Latest news with #Emmie
Metro
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Coming seventh in a triathlon taught me more than becoming European champion
Arms, legs and adrenaline pumping, I kept my eyes focussed on the finish line that was now within my grasp. It was a hot and windy day but the conditions had done little to slow me down. In fact, earlier in the race I'd thought I might be able to finish in the top five. In the end, in October 2023, I achieved a 7th place finish in the World Cup Triathlon race in Tangier. As an Olympic Bronze medalist, World Champion and Commonwealth medalist, you might think I'd be disappointed with that result, but you'd be wrong. Because while it won't go down as my best race, it was one of the most emotional ones of my long career. That race took place exactly eight months and three days after I gave birth to my daughter, Emmie. It was my first race as a new mum and my first competition back after nearly two years out of the sport. I'm lucky in that I've had the support from British Triathlon (and my family) to try to balance motherhood and an elite sports career. But sadly, this is not the case for other women. In the 'normal' working world, basic maternity rights are covered by law and a company can then choose their own specific policy: Allowing women a longer period of maternity leave or a higher percentage of full pay, for example. Yet we are still struggling to get this aligned in elite sport. Currently, some contracts are still not protected by maternity clauses, and other people have lost sponsors after not being able to return to the sport. It's why, for some, the choice between being a mum or retiring still exists, and why, for those who do choose to return, finding the time to train and pushing aside the guilt once we have children can be so crippling. The commitment needed to be a professional athlete is above and beyond that of many jobs. The focus and dedication and self-centred way of living are often what make athletes great and you have to change those things when you become a mother. You feel torn and question regularly whether you are doing the right thing for you and your family. I'm sure that's relatable to many working mums, however self-doubt and second guessing oneself kills athletic performance and that's something I definitely struggled with at times on my own journey back to the top. Personally, I knew I wanted to have a child after the Tokyo Olympics. Getting to those games had already been a challenge – Covid had made training and travelling a lot more complicated, and I was beginning to struggle with a mysterious shoulder issue – and frankly, I was burnt out. It felt like the best time to start a family and after that I would see whether I wanted to return to triathlon or not. My last race ended up being in November 2021, where I came 10th in a World Championship Series event. Then, six months later, I fell pregnant. While I'd have loved to be active during my pregnancy, I was struggling with significant pain throughout my body – I wouldn't discover this was rheumatoid arthritis until I was seven weeks postpartum. With all that going on there also remained the question of whether I would return to professional triathlon or not. I didn't know whether I would be able to or even if I wanted to. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realised I wanted the opportunity to finish my career on my terms. By the time Emmie was born in January 2023, my fitness and strength were at the lowest point they had ever been and there was a moment when I wasn't sure if I would ever get back to a start line. Fortunately for me, triathlon is relatively unique in that its roots are founded in equality – being a relatively young sport, women and men have always raced over the same distances and received the same prize money and exposure – and I had the full support of British Triathlon behind me. They gave me time, patience and, importantly, flexibility. I was allowed to bring Emmie with me to races and take on solo training in order to work around her needs and childcare arrangements. All this and more allowed me to steadily return to the sport I loved once I felt ready to do so. Don't misunderstand, it was still a long road to get back to racing. At times I doubted whether it was worth it, whether I could balance training and life as a mother, if my body would allow me to do it or if I wanted to leave my daughter to jet off to other continents to race. Eventually though, I became their first athlete to return to international competition following pregnancy. As I stood on the start line on the beach in Tangier, I was nervous. I had absolutely no idea how I would perform again now that my training, lifestyle and even my body were different, but I was also immensely proud to be there. Seventh place felt like a huge achievement. Not only had I proven to myself I could be a professional athlete again but it made me excited about what I could still achieve. From there, I