Latest news with #BritishOlympicAssociation
STV News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- STV News
British Olympic Association appoints Sarah Massey as director of sport
Sarah Massey has been named as the British Olympic Association's new director of sport. Massey is currently managing director of this summer's Women's Rugby World Cup – which will take place in England in August and September – and will take up her new role in January 2026, ahead of the Winter Olympics. Following the Games in Italy in February she will move onto preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, overseeing Team GB's sport and athlete service teams and working closely with national governing bodies. Massey said: 'I am really excited about the opportunity to join the BOA and lead Team GB's preparation and participation at future Summer and Winter Games. 'The ultimate success of Team GB is built on the support provided to the athletes and sports as they prepare for each Games. To be part of this is a privilege.' Prior to joining World Rugby, Massey was chief executive of the World Athletics Championships in the United States in 2022 and has also worked in hockey and tennis. BOA chief executive Andy Anson said: 'Sarah is an exceptional leader and her experiences across a range of organising committees and international federations – particularly in Olympic sport – has equipped her perfectly for this role at an exciting time for Team GB, with Milano Cortina and LA on the horizon.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Wales unveil World Cup winner as new director of rugby in key appointment after Six Nations woe
Wales have unveiled Dave Reddin, part of England's World Cup-winning staff in 2003, as their new director of rugby and elite performance. The vastly-experienced Reddin has spent more than 30 years within elite sport, with his work alongside Clive Woodward key in taking England to World Cup glory and earning him a trip with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand two years later. He has subsequently worked in key roles at the British Olympic Association (BOA) ahead of London 2012 and within England's Football Association (FA), where he was a close ally of Gareth Southgate and helped transform the fortunes of both the men's and women's national sides. HIs appointment comes at a vital time for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). The senior men's side have secured back-to-back wooden spoons and still require a new head coach amid a 17-match losing run. The same fate beckons for Wales's women in their first campaign under Sean Lynn unless they beat Italy in Parma on Sunday. 'I am delighted and honoured to be joining Welsh rugby at such a pivotal time in the rich history of the game here,' said Reddin. 'This is one of the biggest jobs in world rugby because of the passion and meaning the game has in Wales. 'There are well-documented challenges but I'm inspired by the very real potential implicit in the new vision and strategy Abi and her team have communicated. 'My immediate focus is on the appointment of the next senior men's head coach but I will also be immersing myself in gaining an understanding of the people and the game in Wales as quickly as possible to give me the insight to start to make positive changes for the future.' Steve Tandy, currently Scotland's defence coach, is thought to be the front-runner for the vacant head coach role as Wales prepare to tour Japan this summer. Abi Tierney, the WRU chief executive, confirmed on Friday that an interim appointment was possible for that tour. Matt Sherratt, who fulfilled the duties after Warren Gatland 's departure during the Six Nations, was mentioned as a possibility for that short-term role. 'It's critical,' Tierney said of Reddin's appointment. 'Along with the head coach, it will really take the organisation forward. That's why we've taken the time to get the right candidate. It's someone who is keen to work with the whole system.'
The Independent
27-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Britain ‘risking global reputation' by not holding enough major sporting events, says Katherine Grainger
Britain need to ramp up their efforts to stage more major events over the coming decade or risk damaging the country's global reputation, says outgoing UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger. UK Sport is at the heart of ensuring the country bids for some of the world's landmark sporting events, staging showcases that draw eyes from each corner of the globe. There's a lot to look forward to over the next couple years in Britain, with England staging the Women's Rugby World Cup later this year before Glasgow host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. It was also confirmed last week that the men's and women's Tour de France races will both begin in Britain in 2027 - 12 months out from Euro 2028, staged across the UK and Ireland. But beyond 2028, Britain's sporting calendar is looking light - something that frustrates former Olympic rowing champion Grainger, who is leaving her role at the pinnacle of Olympic and Paralympic sport after eight years in charge. "We risk public investment, we risk global reputation, we risk opportunities for athletes," she told BBC Sport. "We've got a great reputation for it. But I think we've got challenges going forward. We have a few [events] lined up. But when it comes to 'mega-events', after 2028 we've got nothing secure. "We don't want fallow years. After 2028, we don't really have anything named. That is quite a big gap. "There are plenty of events that still are there for the taking. It's quite obvious why these mega-events are so important to the country, and yet maybe we haven't made the case clear.' The home nations have expressed an intention to submit a joint bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup, but nothing concrete has been put forward. UK Sport is hoping for more public financial backing to bid for such major events, in addition to the record £330million government funding package provided for the next four years to aid Britain's hunt for medals LA 2028. But beyond monetary support, winning bids can often require years of campaigning, with Grainger highlighting 2029 World Athletics Championships, the 2030 Solheim Cup and the 2031 Ryder Cup as possible targets. Grainger is moving on from UK Sport to become the first female chair of the British Olympic Association - trailblazing in a similar vein to Kirsty Coventry, who was elected the first woman president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). "A lot of ground broken, which is fantastic because it's an organisation that there's always a question mark [over] whether or not they are open to change for the future. And I think this was a resounding answer," she said. "She's going to bring in something different that we've probably not seen before. I think there's a lot of excitement about what she might do."
