Latest news with #SophieBeardsall
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- 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.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Optimism golfers will bring home medals from Orkney
Golfers Lucy Burke and Sammi Keen aiming to ace it in the Island Games 2025 (Image: County Press) THE Isle of Wight golf team is optimistic about securing medals at the Island Games in Orkney. The team boasts a blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm, promising a strong showing. Darren Masterton, the team manager and a veteran of the competition, expressed confidence in the squad's potential ahead of the games, which start on Saturday (June 12). Advertisement He described the team as a "fantastic mix of players with heaps of experience, skill, consistency, and youth." Among the key players is Sophie Beardsall, who is set to make her tenth appearance at the games. As the previous flag bearer for Team Isle of Wight, her ultimate aim is to secure a team gold medal. Her sister, Caroline Johnson, will be making her debut at the games, eager to share the experience with her sister. Another notable player is Lucy Burke, a former Island champion who will be competing in her fourth Island Games and is the ladies' team manager. Read more: The Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club player anticipates a challenging competition due to the weather conditions in Orkney. Advertisement However, she remains confident in the team's ability to adapt. Lucy, 30, of Newport, said: "Really excited about the challenge ahead, but conditions will be a bit testing in Orkney. "It'll be cold, wet, and windy, compared to the dry conditions here at the moment. "On the Isle of Wight, you get used to the wind and the rain anyway, so I'd say we're all pretty good at most weather conditions. "Our ladies team is probably the strongest we've had in a few years, and I think we have a very good chance of a medal." The final member of the ladies' team is Sammi Keen, a seasoned Island Games competitor at just 32 years. Advertisement Having won a team silver medal at the Gotland Games in 2017, she is confident of adding to her medal tally. Sammi said: "The course is going to be challenging, but I think with my experience playing in Freshwater, in the wind and rain, I'm hoping it'll be a bit of an advantage." In the men's team, George Foreman, the 2022 Island champion, returns to compete after having managed the team for the past few Games. He is eager to add to his team silver medal from 2011. Conner Knight, the Isle of Wight scratch match play champion, is set to make his debut at the Island Games. He is keen to make a significant impact both individually and as part of the team. Advertisement Chris Hayward, the current Island champion, is returning for his second games and is aiming for a top ten finish, with the hope of delivering some exceptional golf. Lastly, Nat Riddett will be participating in his third Island Games. Having finished in the top 13 in his previous games, he is determined to break into the top ten and possibly compete for a medal.