went on to win a major title again – the European Championship – in September 2024. Winning a medal as a mum in an event I'd targeted all year and a fourth place finish at the World Championships in October was the ultimate high to end on, so at the end of that season I retired for good. I felt like I'd come full circle, like I'd made it back to the top in every sense. And now any other woman who had dreams of both a professional sports career and motherhood could see it was achievable because I'd lived it. And, I'm pleased to say, progress is steadily being made to pave the way for more mothers and athletes like me. UK Sport have guidelines that encourage sports to retain elite athletes' funding should they fall pregnant and give them time to prove they can return to a certain level – which is what British Triathlon used to help me. And earlier this year, British Triathlon introduced a pregnancy deferral policy for their age group athletes. This means that any athlete (who qualifies to represent GB at European and World Championships in their age group category) that becomes pregnant before a major event can now defer their entry for up to two years. This allows space and opportunity to return to triathlon after having a baby at a time that works for them. Another new policy allows elite triathletes (including Olympic and Para-athletes) to also retain their funding for two years if they become pregnant and World Triathlon – our international governing body – have also introduced a two-year freeze on rankings. All this is a huge step forward, but more still needs to be done. It seems crazy to me that women's maternity rights have only been protected in sport for a few years and even then, the story is mixed across different sports. We must keep pushing forward. More Trending I never imagined that the six-year-old me – who was inspired by watching the Barcelona Olympics on TV in 1992 and seeing Linford Christie win a gold medal – ever dreamed she'd be World Champion, Great Britain's first ever female Olympic triathlon medalist, a Commonwealth Games medalist and a European Champion after having a baby, but here we are. I'm just fortunate that, in the final chapter of my athletic career, I had a chance to set an example for the women who come after me. It's that legacy, for Emmie (if she ever wants to follow in her mum's footsteps) and other young girls that I am most proud of. View More » That's why I will continue to work with others to make sure that choice between being a top-level athlete and a mum is one they should never have to make. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Bimini: The trans moral panic is escalating – I know what side I'm on MORE: People need to stop assuming life is better for disabled people in 2025 MORE: Mum is moving in with me — can I make her pay my mortgage?
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joanna Gaines Just Marked a Major Family First (and Last!) in Emotional New Post
Joanna Gaines is no stranger to sharing sweet family moments. From cute snaps of her youngest son to dreamy shots from tropical getaways, the lifestyle queen loves giving fans a peek into her life with her husband Chip and their five kids—Drake, Ella, Duke, Emmie and Crew. And now, she's back with another heart-melter—this time, it's a big milestone for two of her kids. Taking to Instagram, Joanna posted a photo of a gorgeous, colorful bouquet she arranged. While Joanna making something beautiful isn't exactly new, this one had extra meaning. In the caption, she shared, 'Three of our kiddos going to prom this weekend. Garden flowers blooming just in time!' The Magnolia founder went on to note the major moment, writing, 'This will be the first prom for one, and the last prom for another.' She also added a teary-eyed emoji. Earlier this year, Joanna marked another sweet milestone her duaghter Emmie's 15th birthday. She posted a behind-the-scenes look at how she and her youngest helper, Crew, prepped for the big day, complete with silver balloons spelling out 'Happy Birthday,' soft pink and cream décor and a stunning floral centerpiece that only she could pull off. But the real tearjerker? The throwbacks. Joanna included photos from when she was pregnant with Emmie, plus baby pics—like tiny Emmie in her arms, snuggles with her siblings and a sweet moment with Chip kissing her cheek. The final clip showed Emmie walking into the decorated room, caught from behind, gasping at the setup. Total core memory unlocked. Keep the sweet milestones coming, Joanna. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Joanna Gaines Is All Smiles on Roller Coasters at Disney (Unlike Her Husband, Chip)
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mass exodus rocks Farmer Wants A Wife as FOUR women quit the show amid tears and tantrums
