Latest news with #Paralympians
Boston Globe
a day ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
USOPC asks for tweak of college sports bill to set minimum spending limits for Olympic programs
'You look and you say, 'Is that effectively going to thwart the issue of allocating too many resources to football and not enough to other things?' And my assessment is, no, it's not going to do that,' Hirshland said. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The USOPC says all but three of the 67 Power Four schools sponsor more than 16 sports and the average school in that group has more than 21. Advertisement At last year's Paris Olympics, 75 percent of US Olympians and 53 percent of Paralympians had a connection with US college sports. The SCORE Act recently passed a House subcommittee and is set for markup this week, a process in which lawmakers amend certain facets of the bill. Hirshland said USOPC leadership has long been in discussions about adding provisions that would compel schools to spend at least the same percentage on Olympic sports as they do now. Advertisement 'The bill, as it's written, would make it too easy for a school to starve 15 programs and invest in one,' Hirshland said. 'It's important schools have the latitude to make decisions that are most effective for the school, but while also creating an environment that says 'You don't just need to be a football school.' ' She said she was encouraged that lawmakers were including provisions for protecting Olympic sports in a bill that would regulate the shifting college landscape. The SCORE Act proposes to provide limited antitrust protection for the NCAA and would place the college sports' name, image, likeness system under one federal law instead of a mishmash of state regulations. Starting this month, schools are allowed to pay up to $20.5 million to athletes in NIL deals. Most of that money will be funneled to football and basketball players, whose sports generate the bulk of college athletics revenue. It has left many to wonder about the future of the Olympic programs. The act also includes a section that purports to protect Olympic sports with the 16-team minimum, but in the letter to House leaders, Sykes and Hirshland were skeptical of that. 'The USOPC is committed to being a partner in this process and would welcome the opportunity to share further insights, data, and recommendations,' they wrote. It also mandates that athletes not be turned into employees of their schools, a sticking point for some Democrats that figures to keep the bill from moving along in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to pass. Hirshland said the USOPC hasn't taken a 'strong position' on the employment issue, and is mostly concerned that any legislation includes strong protection for Olympic sports. Advertisement She says the USOPC-backed idea of keeping spending at certain percentages isn't the only answer to the issue, but might be the simplest and best. 'We don't want schools to starve Olympic sports by cutting them or starving them,' she said. 'We want them to continue to provide investment in the growth of these sports.'
The Spinoff
5 days ago
- Health
- The Spinoff
Meet 25 young people changing Aotearoa and the world
From poets to Paralympians and policymakers, this year's YWCA Y25 list celebrates some of Aotearoa's most inspirational young people Illustrations by . Every year, the pool of nominees for Y25 grows bigger and stronger. In its six years, Y25 has championed over 125 young wāhine and gender diverse changemakers, and the team at YWCA are now ready to introduce the next group. This year's Y25 come from all across Aotearoa. They are advocates, activists, academics, athletes and leaders working to rectify past wrongs and help communities thrive. Their mahi spans advocacy for children in state care, LGBTQIA+ activism, indigenous storytelling, entrepreneurship, disability access, the arts and more. 'Given what is happening in our world, seeing and hearing from these leaders is more vital than ever,' says YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau CEO Dellwyn Stuart. 'Young women and gender diverse youth are often mischaracterised by the media, by politicians and by their elders. They tend to be seen, but not to be fully heard. We want to change this.' Zoe Dzapasi, who was selected last year, called Y25 a life changing experience. 'I never thought I could grow so much in a year,' she said. 