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stormzy to receive Cambridge University doctorate
Stormzy has been nominated for an honorary degree alongside one of the most decorated British female Olympians, Dame Katherine Grainger. In 2018 the musician, whose real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, launched a scholarship programme for black students at the University of Cambridge. The institution said he would receive a doctorate in law in recognition of his philanthropic work and impact on education, music, sport and literature. Eight people will be recognised by the university, including Dame Katherine, the first female chair of the British Olympic Association. Cambridge University said the "Stormzy effect" had contributed to an increase in applications to the university from black students across the UK. The Stormzy Scholarship funds two black British students per year at Cambridge, covering their tuition fees and maintenance costs. It was later expanded when HSBC UK agreed to fund a further 10 students per year. The university said 55 students had been supported by a Stormzy Scholarship so far, and this year would see the largest group to date graduate. Dame Katherine will also receive a doctorate in law from the university. She is currently chancellor of the University of Glasgow and is the only British woman to have won a medal at five successive Olympic Games. All eight of those recommended have accepted the honorary doctorate nomination, subject to final approval by the university's governing body. They will be admitted to their degrees on 25 June, presided by vice-chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice. An honorary doctorate in letters will be granted to Sir Simon Russell Beale, who is an honorary fellow of Gonville and Caius College, where he studied for his undergraduate degree. Political activist, philosopher and author Professor Angela Davis will also receive a doctorate in letters. The founder and director of the Cambridge Singers, Sir John Rutter, whose work has been performed all over the world, will be granted a doctorate in music. Lady Arden of Heswall, the former justice of the UK's Supreme Court and an honorary fellow of Girton College, will receive a doctorate in law. She was the first female judge assigned to the Chancery Division at the High Court of Justice. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Sir Oliver Hart will receive a doctorate in science. Professor Maria Leptin, the president of the European Research Council, will be conferred with a doctorate in medical science. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Stormzy and HSBC fund 30 black Cambridge students Olympian Grainger presents Elizabeth Sword to King Cardiac arrest death student gets first class honour University of Cambridge
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Stormzy to receive honorary Cambridge University doctorate
Stormzy has been nominated for an honorary degree alongside one of the most decorated British female Olympians, Dame Katherine 2018 the musician, whose real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, launched a scholarship programme for black students at the University of institution said he would receive a doctorate in law in recognition of his philanthropic work and impact on education, music, sport and people will be recognised by the university, including Dame Katherine, the first female chair of the British Olympic Association. Cambridge University said the "Stormzy effect" had contributed to an increase in applications to the university from black students across the Stormzy Scholarship funds two black British students per year at Cambridge, covering their tuition fees and maintenance years later, it was expanded after HSBC UK agreed to fund a further 10 students per university said 55 students had been supported by a Stormzy Scholarship so far, and this year would see the largest group to date Katherine will also receive a doctorate in law from the university. She is currently chancellor of the University of Glasgow and is the only British woman to have won a medal at five successive Olympic Games. All eight of those recommended have accepted the honorary doctorate nomination, subject to final approval by the university's governing will be admitted to their degrees on 25 June, presided by vice-chancellor Prof Deborah honorary doctorate in letters will be granted to Sir Simon Russell Beale, who is an honorary fellow of Gonville and Caius College, where he studied for his undergraduate degree. Political activist, philosopher and author Professor Angela Davis will also receive a doctorate in letters. The founder and director of the Cambridge Singers, Sir John Rutter, whose work has been performed all over the world, will be granted a doctorate in Arden of Heswall, the former justice of the UK's Supreme Court and an honorary fellow of Girton College, will receive a doctorate in law. She was the first female judge assigned to the Chancery Division at the High Court of Justice. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Sir Oliver Hart will receive a doctorate in science. Professor Maria Leptin, the president of the European Research Council, will be conferred with a doctorate in medical science. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
