arthur, who comfortably claimed gold, while the Team IOW sailing squad as a whole celebrated 'team gold' as well. Arthur's podium appearance was briefly delayed mid-interview on live TV — a testament to the rising media interest in the young star's bright future. At the breathtaking Stromness golf course, the Isle of Wight ladies' golf team "demonstrated poise and precision". Led by team manager, Lucy Burke, the team remained focused and steady all week. Sophie Beardsall, a nine-time Island Games medallist, led into the final hole, with a narrow advantage. Unaware of just how tight the scores were, she sunk a birdie on the 18th to clinch individual gold by a single point. Cheers erupted as Sophie asked: 'Who won?' The answer came in roars from supporters. Together with Lucy, Caroline Johnson and Sammi Keen, the team also claimed gold in the team event, earning the quartet a well-deserved podium celebration. Moments later, jubilation spread again as news broke that the men's golf team had secured 'team bronze', with Nat Riddett clinching individual bronze after a remarkable round of 274. There were emotional scenes as George Foreman, Christopher Hayward, Conner Knight, and Nat stepped up to the podium — "overwhelmed by pride and the support pouring in from home". Just as the sailing and golf medals were being awarded, more great news arrived from the track. Sprinter, Sophie Hogton, stormed to a time of 15.04 seconds in the 100m hurdles final, earning a silver medal after narrowly missing out on a podium in the 200m earlier in the week. "Her beaming smile lit up the stadium" as she received her medal, marking a stand-out performance in a competitive field. In the pool, the momentum continued. George Hayward, one of Team IOW's most prolific swimmers this week, entered the 200m backstroke final ranked second, after a tight morning heat. In a thrilling final length, George surged ahead to secure gold, adding to his silver from earlier in the week. Later in the evening, Will Davidson surprised spectators and rivals alike in the 200m breaststroke final. Ranked fifth heading in, he knocked three seconds off his heat time with a powerful swim, capturing bronze in spectacular fashion. It was Team IOW's 11th medal of the day. As the medals piled up, so did the celebrations. "Streets across Orkney were buzzing with Island Games spirit, as Team Isle of Wight supporters marked a sensational Thursday of triumphs," a spokesperson for Team IOW said. The team now sits seventh in the overall medal table — "a phenomenal achievement".
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Island Games sailor wins gold after cancer diagnosis
A sailor who spent almost a year away from the water while receiving treatment for chronic leukaemia has made a winning return to the sport. Arthur Farley, who grew up on the Isle of Wight, is competing at the 2025 International Island Games in Orkney. The 21-year-old won the first gold medal for the team on day five. He said competing in the Island Games is a "great stepping stone" on his way to the Olympics. Farley added it had been a "good week so far" after winning all his races, and that it had been "great to represent the island". The win comes after he had to put his successful sailing career on hold because of a blood cancer diagnosis. There are 99 athletes from the Isle of Wight competing at the games. Talking to BBC Radio Solent, he explained: "I started sailing on the island, near where I live, at the Royal Victoria when I was about 10 and then moved through all the ranks as you do in any sport. "Eventually I moved up to Team GB and the Olympic team, which is where I am now and looking towards going to the Olympics - so this is a great stepping stone to do that." More stories from Hampshire & the Isle of Wight Watch the latest episode of South Today Listen to the latest news from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Farley said he felt "lucky" to have had support from his parents and sponsors to reach the level of sailing he's now at. He said: "When you rise through the ranks there's a period of time where you need support - like sponsors or family - luckily I had all of that, so that's very important to get anywhere near winning medals. "It's been great to represent the island - I'm used to racing for myself, so it's been great experience to see all the other sport. I'm really proud of the team." The island team has won five other gold medals - two in golf, for the ladies' team event and for Sophie Beardsall for ladies individual, and two others in sailing, for Oliver Mayo and the sailing team event, as well as one for swimmer George Hayward in the men's 100m backstroke. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram. More on this story Farley's cancer treatment led to esailing success Related internet links Island Games 2025
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Island Games 'stepping stone' to Olympics for cancer diagnosis sailor