'It was amazing. From the people I met to the real and compassionate connections, advice and support I got.' Meet the Y25 for 2025 below. Aalyana is an entrepreneur and advocate. She is the founder of I Mahi Ora, an initiative that reimagines health and wellbeing for Māori and Pasifika young adults through indigenous frameworks. Her vision is to positively influence health statistics by creating resources that are culturally inclusive and accessible. With a whakapapa that connects her to Sāmoa and Tahiti, Aalyana recognises the systemic disparities in Māori and Pasifika health outcomes. Her own journey through personal and health challenges has shaped her mission to uplift others through culturally grounded, inclusive solutions. Words of wisdom: 'Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua – Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.' From a young age, Aarthi noticed a lack of representation in leadership spaces. As a South Asian New Zealander, she is now paving the way for that herself. Aarthi has many leadership roles and serves both as a Youth MP for Ōhāriu and as head student at Newlands College. At 17, Aarthi led a team of 25 students to bring TEDxYouth@Paparangi to life. This event celebrated the diverse voices of young people across Aotearoa. Aarthi sees young people as the leaders of today and the ancestors of tomorrow. She envisions a future in which their voices are at the forefront of all decisions. Words of wisdom: 'The future isn't something we enter; it's something we actively shape through the courage to speak up, and the will to lead.' Aimee (刘凌华) was born in Guiyang, China and grew up in Manurewa, South Auckland. As a first-generation migrant daughter, she knows all about the balancing act between honouring her parents' sacrifices and following her own path. She's currently studying for a masters of mathematical modelling, while serving Aotearoa's only student-run science magazine. Aimee loves working at the intersection of science and social issues and enjoys using practical tools to understand and tackle big global problems. This talented STEM superstar hopes to combine her hobbies and interests with academia in a fruitful, impactful way. Words of wisdom: ' Make more art! When you're stressed and overwhelmed, it always calms you down. And you have more time than you think.' Amber Cayley, 18, climate champion and STEM leader, Ngāmotu (she/her) Amber is on a mission to help our planet and the humans who live on it. As a high school student in Ngāmotu, Amber is deeply connected to te taiao. Her goal is to become a leading environmental scientist, and she hopes to conduct climate change research around the globe while inspiring others – especially other wāhine – to find their voices and follow their interests. She is passionate about bridging the gap between Western science and indigenous knowledge and weaves her research into mātauranga Māori to support Aotearoa's unique flora and fauna. Amber's work is rooted in scientific rigour, cultural respect and community care. Words of wisdom: 'Try not to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, do what makes you happy, and use your strengths to make the world that little bit better.' Annabel MacKay, 19, inclusion and equity advocate, Te Whanganui a Tara (she/her) Annabel is an advocate, storyteller and rare disease survivor who is deeply committed to inclusion and equity. At just seven years old, Annabel wrote to New Zealand's Prime Minister about the lack of captioning in media. In 2017, she became the youngest person to present to a Parliamentary Select Committee, and in 2021 she was the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Youth Champion for her work raising awareness of NZSL. A speech she did about ableism went viral online. Annabel is currently studying law and development studies, and she will be the first Deaf person to be admitted to the New Zealand Bar. Words of wisdom: 'Your voice (and hands!) matter and have the potential to transform. If you feel strongly about something, fight for it.' Anne Joseph, 24, gender equity and global diplomacy activist, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her) Anne is a dedicated activist for gender equality, youth empowerment and global diplomacy. She is committed to international child protection and helps raise awareness about the pervasive harms of child trafficking worldwide. Anne has led the UN Women's 16 Days of Activism and a mentorship programme for young women in Egypt. A former secretary of the United Nations Association of New Zealand, she champions youth participation in global governance. She has worked in advocacy and public diplomacy with Amnesty International, the French Embassy and the EU Delegation. Anne is currently finishing off a master's degree in international relations and diplomacy. Words of wisdom: 'Your identity doesn't have to fit into any box. Feel the strength in your individuality and the power of community.' Aria Ngarimu, 23, community-based advocate, Te Whanganui a Tara (she/her) Aria (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Rongomaiwahine, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is an emerging researcher in her final year of a law and science degree at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka. There she advocates for tauira Māori and Te Tiriti-based collaboration in tertiary education. Her mahi, grounded in her whakapapa and a commitment to empowering Indigenous perspectives, spans indigenous food sovereignty, climate change and mental health. With legal scholarship published in the Māori Law Review, Aria is dedicated to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and empowering indigenous and marginalised communities in Aotearoa and globally. Words of wisdom: 'Trust in yourself, you