Farmer Wants A Wife is losing contestants so fast that the hapless farmers will be left with one to marry. On Mondays episode, a shocking four women left amid tears, tantrums and the sheer inability to cope. Emmie, Bridget and Rosie all decided it was all too much for them and quit, while Maneesha was dumped by Farmer Jarrad. Farmer Tom was rocked when two of his ladies opted to leave instead of pursue romance with him. As Emma, Georgie and Eliza helped Tom prepare dinner, Emmie and Bridget watched on from the sidelines. During dinner, all farmers received a text message from host Natalie Gruzlewski asking them to choose two ladies to take on a double date, knowing they would have to send one lady home at the end of the date. Noticing Emmie and Bridget removing themselves from the group, Tom decided to take both ladies on the double date. 'Emmie didn't really like the shearing, and last night, Bridget took herself off to read a book' she said. 'I'm thinking I might take them on to double date to check in and see how they are doing.' But Tom was blindsided when both Emmie and Bridget decided to leave the farm before he had announced his picks for double date. Choosing not to say goodbye or explain why, the girls left together in a cab. Disappointed, but remaining philosophical Tom said: 'It's good that they know what they are after.' In South Australia, Farmer Thomas invited Nat and Clarette to join him on the double date. Clarette was disappointed by the invitation. 'It's probably the worst outcome unfortunately, but hopefully I'll shine in my own way, and he'll get to see that' she said. Thomas took the ladies sandboarding at his favourite beach before asking Nat to leave the farm at the farewell dinner. Farmer Jarrad invited Maneesha and Bri on the double date, taking the ladies for a picnic and an afternoon of swimming and fishing. At dinner, Jarrad farewelled Maneesha, unable to handle the pressure of dating multiple women. After a day of farmwork with the ladies, Farmer Corey invited Hunter and Rosie for the double date, making Hunter 'super nervous' as she started second guessing why Corey chose her. Corey took Hunter and Rosie for a game of tennis. The pressure of the double date and possible elimination proved too much for an emotional Rosie as she burst into tears mid game and had to be comforted by Corey.
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
I made horrifying discovery inside walls while renovating 16th century farmhouse – & found out murderer lived next door
The homeowner said she was 'really creeped out' FRIGHTMOVE I made horrifying discovery inside walls while renovating 16th century farmhouse – & found out murderer lived next door A WOMAN made a horror discovery while renovating a 16th-century farmhouse and found out a murderer lived next door. Emmie Brookman, 28, bought the three-bedroom property with her fiance, Norton Johnston, 34, and had to renovate it after finding pink mould on the walls. 7 Emmie Brookman bought a 16th century farmhouse with her fiance Credit: SWNS 7 They set about renovated the stunning venue together Credit: SWNS 7 Emmie was shocked to discover bones and a witches bottle in the exterior of the house Credit: SWNS The couple hand-chiselled off the exterior render themselves - after being quoted £17k by professionals - but were surprised when they found a bone in the wall. After initially being "creeped out" Emmie discovered bones used to be put in walls to ward of evil during the 16th century. They found four bones in total in the exterior - and a further two inside - and Emmie believes one is a human finger bone and the rest are from animals. The couple also discovered local murderer James Hargreaves lived in the manor house next door - but haven't been put off by the history. Emmie, who is co-owner of a homeware business, from Barrowford, Lancashire, said: "We were taking the render off and when I was by the front something popped out of the wall. "It was very obviously a bone. "I was really creeped out. "What do you do when you find a bone in the wall? "We found about four more in the exterior. "At first we thought we were going to find a full body." We spent £70K transforming our 90s horror home into our Scandi-style dream pad but there's a bathroom mistake we deeply regret - don't do the same Emmie bought the 1580s home in February 2023 for £311k after falling in love with its "character and quirkiness". The couple had originally thought it just needed some "new carpets and paint" but then discovered it needed a lot more work. Emmie said: "There was pink mould growing on the wall. "It smelled really musty. "Our paperwork would get soggy." The couple realised the wrong render had been used on the property which was trapping moisture and had to chisel it off the get to the old stonework. They started renovating in August 2024 - spending just £300 on hand chiselling the render off instead of the £17k they were quoted. But Emmie and Norton, a science teacher, were shocked to discover the bones in their walls - as well as a mysterious green bottle filled with ashes and herbs. Emmie said: "We found an article on magic in Kendal and read that they really