The Teddies Review - Dec 2021

difficult first steps to change the stigma around elite sport and mental health. Another memorable moment was in the high jump, when Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italian Gianmarco Tamberi shared their gold medal. This is what sport should be about. It’s highly likely that both will retire after the Olympics due to injuries, and so the gold for them meant that much more. In that moment, both jumpers epitomized the true spirit of the Games. In the Paralympic Games, GB successfully defended the mixed double sculls and the mixed coxed four. Both crews were dominant from the start and deserved their gold medals as they portrayed grit and determination. A particular mention to the coxed four as they remain undefeated since 2010 and secured GB’s third successive Paralympic title in the boat class. For some, this year has been a steep downfall, but for Emma Raducanu it has been the year of her dreams. This 18-year-old seemingly breezed to victory over Leylah Annie Fernandez in two easy sets (6-4, 6-3) to become the first British woman to win a grand slam title since Virginia Wade’s Wimbledon victory in 1977. On top of this, she is the first qualifier to win a slam title, and at only a mere 18 years of age, she is the youngest grand slam champion winner since Maria Sharapova in 2004. Watching this impressive girl refuse to lose and hit each shot as if it was her last was inspirational, and one I look forward to continuing watching. Currently seeded No 22 Overall the Olympics was a tremendous success for GB and I’m sure I’m not the only one already excited for Paris 2024 Tennis

The 2021 Sport Report: a Good Year for Britain 2021 shall be remembered as the continuation of life after COVID. Lockdowns, restrictions, and unfair adjustments have impacted sports in every possible way. Luckily for the avid sports fans, things are slowly returning to normal and thankfully (for me anyway) I have some sports reports to offer you. Hurrah! The Olympic year is one I always eagerly await. However, Tokyo 2020 was different. Stadiums lay empty and spectator seats were getting cold. It was obvious that athletes missed the thunderous cheers of their supporters – this should have been the most celebrated and glorious moments of their careers. Their nations were supporting them, of course, but it was just behind the screens, in living rooms. Special mention to Adam Peaty who made history as he became the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title. He remains unbeaten since 2014 and is now a double Olympic gold champion. Simone Bile’s withdrawal from the all -around team competition due to mental health concerns is something that won’t be forgotten soon. She openly discussed her reasons for withdrawing in front of reporters and, as a result, received applause and respect from all around the world. While she failed to obtain a medal, she is a winner in the eyes of many. She put her mental health first and made the The Olympics