are everything your tūpuna dreamed of and more!' Ashley, a proud tamaitai Samoa from South Auckland, is a passionate storyteller dedicated to uplifting her communities with a special focus on the experiences of Samoan women. Raised in Ōtara, Ashley has roots in Afega, Matatufu, Fasitootai and Vailuutai. She holds a master's in Pacific studies from the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. Ashley explores indigenous knowledge and helps communities reconnect with their cultures through Siva Samoa workshops. As a journalist and active South Auckland community member, she aims to embody the Samoan proverb, 'E au le Inailau a Tamaitai Samoa,' which tells us that a Samoan woman's strength allows her people to unlock their potential. Words of wisdom: 'Take your time and don't be afraid to try something, maybe suck at it and then pivot. That's where the magic happens.' Buua Redfern, 24, rangatahi and community changemaker, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her) Buua is a trailblazing I-Kiribati advocate for Pacific youth. She aims to ignite opportunities and amplify voices and has led nationwide initiatives for youth leadership, climate change, governance and financial empowerment. Through Ara Maneaba and Rotin Manukau Youth, Buua delivered free driver's licence programmes to Kiribati youth, opening doors to jobs and education. She has also led mental health workshops and fostered healing through anonymous letter exchanges between youth and parents. As events lead for Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ, Buua runs spaces that celebrate diversity and empower rangatahi. Inspired by her mother and community, she is driven to break cycles of hardship and champion collective growth. Words of wisdom: 'Hold yourself to your values and don't let your light be diminished.' Ceilidh is a proud Niuean academic passionate about indigenous knowledge and history. She is dedicated to revitalising Niuean narratives and fostering pride in heritage and language. Grounded in her whakapapa, she advocates for indigenous and queer Pasifika communities, drawing on her own experiences at their intersection. As Pasifika programme coordinator for Rainbow Hub Waikato, Ceilidh helped establish one of the first Pasifika MVPFAFF+ Rainbow spaces in Waikato which provides vital support for queer Pasifika individuals. Inspired by her parents' commitment to community, Ceilidh works to create inclusive spaces where identities are celebrated and people can embody the dreams of their ancestors. Eleanor Dunn, 23, systems change and medical student, Ōtautahi (she/her) Eleanor is a medical student, researcher, science communicator and community leader dedicated to bringing healthcare, research and community service together. She is currently studying medicine at the University of Otago Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka and previously completed an honours degree focused on emergency department care. Eleanor is a published researcher and has presented internationally. As President of the Student Volunteer Army Otago, Eleanor leads high-impact volunteering and also mentors aspiring medical students. She has worked with Nanogirl, Khan Academy and Science Alive to make science accessible. Driven to improve healthcare and community well-being, Eleanor is committed to lifelong learning, leadership and creating meaningful, evidence-based impact through her work. Ivy (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wairere, Samoa – Falefā, Tonga – Vava'u) is a wahine Māori creative, leader and advocate from Papakura, South Auckland. She uplifts Māori and Pasifika communities through her mahi and spoken word poetry. As a cultural practitioner at Te Whare Hinatore, Ivy mentors wāhine facing housing insecurity. Her community work includes supporting health access at Talavou Village and Village Collective. The first in her whānau to attend university, Ivy is studying history and Māori media at AUT Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau. She hopes to become a lecturer and filmmaker to continue telling stories that matter. Words of wisdom: 'Pour love into yourself the way you pour love into others – service without reciprocity is a strain on one's hauora.' Katie-Rose, a proud wahine of Samoan and Pākehā descent from South Auckland, is an emerging advocate for neurodiversity, gender equity and cultural inclusion. As a founding member of Young Neurodiversity Champions, she has influenced national policy and supported over 500 families. Now in her second year studying environmental science and psychology at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, Katie-Rose blends her academic work with lived experience to drive systemic change. Recognised with awards like Young East Aucklander of the Year, she also channels her activism through performing arts. This multifaceted trailblazer uses every platform available to create meaningful and real impact in her community and beyond. Words of wisdom: 'Difference is not a flaw but a beautiful by-product of evolving humanity.' Lauryn Maxwell, 22, te ao Māori and health equity