believed in witches. "They used to put bones in the walls and herbs to ward of the evil. "It's what they believed was protecting them. "We've found bones in near enough every room. "One flew out at me and one I believe to be a finger." Emmie is now planning to put some on display and has put a couple back into the wall. She said: "They are part of the house." After researching into their homes' history they also discovered convicted murderer - James Hargreaves - lived next door. Hargreaves was convicted of assaulting his housekeeper and then shot a young solicitor's clerk in the back who had served the writ on him. The couple have now finished the structural work on the property - and have just got two bedrooms and two bathrooms left to decorate. Emmie estimates they have spent between £10k to £15k so far - and is renovating it "sympathetically" to keep in the style of the property. She said: "If we'd have had professionals we'd be at £50k to £60k. "I like to find something that has a story and fits in the house.. "We found reclaimed radiators from Facebook Marketplace from an old fire station." You can follow Emmie's renovation on TikTok and Instagram @emmiesfarm. 7 Emmie discovered a prolific murder lived next door to the farmhouse Credit: SWNS 7 Her and her fiance, Norton Johnston, said the creepy history didn't put them off Credit: SWNS 7 The pair said they fell in love with the house's charm Credit: SWNS
The Sun
27-04-2025
- The Sun
I made horrifying discovery inside walls while renovating 16th century farmhouse – & found out murderer lived next door
A WOMAN made a horror discovery while renovating a 16th-century farmhouse and found out a murderer lived next door. Emmie Brookman, 28, bought the three-bedroom property with her fiance, Norton Johnston, 34, and had to renovate it after finding pink mould on the walls. 7 7 7 The couple hand-chiselled off the exterior render themselves - after being quoted £17k by professionals - but were surprised when they found a bone in the wall. After initially being "creeped out" Emmie discovered bones used to be put in walls to ward of evil during the 16th century. They found four bones in total in the exterior - and a further two inside - and Emmie believes one is a human finger bone and the rest are from animals. The couple also discovered local murderer James Hargreaves lived in the manor house next door - but haven't been put off by the history. Emmie, who is co-owner of a homeware business, from Barrowford, Lancashire, said: "We were taking the render off and when I was by the front something popped out of the wall. "It was very obviously a bone. "I was really creeped out. "What do you do when you find a bone in the wall? "We found about four more in the exterior. "At first we thought we were going to find a full body." We spent £70K transforming our 90s horror home into our Scandi-style dream pad but there's a bathroom mistake we deeply regret - don't do the same Emmie bought the 1580s home in February 2023 for £311k after falling in love with its "character and quirkiness". The couple had originally thought it just needed some "new carpets and paint" but then discovered it needed a lot more work. Emmie said: "There was pink mould growing on the wall. "It smelled really musty. "Our paperwork would get soggy." The couple realised the wrong render had been used on the property which was trapping moisture and had to chisel it off the get to the old stonework. They started renovating in August 2024 - spending just £300 on hand chiselling the render off instead of the £17k they were quoted. But Emmie and Norton, a science teacher, were shocked to discover the bones in their walls - as well as a mysterious green bottle filled with ashes and herbs. Emmie said: "We found an article on magic in Kendal and read that they really believed in witches. "They used to put bones in the walls and herbs to ward of the evil. "It's what they believed was protecting them. "We've found bones in near enough every room. "One flew out at me and one I believe to be a finger." Emmie is now planning to put some on display and has put a couple back into the wall. She said: "They are part of the house." After researching into their homes' history they also discovered convicted murderer - James Hargreaves - lived next door. Hargreaves was convicted of assaulting his housekeeper and then shot a young solicitor's clerk in the back who had served the writ on him. The couple have now finished the structural work on the property - and have just got two bedrooms and two bathrooms left to decorate. Emmie estimates they have spent between £10k to £15k so far - and is renovating it "sympathetically" to keep in the style of the property. She said: "If we'd have had professionals we'd be at £50k to £60k. "I like to find something that has a story and fits in the house.. "We found reclaimed radiators from Facebook Marketplace from an old fire station." You can follow Emmie's renovation on TikTok and Instagram @emmiesfarm. 7 7 7 7
