Good evening!

After a short break following the Olympics, it’s great to be back writing the newsletter.

But the Olympics news hasn’t quite stopped yet… cyclist Matthew Richardson, who won three medals for Australia in Paris, has announced he will now represent Great Britain in future international competitions. You can read more in the 2-minute section below!

I’ve got 10 seconds

Stat of the day

232
The number of assists Caitlin Clark has made so far this season. Clark now holds the WNBA record for most assists by a rookie (player in their first season). She overtook Ticha Penicheiro’s 1998 record of 224 assists during the Indiana Fever’s 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm this week. 

Quote of the day

"The Port Adelaide Football Club is aware of racist comments made on social media about Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli during Saturday night’s Showdown. The club condemns all forms of racism. It causes deep harm and distress beyond the individual the words are directed at. Racism is abhorrent, unacceptable and never welcome – not in football, not anywhere.”
A statement made by Port Adelaide Football Club yesterday after the side’s 80-58 victory over the Adelaide Crows on Saturday. In a separate incident at the same match, Port Adelaide’s mascot was allegedly assaulted by a crowd member, with the staff member inside the costume left with a bloody nose. 

Random fact of the day

The Australian Diamonds are the most decorated international netball team. The Aussies have won 12 out of the 16 World Cups, including the most recent edition in 2023. The next World Cup will take place in Australia in 2027.

I’ve got 30 seconds

In case you missed it…

🚴 Daniela Larreal Chirinos, an Olympic cyclist who represented Venezuela at five Games between 1992 and 2012, has been found dead in her Las Vegas residence. While investigators have not confirmed the cause of her death, media reports suggest the 50-year-old died after choking on her food. 

🏉 Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named a 35-man squad for a two-Test series against Argentina as part of the Rugby Championship. Hunter Paisami will not join the squad on tour after injuring his knee during the side’s defeat to South Africa in Perth on Saturday. Schmidt included four uncapped players on the roster - Josh Canham, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, and Hamish Stewart - who are now one step closer to earning their Wallabies debut. The first game against Argentina will be on Sunday 1 September (AEST).

🚴 Australian cyclist Kaden Groves was beaten in a sprint finish by Belgium’s Wout van Aert in Stage Three of La Vuelta a España. Van Aert is now the overall race leader and retains the red jersey. La Vuelta is a multi-stage cycling race (or ‘grand tour’) that takes place mostly in Spain. It’s been held since 1935 and is considered Spain’s answer to Le Tour de France.

⚽ Ange Postecoglou’s second season coaching Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League is off to a frustrating start after his side drew with Leicester City 1-1. The Spurs missed plenty of opportunities to seal victory while Leicester’s 37-year-old striker Jamie Vardy starred for his team, scoring an equaliser. 

🏍️ Irish motorcyclist Louis O’Regan died from his injuries following a crash during the opening qualifying session of the Manx Grand Prix on Sunday. The 43-year-old rider was an experienced competitor at the event, having made his debut in 2013. The event, held annually on the Isle of Man, will run until next Monday. 

I’ve got 1 minute

The 2024 AFLW season will see the introduction of a ‘ball-tracking’ technology designed to assist umpires and match officials in making decisions. It will be the first time the AFLW has used a score review system. 

How does it work?

The smart balls are embedded with a chip that communicates with sensors placed around the ground tracking the ball’s movement. The sensors will track the ball’s exact position, speed, distance kicked, spin rate and flight time. Score Assist Officials will be notified when the ball crosses the goal line, hits a post or is touched in the air. This data will complement the official’s ability to replay and review footage to make decisions when necessary. 

The technology has been developed over the past 18 months and trialled in the VFL and VFLW, the AFL and AFLW’s respective second-tier leagues.

AFLW Season

The AFLW starts next Friday 30 August with the Sydney Swans playing Collingwood in the opening match of the 2024 season. 

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I’ve got 2 minutes

Cyclist Matthew Richardson announced overnight that he will now ride for Great Britain at international cycling competitions. It is a blow for Australian cycling after Richardson starred in Paris, winning two silver medals and one bronze. 

What happened

The 25-year-old took to Instagram to announce that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), professional cycling’s governing body, had approved his application to switch national teams. Richardson told UK newspaper The Telegraph that he submitted his application months before the Paris Olympics and without AusCycling’s knowledge.

How Richardson can switch

Richardson was born in England and moved to Perth with his family when he was nine. He was originally a gymnast but began cycling in his early teens. 

Richardson’s British passport makes him eligible to represent the country. He is a two-time Olympian having represented Australia in Tokyo and Paris. He also represented Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and won two gold medals. 

What they said

Richardson said: “Switching nationality was a difficult decision and not one I took lightly. It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future. It’s not something I decided on quickly or easily”.

AusCycling said: “The announcement of Matt’s switch is disappointing and came as a surprise. We also understand that the desire to compete for a country one was born in can bring forth strong emotions”. 

Olympic cyclist Katherine Bates told the ABC: “[Some people] are feeling a little bit ripped off because supporting [Richardson] over the years has come at the direct cost of supporting other athletes."

Richardson’s eligibility

The first time Richardson will be eligible to compete for GB will be at the Track Champions League in November this year. He is not eligible to race in the Track World Championships in October or the European Championships in February 2025. 

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From plate to podium: Nutrition for young athletes

Peak performance isn't just about rigorous training, physical skills and genetics – it’s also about nutrition.

Whether you’re chasing gold or just looking to optimise your health, Dr Dominique Condo, a researcher and lecturer from Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, says that “proper nutrition is key.”

Nutrition has the power to make or break your athletic performance, and according to Dr. Condo, there are three key ingredients for a winning plate:

1. A balanced diet

Young athletes need a well-balanced diet that is rich in carbohydrates for slow-burning energy, proteins for muscle repair and growth, and fats for overall health. Picture a colourful plate full of fruits and veggies!

2. Hydrate

Unfortunately, the ‘eight glasses of water a day’ trick might not cut it! “It’s important to understand the demands of the sport and individual factors, including thirst, that may impact hydration needs,” Dr Condo said. Proper hydration depends on factors like body size, climate, activity level and overall health.

3. Meal timings

“Meal timing is just as important as what the meal is made of,” Dr Condo advises. “Eating a nutritious meal 2-3 hours pre-exercise or competition will allow for the food to be digested and able to be used as energy.”

Think beyond the field. Study sport at Deakin.

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