champion, Tauranga Moana (she/her) Lauryn (Ngāti Pūkenga ki Waiau, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Kiorekino) hails from Tauranga Moana and is dedicated to uplifting indigenous voices and advancing health equity. She holds a BSc in psychology and a diploma in Māori development from the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau and is now pursuing postgraduate study in public and Māori health. Lauryn is passionate about dismantling systemic barriers for marginalised communities and recently completed a six-week public health internship in Mumbai, India. Her journey has been rooted in reclaiming her reo, whakapapa and tikanga, and active leadership in Māori and Pacific communities. All of this drives her commitment to accessible, culturally grounded healthcare. Words of wisdom: 'Don't be afraid to challenge societal expectations, use your voice, and remember that mistakes are part of growth and haerenga.' Laya is an emerging Afghan-Kiwi architect, artist and entrepreneur dedicated to designing inclusive, sustainable and culturally enriched communities. Born in Afghanistan and shaped by her refugee experience, she uses architecture and art for social impact. Laya is now pursuing a master's in architecture at AUT where her research focuses on hydrological architecture and ecological infrastructure and is being used in projects like Orchard Oasis Community Hub. Laya has received the TEAM Architects Scholarship and Prime Minister Scholarship and represented Auckland University of Technology Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rauin in Chile. She mentors students, advocates for refugee and migrant communities, creates art that explores migration and resilience, and enjoys shaping spaces that foster belonging and sustainability. Words of wisdom: 'You are more powerful than you know, and your journey, your culture, your experiences are not barriers, they are strengths.' Lisa McLaren, 25, rangatahi champion and broadcaster, Ōtautahi (she/her) Lisa is an advocate for care-experienced young people at VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai. She's all about youth-led kaupapa and presents workshops on suicide prevention, self-harm, burnout, inclusivity, diversity and trauma-informed care. Born in Ōamaru, Lisa has been involved in the 6 Promises Petition and the Save 7AA Campaign. She has spoken up multiple times in the media in regards to the Ram Raid Amendment Bill and proposed cuts to Oranga Tamariki and is currently working on the State of Care in 2025 report for the 2026 Care conference. Lisa is also a staunch advocate for local music on RDU 98.5fm and has twice been voted Te Waipounamu Regional Youth Council Chair. Words of wisdom: 'Don't be afraid to hear the word 'no', also don't be afraid to say the word 'yes' to new opportunities out of your comfort zone.' Mairātea (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa whānui, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is a publisher and writer committed to bridging cultural divides through printed word. Raised by Lake Rotorua, Mairātea grew up surrounded by orators, storytellers, holders of ancestral knowledge and discovered that her tongue was ink, her thoughts paper, and her stories vessels for whakapapa, identity, and memory. As the maiden te ao Māori editor of Craccum, she launched Taumata Rau: Māori and Pasifika-led issues. This led her to the prestigious Columbia publishing course at Oxford. As te reo Māori publishing associate at University of Auckland, Mairātea elevates indigenous, Pacific, Asian and migrant stories that speak to identity, decolonisation and diaspora. Words of wisdom: 'Constant worrying will not keep the storm from coming. Know when to let your cards fall, know when to let your mind rest. And maybe – just maybe – embrace a little absurdity on the way there.' Malak is a Palestinian-Kiwi passionate about youth empowerment and human rights. She moved from Hebron to Ōtepoti and is always navigating the space between cultures – as a hijabi, Muslim and Palestinian woman, Malak often finds herself 'the only one in the room'. She feels driven to challenge stereotypes of oppression and show all that young Muslim women can offer. This Queen's High student is also involved with Gen-Z Aotearoa, Create Happy Media, Make It 16, Pūawai Project, Amnesty, UN Youth and her family's Rozana for Palestine fundraiser. As the former liaison officer for Dunedin Youth Council, Malak co-hosted a podcast and helped lead bus safety campaigns. Words of wisdom: 'Stay proud and be yourself – never hide your culture and who you are.' Manuella Sanches Pedrosa, 17, local leader and climate trailblazer, Tāhuna (she/her) Manuella is a Year 13 student at Wakatipu High School. With whakapapa linking back to Brazil, she has helped create solutions for local issues like drought. She is the 2024 student board representative and head girl for 2025 and is passionate about supporting young people in her community. Manuella coaches beginner skaters through KiwiSkate and contributes to the Girls Who Grow programme, where she helped develop a project