A sailor who spent almost a year away from the water while receiving treatment for chronic leukaemia has made a winning return to the Farley, who grew up on the Isle of Wight, is competing at the 2025 International Island Games in 21-year-old won the first gold medal for the team on day said competing in the Island Games is a "great stepping stone" on his way to the Olympics. Farley added it had been a "good week so far" after winning all his races, and that it had been "great to represent the island".The win comes after he had to put his successful sailing career on hold because of a blood cancer diagnosis. There are 99 athletes from the Isle of Wight competing at the to BBC Radio Solent, he explained: "I started sailing on the island, near where I live, at the Royal Victoria when I was about 10 and then moved through all the ranks as you do in any sport."Eventually I moved up to Team GB and the Olympic team, which is where I am now and looking towards going to the Olympics - so this is a great stepping stone to do that." Farley said he felt "lucky" to have had support from his parents and sponsors to reach the level of sailing he's now said: "When you rise through the ranks there's a period of time where you need support - like sponsors or family - luckily I had all of that, so that's very important to get anywhere near winning medals."It's been great to represent the island - I'm used to racing for myself, so it's been great experience to see all the other sport. I'm really proud of the team."The island team has won five other gold medals - two in golf, for the ladies' team event and for Sophie Beardsall for ladies individual, and two others in sailing, for Oliver Mayo and the sailing team event, as well as one for swimmer George Hayward in the men's 100m backstroke. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Today at the Island Games: What's in store for Team IOW on day six?
A thrilling day of sport lies ahead as Team IOW prepares for one of the most action-packed and potentially medal-laden days of the International Island Games in Orkney. With major conclusions looming in sailing and golf, and high-stakes competitions across athletics, swimming, badminton, football, and cycling, the energy around the team is electric. After four days of strategic battles on the waves, all attention will be fixed on the sailing events as they come to a dramatic close. Arthur Farley has already secured a gold medal in his individual event, but the race isn't over yet. Teammates Harry White and Oliver Mayo remain firmly in contention for podium finishes, and the overall team event is still wide open. With favourable conditions and fierce competition, today's races promise to deliver gripping moments on the harbour. Read more: Island Games day six: Live Team IOW updates from Orkney Guaranteed gold and double bronze for Team IOW on Island Games day five The golf course also sets the stage for a nail-biting finale. Just a single point separates the medal positions in both the men's and women's competitions. Nathaniel Riddett surged up the leader board yesterday after a superb round, and he enters today with a clear shot at a bronze. Meanwhile, Sophie Beardsall continues to impress with her composed and consistent play, positioning herself within striking distance of the individual gold. Both the men's and ladies' teams have performed with determination and skill throughout the week, making today's final rounds especially significant. Elsewhere, the badminton team returns to action in the Mixed Doubles competition. With medals already secured earlier in the week, hopes are high for more success on the court. The swimmers dive back into competition this morning with the heats, aiming to book as many spots as possible in tonight's finals. The relay squads and individual swimmers have shown immense promise all week, and the final sessions are expected to be just as competitive. The women's football team is back on the pitch this afternoon in what is anticipated to be a lively and well-contested match against hosts Orkney. The fixture not only tests Team IOW's talent but also reflects the camaraderie and respect built between the islands during the week. Cycling fans will turn their focus to the rugged terrain as the men's Mountain Bike Cross Country event gets underway. It's another demanding test of endurance and agility, and the Team IOW riders are ready to tackle the challenge with grit and confidence. Athletics continues to deliver some of the Games' most captivating moments, and today's events are no exception. Finals in the 110m hurdles see Jacob Patey, Eden Canning, and Sophie Hogton take to the track, each aiming to convert weeks of training into Games glory. Later this evening, the 4x100m relay heats for both men and women promise fireworks, as Team IOW looks to make a strong showing in the sprints. The night concludes with Archie Pearson, who has enjoyed a remarkable run of form throughout the week, stepping onto the track once more for the Men's 5,000m final. With athletes competing across multiple venues and disciplines, Team IOW supporters will be dashing across Orkney today to keep up with the action. From the greens and the harbour to the pool, track, and court, this promises to be a pivotal day filled with emotion, excitement, and the unmistakable spirit of the Games. As competition reaches its peak, TeamIOW is ready to give everything in pursuit of medals, personal bests, and unforgettable memories.