that won the Rising Star Award at the Wakatipu Community Awards. Outside of school, Manuella plays ice hockey and is a member of the U18 Women's New Zealand Ice Hockey Team. She plans to pursue a career in law. Words of wisdom: 'Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.' Mary operates at the intersection of environmental justice, Pacific knowledge systems, creative practice and intergenerational engagement. She is studying fashion and textile design at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University. Mary is grounded in the wisdom of her ancestral communities: Sapapalii, Aleipata, Falealili, Isle of Raasay Pietermaritzburg and more. She has served as a UNESCO youth representative, led World Vision campaigns on climate justice and global food insecurity, and sits on university academic boards to advocate for curriculum reform and Pacific ancestral knowledge. Mary's story is rooted in resilience: from funding her passions at 13 with part time jobs, to leading NZ Open Women's Touch Rugby Team, to having her music performed by NZSO members. Sabreen is a Muslim Bengali wahine, passionate about using her voice, both through advocacy and art, to create change. A talented songwriter, poet and musician, she explores identity, belonging and resilience by weaving together her experiences as a young woman of colour, her Muslim faith and her love of storytelling. Alongside her EP, she has also published a poetry collection book, Spring Clean, which captures the quiet ache of growing up as a person of colour. Sabreen is not afraid to speak up and does so with grace, honesty and raw vulnerability that inspires many wāhine in Aotearoa. Words of wisdom: 'You're here for a reason, and your ancestors are proud of you. Do what you love for them and no one else!' Sarina Todd, 22, STEM champion and equity innovator, Tāmaki Makaurau (she/her) Sarina is a mechatronics engineering graduate who is dedicated to creating equitable access to STEM. Inspired by the barriers her Japanese grandmother faced, Sarina's goal is to challenge societal norms around education. She is a co-founder of Women in STEM NZ, which creates accessible opportunities for youth to thrive in STEM. Last year, Sarina was approached by NASA to lead an event for Opportunity Rover's 20th anniversary. She created 'Exploring Opportunity', which brought 200 students from across Aotearoa together. She has also represented Aotearoa at UNITE 2030 in New York and moderated a United Nations panel on turning vision into tangible change. Words of wisdom: 'No one can tell you you're doing it wrong if nobody knows what you're doing.' Te Ahipourewa (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Naho) is a Māori multimedia journalist at Re: News. Her storytelling offers insightful perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives, celebrates Indigenous identity, and brings authenticity and depth to issues that matter to Māori communities. Grounded in whakapapa and tikanga, Te Ahipourewa sees journalism as an extension of traditional Māori storytelling that bridges past, present and future. This talented wahine toa wants to see Māori voices lead, educate and empower. Through storytelling rooted in whanaungatanga and mana motuhake, she inspires rangatahi, celebrates Tangata Whenua and is reimagining the future of media in Aotearoa. Words of wisdom: 'Your whakapapa is your strength. Your tūpuna walk with you every single day – their strength is your strength.' Tia Fleming (Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa; Vailoa Aleipata, Fasito'o Uta, Moata'a, Manono Tai, Sapapali'i, Falelima – Savai'i) is a 22-year-old māmā, Otago University student and community leader. Her tama has been a powerful inspiration in her journey. Becoming a mother at 18 deepened Tia's drive to create positive change and build a nurturing village for her whānau and wider community. Tia is actively engaged in a range of kaupapa including The Hive, Talavou Village and university-based networks. Her passions span rugby, cultural arts and her faith. Tia centres her mahi on uplifting others. She wants her leadership to be an example of the strength and commitment to service of young wāhine Māori and Pasifika. Words of wisdom: 'Your life may look nothing like the one you imagined and everything like the one you were made for.' Tupou is a New Zealand Tongan Paralympic swimmer who aims to showcase the strength and resilience that define Pacific cultures. Born in Māngere East, a life-altering accident at age two left Tupou with left-sided hemiplegia. Even so, she found her strength in swimming, which became her path to self-expression and success. Tupou won silver at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championship, gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and feels swimming has created many opportunities for her: 'It's cool getting to travel the world and be able to share my culture and put us on the world stage.' Tupou is passionate about inspiring others. Her own self-doubt has fuelled her advocacy for mental health and self-acceptance. Words of wisdom: 'BElieve in YOUrself.'
Herald Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Paddy Dow, Tess Lavey, Brendan McCartney among Swan Hill's greatest
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bendigo. Followed categories will be added to My News. It might only be a small community in northern Victoria but Swan Hill has a rich history of creating national sporting stars. Here are some of Swan Hill's greatest sporting heroes. Emma Berg Berg is a five-time national shot put champion and recently set a new personal best earlier this year. Ian Borchard A West Adelaide great who captained the Bloods to the 1983 SANFL grand final and won the best player on the ground. Borchard played 145 games for the club and is in their hall of fame. He also guided the team to finals in 2001 and 2002 as coach. Kevin Coombs One of Australia's greatest Paralympians. Coombs was the first Indigenous Australian to compete at the Paralympics and represented Australia in basketball at five Games. He captained the team at the 1972 and 1984 games. Coombs is part of the Paralympics and Australian basketball hall of fame and is also an Order of Australia Merit holder after being recognised for his services to sport and Indigenous Australia health. He died earlier this year. Paddy Dow Dow has carved out a solid AFL career for himself after being taken with pick 3 in the 2017 national draft. He started with Carlton before joining St Kilda in 2024. Fred Flanagan A centre-half forward who was one of the best players ever for Geelong. He played and captained in two premierships for the Cats, in 1951 and 1952, and won one best-and-fairest in 1949. Flanagan also played 21 games for Victoria in State of Origin. He is part of the Australian Hall of Fame and Geelong's team of the century. Tessa Lavey Lavey has played at the national level in two sports, basketball and AFL. The Swan Hill native has played 25 games for the Tigers since being recruited to Richmond in 2020. In basketball, she's played in the WNBL for multiple teams, winning a championship in 2014 and also representing Australia. She was part of the Opals gold medal team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and has played for Australia at two Olympics in 2016 and 2020. Dale Lewis While most of Lewis' career happened in Ballarat, he was born in Swan Hill before moving to the gold rush city at the age of eight. Lewis played 182 games for Sydney during his career and was influential in helping the Swans rise up the ladder. After his career he became part of the media. Margie Masters Was the first Australian to join the Ladies PGA in 1965 after winning an Australian Amateur title in 1958 and multiple Victorian Amateur titles. In 1967, she won her only PGA title and also finished second at a major in 1966. Masters was a pioneer for golf in the country and is in Victoria Golf's hall of fame. Brendan McCartney A coach in AFL and local footy for more than 30 years. In the 90s he guided Ocean Grove to four straight flags in the Bellarine league. McCartney then went into the AFL and was an assistant at Richmond, Geelong and Essendon before coaching the Western Bulldogs for three seasons. He is now Port Melbourne's VFL coach. Glenn O'Shea A multiple Australian and World Champion in track cycling. O'Shea has won three world titles, two in the team pursuit and one in the Omnium in Melbourne in 2012. He st has won 14 national titles and also won a gold medal in the team pursuit at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a silver in the same event at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Geoff Raines A VFL champion who played over 254 games for four different clubs, most notably spending 134 with Richmond. He won a premiership with the Tigers in 1980, winning the best-and-fairest in the same year. He is part of the club's hall of fame and team of the century. Colin Rice Played 97 VFL games for the Cates and in that time had a big impact in the club. He won Geelong's best-and-fairest in 1959 and captained the club for part of 1960. His last game at the level was in the 1963 grand final victory. He then moved to the SANFL to play with Glenelg before returning to Victoria with South Bendigo where he won the Michelsen Medal. Ross Smith One of Australia's best badminton players. Smith has competed at two Olympic Games and four Commonwealth Games. At one stage he was on the fringes of the top-30 in the world in the men's doubles. He is also an eight-time Oceania champion in three disciplines.
1News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Familiar faces back for Paralympic Winter Games
Two of our top Paralympians have been reselected to represent New Zealand at the Paralympic Winter Games in Italy next year. Five-time medallist Adam Hall made the cut for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games — and in historic fashion. Dunedin-born, Hall, 37, will be the first New Zealand Para athlete to make an appearance at six consecutive Paralympic Winter Games. He told 1News at a gym training session in Wānaka: "I don't reflect too much on that yet but I'm sure, one day, I will." "It's a huge honour and it's a privilege. It's an opportunity to represent and showcase what it is that we do on the highest level,." ADVERTISEMENT He joins the summer Kiwi Paralympians Graham Condon and Michael Johnson in the landmark feat of six appearances. But it's a first in the winter games. Hall, who was born with spina bifida, made his debut at Torino 2006 — also in Italy. He claimed a gold medal in the Men's Slalom Standing at Vancouver 2010, regaining title eight years later in PyeongChang plus bronze medals there and Beijing 2022. Now he's back for another games. "To be what feels like being selected pretty early on in the piece does quite good, because we can get that process behind us and now we can just focus on what it is that we're here to do." So, would be his last crack? "It is quite a common question and rightly so," Hall said. "Because when an athlete has been around for over 20 years, that's often going to be a question. "I'm not really too concerned about when I walk away or decide whether it's going out on top or not. It'll be one of those stories where you wake up or you just have the feeling that, you know, enough's enough." Peters had failed to finish in either of his two training runs, but was sensational when it mattered most. ADVERTISEMENT Also named, Corey Peters, 41, who will defend his Men's Downhill Sitting title at his fourth Paralympics. The sit skier was raised in New Plymouth and sustained a crushed spinal cord competing in a motocross event 16 years ago. He claimed a silver medal on debut in Sochi 2014 in the Men's Giant Slalom Sitting discipline, adding a bronze four years later — followed by a gold and silver in Beijing 2022. Peters took a year out from the sport after the birth of his daughter in 2022. But he told 1News, in recent times, he has taken time to get back into the rhythm of training again after another shoulder injury. "At the lead-up to PyeongChang in Korea, I dislocated my shoulder two months before the games... and then this cycle has been disrupted again with another shoulder dislocation. This one was a little bit more serious," Peters said. "It took a full year to rehab it and get it back to reasonable strength again." ADVERTISEMENT But the distruption has Peters fired up, back at the gym and feeling stronger than ever. "It's quite nice to have minimal shoulder niggles now so I can actually feel like you know you're kind of getting some strength gains back in the gym without kind of being hindered." While Hall and Peters are familiar faces — both athletes have a new coach. Daniel Bogue has been brought in to get the men prepared for the games next March. "It's my first games so I'm going in with two seasoned campaigners... we're tracking really well, so, fingers crossed we can keep tracking the right direction and I'm really excited about it, really positive," Bogue told 1News.
NBC Sports
02-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Behind the scenes with Team USA at Universal Shoot
Go behind the scenes with Team USA's Winter Olympians and Paralympians at the Universal Shoot ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
